PREVIEW

Endurance athlete and mountaineer Kilian Jornet has completed a remarkable feat by successfully climbing all 82 of the Alps' 4,000-metre peaks in just 19 days, without the aid of any motorised vehicles.
The project, aptly named Alpine Connections, saw Jornet traverse the iconic mountain range in a hybrid approach that combined trail running, mountaineering, climbing, and cycling.
The challenge was immense, requiring exceptional focus, technical skill, and the ability to withstand prolonged exposure to the harsh elements of the Alps.
Reflecting on the achievement, Jornet, widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest mountain athletes, said: "This project has been incredible; I think it's one of the most challenging things I've ever done, both physically and technically, as well as mentally. Having to stay in a state of total concentration for 20 days requires a lot of energy, but it has been amazing.”
On what he saw during his mission, he added: “I remember all the sunrises and sunsets and all the friends who accompanied me in the mountains, and I am very happy and proud of what we have achieved in the last three weeks. Now it's time to rest and process everything that has happened, because I think it will take me some time to fully appreciate it."
Jornet began his journey on 13 August at Piz Bernina (4,049 metres) in Switzerland, concluding at Barre des Écrins (4,102 metres) in France. Over the course of the expedition, he ascended some of the most renowned peaks in the Alps, including Monte Rosa (4,634 metres), the Matterhorn (4,478 metres), and Mont Blanc (4,808 metres), the highest peak in Western Europe.
The inspiration for this project stemmed from Jornet’s deep passion for the mountains and the rich history of alpinism. His endeavour follows in the footsteps of two other legendary alpine teams—Ueli Steck, who completed the link in 62 days in 2015, and Franz Nicolini and Diego Giovannini, who achieved the feat in 60 days in 2008. For Jornet, the project held a dual significance: it was both a tribute to the familiar mountains where he had trained and lived for a decade, and an exploration of the wilder, lesser-known regions of the Alps.
Jornet’s route was not merely a physical challenge; it also required immense strategic planning and adaptability. Starting each day with no certainty of how far he could go, Jornet structured the project into manageable stages. This approach allowed him to adjust his plans according to his physical condition, the weather, and the demands of the terrain.
Throughout his journey, Jornet was accompanied by different alpinist friends who joined him on various stages, summiting 32 peaks together. Their support, along with the assistance from hut wardens, guides, campsite managers, and other locals, was crucial to the success of the project.
"This project is as much mine as it is of all those who helped me at each stage. Their knowledge, support, and friendship made possible something that seemed unattainable," Jornet explained.
The stages varied in duration, from just under four hours to as long as 34 hours, with an average of 17 hours per stage. The majority of the journey was completed on foot, involving running, climbing, and scrambling, while 13% of the time was spent cycling between different mountain ranges. A small team provided logistical support, managing food supplies, equipment, and content creation for a project that took over six months to organise.
Jornet’s interest in science also played a role in this endeavour. He meticulously monitored and measured various physical parameters throughout the journey, data which will be analysed to gain insights into the human body’s response to extreme conditions and could inform future scientific studies.
After 19 days, covering 1,207 km and accumulating a total elevation gain of 75,344 metres, Kilian Jornet completed his monumental project. By linking all of the Alps' 4,000-metre peaks without using motorised vehicles, Jornet has once again pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of mountaineering, bringing together his passion for the mountains, the pursuit of physical and mental limits, and a deep respect for the traditions of alpinism.