On September 1st, 2024, Kilian Jornet completed a feat that seems straight out of a novel: he climbed all 82 of the 4000-meter-plus peaks in the European Alps. And that’s not all. He tackled this entire journey using only his own strength, moving from one summit to the next by bicycle after each climb.
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Alpine Connections: An Extraordinary Journey
Kilian named his project “Alpine Connections.” This incredible journey spanned 1,207 kilometers, with a total positive elevation gain of 75,344 meters. What makes it even more remarkable is that he completed the entire route in just 19 days, covering a total of 268 hours of actual movement. Of this time, 87% was spent on foot, while the remainder was covered by bicycle. The route, divided into 16 stages across the Alps, saw Kilian start from Piz Bernina and conclude his adventure at Dôme and Barre des Écrins.
In an Instagram post, Kilian described the experience as “the most challenging project of my life, mentally, physically, and technically, but perhaps also the most beautiful.” And who could argue with that? Every day, he faced not only physical fatigue but also the mental challenge of pushing beyond his limits, all while maintaining the clarity needed to navigate extreme environments.
Challenge After Challenge: This Is Kilian
From the very beginning of the project, Kilian demonstrated his extraordinary resilience. After an epic victory at Sierre-Zinal, one of the toughest and most prestigious races on the trail running calendar, he immediately embarked on this new adventure. Starting from Piz Bernina, he made his intentions clear: to connect as many peaks as possible, using classic ridges and lines that require not only trail running and scrambling skills but also a solid background in mountaineering.
The first day was just the beginning: 29 kilometers of running with 2,573 meters of elevation gain, followed by 210 kilometers on the bike with an additional 4,000 meters of elevation gain. Not even adverse weather conditions could stop him. On the second day, he summited Lauteraarhorn, Schreckhorn, and Finsteraarhorn, all over 4000 meters.
The Pinnacle of Achievement: Mont Blanc
Among all the peaks conquered, the highest in Europe, Mont Blanc, was one of the most significant. During the 14th stage of his journey, Kilian tackled a grueling 30-hour push, during which he reached 16 summits in the Mont Blanc area. A feat that would challenge even the most experienced alpinists, but Jornet faced it with the same determination that characterized his entire project.
Every step, every meter of elevation gained, was a tribute to his passion for the mountains and his incredible endurance. At the end of the 16th stage, with only a few less challenging peaks left to conquer, Kilian finally completed his epic adventure, welcomed by his team and a well-deserved pizza.
A Testament to Love for the Mountains
Kilian Jornet’s achievement is a testament to what is possible when passion and determination come together. Despite the difficulties, he demonstrated that limits exist only in our minds. This journey through the Alps was not just a physical challenge but a deeply personal experience that strengthened his bond with the mountains and with himself.
Reflecting on his project, Kilian wrote, “It’s hard to process all my emotions right now, but this is a journey I will never forget.” And we, as spectators and running enthusiasts, cannot help but admire his achievement and draw inspiration from his example.
Kilian Jornet has shown us once again that with passion and dedication, we can overcome our limits, even when they seem insurmountable. His achievement will go down in history as a tribute to the love of the mountains and the ongoing pursuit of new challenges.