Kilian jornet and the alps: the feat redefining modern alpinism

In late summer 2024, Kilian Jornet achieved a new feat that will remain etched in the history of mountaineering: summiting all 82 peaks over 4,000 metres in the Alps in just 19 days. This exceptional traverse, combining extreme endurance and technical mastery, invites us to rethink our approach to the mountains and sporting challenges. Beyond the impressive statistics, the Catalan athlete shares a true philosophy of engagement at altitude through this extraordinary adventure.

WHAT MAKES KILIAN JORNET'S ALPINE FEAT SO EXCEPTIONAL?

The magnitude of the challenge undertaken by Kilian Jornet defies belief. Imagine covering 1,200 kilometres with a cumulative elevation gain of 75,000 metres—equivalent to climbing Everest eight times from sea level. This titanic performance is part of a new approach to mountaineering, which some now call "ultra-alpinism."

What distinguishes this traverse from other mountain exploits is the unique combination of several factors:

• Almost total self-sufficiency throughout the course;
• Weather conditions that were sometimes difficult, testing his mental resilience;
• A minimalist approach prioritising lightness and speed;
• Linking mythical summits like Mont Blanc, the Grandes Jorasses, and the Barre des Écrins.

This adventure reminds us that pushing boundaries is not just a matter of physical performance. It is above all an inner quest to better understand our deep motivations and dispel our fears in the face of the mountain's immensity.

HOW DID KILIAN JORNET PREPARE FOR AND EXPERIENCE THIS ALPINE TRAVERSE?

Preparing for such a challenge requires much more than intensive physical training. Over the years, Kilian Jornet has developed a holistic approach to the mountains, combining technical expertise, intimate knowledge of alpine terrain, and exceptional recovery capacity. With a VO2max oscillating between 88 and 92 ml/min/kg, his cardio-respiratory qualities allow him to move at altitude with disconcerting ease.

During these 19 intense days, the Catalan athlete alternated between moments of solitude at altitude and meetings with climbing partners like Italian alpinists Franco Nicolini and Diego Giovannini, or Benjamin Védrines. These punctual exchanges enriched the experience, transforming a personal challenge into a collective adventure.

The conditions encountered varied from the sublime to the formidable: from crimson sunrises to ghostly nights under a full moon, passing through sudden storms on the ridges. As Kilian evokes in his reflections on the project, some moments remain engraved forever: "When I think back, I get chills." This phrase perfectly summarises the emotional intensity of the adventure.

WHAT EQUIPMENT IS NEEDED TO FACE ALPINE SUMMITS IN THESE EXTREME CONDITIONS?

Ultra-alpinism imposes drastic equipment choices where every gram counts, from the ultra-light mountaineering helmet to the choice of crampons. Visual protection becomes crucial when moving for hours at high altitude, facing intense UV rays and glare from snow and ice. Photochromic lenses instantly adapt to light variations, from shaded passages to blinding glaciers.

For enthusiasts wishing to draw inspiration from this minimalist approach while guaranteeing their safety, here are the essential elements to consider:

• High-mountain eyewear with side protection against radiation;
• An effective ventilation system to avoid fogging during intense efforts;
• Materials resistant to shocks and extreme temperatures;
• Rapid adaptation to light changes between shadow and full sun.

This traverse teaches us that equipment must become a natural extension of the body, allowing one to focus fully on the essential: progression in the mountains and connection with the alpine environment.

WHAT LESSONS CAN WE LEARN FROM THIS EXTRAORDINARY ALPINE ADVENTURE?

Kilian Jornet's feat transcends simple sporting performance to become a source of universal inspiration. His quest invites us to rethink our relationship with the mountains and the challenges we set for ourselves. Rather than seeking only speed records, this adventure highlights the importance of the lived experience and the deep connection with the alpine environment.

This traverse of the 82 summits reminds us that the greatest adventures are often born from a bold vision combined with meticulous preparation. Whether you are a seasoned alpinist or a simple mountain lover, Kilian's story in the Alps encourages us to explore our own limits, at our own pace and according to our abilities.

Ultimately, this exceptional journey through the Alps teaches us that the mountain remains an infinite playground for those who dare to dream big. Between technique, endurance, and passion, Kilian Jornet shows us that the impossible is often just an invitation to push the frontiers of the possible. A lesson that resonates well beyond the alpine peaks and invites us all to live our own adventures with the same intensity and commitment.