Kilian Jornet's Alpine Connections: An Epic Adventure

By summiting 82 of Europe's highest mountains over 16 stages, Kilian Jornet pushed himself to the mental and physical limits for his Alpine Connections project.

The numbers speak for themselves: 82 mountains summited in just 19 days. Over 1,207km (749 miles) covered, with 72,233 meters (236,984 ft) of elevation gain. Few athletes in the world would be willing to consider - let alone complete - a challenge of this magnitude. But then, there are few athletes in the world like Kilian Jornet.

The Spaniard, one of the world's most famous mountain athletes, has just completed his epic Alpine Connections challenge, linking - and climbing - all 82 of the 4,000 meter (13,123 ft) mountains in the European Alps, without using any form of motorized vehicle. 

"I think it's one of the most challenging things I've ever done, both physically and technically, as well as mentally," Jornet said. "Having to stay in a state of total concentration for 20 days requires a lot of energy, but it has been amazing. 

"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 challenge at the foot of Piz Bernina (4,049 m / 13,284 feet) in Switzerland. After hiking, running, and scrambling to the summit, he set off for the next mountain. And then the next. When the distance between mountains was too great, he jumped on his bike and cycled. Day after day, mountain after mountain, he did it again, and again. Along the way, he climbed some of the Alps' most famous - and dangerous - mountains, including Monte Rosa (4,634 m / 15,203 ft), the Matterhorn (4,478 m / 14,691 ft), and Mont Blanc (4,808 m / 15,774 ft). 

As Jornet passed through Switzerland, France, and Italy, he clocked up enormous mileage and elevation gain. Throughout the 1,207km / 749-mile adventure, Jornet racked up 72,233 meters / 236,984 ft of elevation gain. The majority (87%) of the time he was on foot, swapping only to two wheels when needing to cover the distance between peaks. 

Like the challenges that faced him, the time he spent out in the mountains varied from day to day. However, throughout 16 'stages' he averaged 17 hours of activity per stage - with the shortest day clocked in at 3h 45 minutes and the longest at a huge 34 hours. 

There had only been two previous, documented, attempts at this challenge. Ueli Steck (who completed it in 62 days back in 2015) and Franz Nicolini and Diego Giovannini (60 days in 2008). As such, Jornet adds yet another Fastest Known Time to his incredible mountain resume.