Kilian Jornet has achieved an extraordinary milestone by linking all 82 of the Alps’ 4,000 meter peaks in just 19 days, covering 1,207 km with 75,344 meters of elevation gain, all without the use of motorized vehicles.
While Kilian has pushed the boundaries of physical endurance, we have, in parallel, explored the limits of nature itself.
Alpine Connections has been a remarkable journey not only for Kilian but also for the Kilian Jornet Foundation. It allowed us to witness firsthand the challenges Kilian faced in the Alpine environment. These challenges included not only the physical and mental endurance required to traverse this terrain but also the environmental difficulties that are becoming increasingly pronounced due to climate change. While Kilian’s physical achievement is very inspiring, this journey has also highlighted the urgent need for action to protect these important and fragile ecosystems.
Throughout the project, we explored key themes vital to the Alpine environment: glaciers, permafrost, and biodiversity, each increasingly under threat. Glaciers, shaping the Alpine valleys and essential freshwater reservoirs, are retreating rapidly, illustrating the effects of global warming. Permafrost thawing destabilizes landscapes, affecting the safety and accessibility of outdoor activities like trail running and alpinism. The Alps’ rich biodiversity, crucial for ecosystem health, is also at risk, with overcrowding leading to habitat disruption and the potential loss of many species. These challenges emphasize the need for urgent and responsible conservation efforts.
Kilian’s journey through the Alps has exposed the realities of climate change. As he traversed glaciers and climbed peaks altered by thawing permafrost, the environmental changes were impossible to ignore. One of the most impactful examples he witnessed was at Gran Paradiso, where he first visited with his family at age 15. Now, 20 years later, the glacier has receded significantly, starting much higher on the route than before. Regarding thawing permafrost and the consequent rock landslides, Kilian observed severe impacts in areas like Aiguille Verte in the Mont Blanc massif, where massive rock pillars are now dangerously held in place by the remaining permafrost. Similarly, Aiguille Blanche de Peuterey has seen numerous rock landslides due to permafrost thawing.
