Pakistan: Dynafit athletes Benedikt Böhm and Sebastian Haag set themselves the goal of climbing from the base camp (4,800 metres) of Broad Peak in Pakistan to the 8,051-metre summit of this mountain giant in 18 hours, before skiing back down the terrain, which is steep in places to a gradient of 50 degrees.

Broad Peak rises above the Baltoro Glacier, one of the most massive ice streams outside the polar regions. Just a few kilometres away stands K2 – the second-highest mountain on Earth, after Mount Everest. The Karakorum region is one of the most challenging and remote high-mountain landscapes in the world.

On 17 July 2009, following a prolonged spell of bad weather, Benedikt and Sebastian set off on their speed ascent. The two extreme mountaineers made good progress up to an altitude of 7,800 metres – although Sebastian did take a break at one point to replenish his water supplies (his Camelbak had sprung a leak at the start of the ascent). However, due to the masses of snow, it then took them just under four hours to cover 200 metres of elevation gain on the ridge to the secondary summit.

Although it may seem as though there are only a few metres of elevation left to climb from the secondary summit to the actual summit, this section involves a dangerous ridge walk. The term ‘ridge walk’ refers to the narrow, exposed summit passage on Broad Peak: between the pre-summit and the main summit, at an altitude of over 8,000 metres, runs a long, sharp firn ridge on which every step demands the utmost concentration – a particular challenge when climbing in speed style against the clock.

After a total of 16 hours, the pair reached the secondary summit (8,026 m). It was already too late to attempt the main summit, and therefore too dangerous. The only priority was a safe descent to base camp – Sebastian’s coordination problems made a ski descent from the secondary summit impossible. After a total of 39 hours, Benedikt and Sebastian were back at base camp. The speed record failed due to unfortunate incidents that are particularly unpredictable at such altitudes, yet both take the experience and profound memories with them.

A year later, Benedikt – together with Pete Swenson and cameraman Javier Campos – set out on a second attempt. This time, vast amounts of fresh snow and bad weather prevented a successful ascent.

“Hannibal” – that’s what we called our first non-stop ski Transalp, completed at speed and without outside assistance.

A non-stop Alpine crossing on skis from Germany to Italy in 2.5 days. The team covered 13,000 metres of elevation gain and 210 kilometres.

China: Speed record on Mustagh Ata – 7,546 m! The aim was to climb the summit as quickly as possible and then return to base camp even faster.

It took the two German Dynafit athletes, Benedikt and Sebastian Haag, together with the internationally renowned high-altitude mountaineer Matthias Robl – who tragically lost his life in an accident in 2008 – a remarkable 10 hours and 41 minutes to cover the 3,100 metres of elevation gain on Mustagh Ata (7,546 m) in the Kunlun Mountains in China, and the subsequent descent. Traditional expeditions take four days for this route. On 23 August, the trio reached the summit in temperatures of -35 degrees after just 9 hours and 25 minutes, and the team was back at base camp 1 hour and 16 minutes later: a new speed record! This new style of mountaineering was a radical experiment for Böhm and Haag. Inspired by ski mountaineering racing, they consistently put their goal into practice on Mustagh Ata.

Our first 8000-metre peak! The aim was to conquer the 8035-metre-high Gasherbrum II, located in the Karakorum in north-eastern Pakistan, at maximum speed. What does that mean? From Camp 1 at an altitude of 5900 metres, the speed ascent leads to the summit and back without a single break at the high camps (‘by fair means’).

Gasherbrum II is part of the Gasherbrum Group and rises above the Baltoro Glacier in the Karakorum – the same region as the neighbouring Broad Peak and K2.

The starting signal was given on the night of 3 August 2006: the two German Dynafit athletes, Benedikt Böhm and Sebastian Haag, set off together with mountain guide Luis Stitzinger on their speed ascent from Camp 1 to one of the highest peaks on Earth. After six hours, the ski mountaineers passed Camp 4 at an altitude of 7,500 metres. After a further six and a half hours, they stood on the summit and, following a four-hour and extremely daring descent, the trio reached Camp 1 overjoyed. The three thus took just under 17 hours for this tour, whereas normal expeditions take 4 to 7 days to climb Gasherbrum II. Whilst a traditional expedition takes several weeks, Benedikt Böhm, together with Sebastian Haag and Luis Stitzinger, managed to complete the ascent in speed-style in 17 hours, there and back from ABC – impressive proof of the ‘light & fast’ principle.

The Iron Man of ski mountaineering races! Covering over 100 kilometres and 4,000 metres of elevation gain from Zermatt to Verbier, it is one of the toughest and most spectacular ski mountaineering races in the world.

The three-man team led by Benedikt Böhm took 7 hours to complete the course and finished second in 2010 and 2008 in this coveted race, which attracted over 4,000 participants. Böhm thus held the fastest time ever recorded by a German in this race for several years.

Nepal: The speed ascent of Manaslu (8,163 m) was considered an ambitious project by the three Dynafit athletes Benedikt Böhm, Sebastian Haag and mountain guide Nicolas Bonnet.

Speed means: no breaks, maximum pace both uphill and downhill. On Manaslu, speed means 3,263 metres of elevation gain from base camp (4,900 m) to the summit – without high-altitude camps, without a supply station and without a trail laid to the summit! Followed by the descent on skis.

After days of waiting at base camp due to heavy snowfall, the athletes were finally able to start the speed ascent on 3 October 2007. After three hours, the three were already at an altitude of 6,200 metres – in temperatures of -30 degrees, they continued their ascent.

Must-have: a strong will not to give up. At an altitude of 7,400 metres, just 150 metres below the safe shoulder of Manaslu, the speed ascent had to be abandoned by the athletes due to a high risk of avalanches.

The right decision: the ski mountaineers’ common sense prevailed. Successes are a result of human strength.

Greece. On 10 March 2022, Benedikt set off on his speed ascent of Mount Parnassos. A mythical mountain at the foot of which lies the famous Oracle of Delphi.

From the port of Itea, he cycled through Greece’s largest olive groves, picturesque villages, and lemon and orange orchards, climbing ever higher. Eventually, Benedikt passed through the Oracle of Delphi, adorned with spring flowers; the road runs right through the heart of this magical place, whose energy was very palpable and inspiring for Benedikt too. Further up, conditions deteriorated; a strong, icy wind picked up and the sky clouded over. At around 1,100 metres, the road was then covered in snow and ice, so that Benedikt finally switched to skis in the village of Stavros at 1,200 metres. By now the wind was blowing so strongly that it almost felt like an expedition in the Himalayas for Benedikt. He was the only person in the thick fog. After 5 hours, Benedikt reached the summit at 2,414 metres. To be precise, the summit of Mt Tsarkos, one of the peaks of the Parnassos mountain range. Strong winds, half a metre of fresh snow and extremely poor visibility made the ascent extremely challenging!

Nevertheless, Benedikt loves these stark contrasts. From a warm summer sea breeze through blossoming spring landscapes straight into the depths of winter – a whole cycle of the seasons within five hours! The powerful energy of these sacred places – similar to Mt Fuji in Japan and many other sites in the Himalayas, the Alps and the Andes – also fascinates Benedikt. Last but not least, however, it is a particular pleasure for him to work on such expeditions together with his local friends. He extends special thanks to Elias Lefas, George Klaoudatos and Christos Tsoutsias, who made this ascent possible with their contacts, their motivation and their fantastic support!

Mount Ararat. At 5,137 metres, it is the highest mountain in Turkey. But it is much more than that. Situated in the border region between Iran, Armenia and the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan, this dormant volcano, which is the national symbol of the Armenians, bears mystical names such as “the fiery mountain” (Kurdish) or “Noah’s Mountain” (Persian). It is said that Noah once came to rest here, in the Ararat region, with his ark.

At 5 a.m. on 3 May 2022, Benedikt set off on his speed ascent of Mount Ararat. Instead of climbing Mount Ararat in the traditional trekking style, Benedikt Böhm opted for the non-stop speed style, tackling the ascent entirely on his own through the fog – and then skied back down into the valley. Little did he know then that this climb would turn out to be one of the most mentally gruelling of his life. The night before, he had spent the night with an Anatolian farming family who had taken him into their humble home on the edge of civilisation. That alone – the warmth of these people, who themselves have barely enough to live on – was a moving experience that filled him with deep humility. Whilst the family is still asleep, Benedikt sets off …

He loves the contrasts of these mountains, which rise up from the heart of the landscape and where, within a few hours, he passes through blossoming spring and the depths of winter. But this time he found himself in a complete whiteout. He covered long stretches of the route with absolutely no visibility, often doubting whether he would find his way back.

Five and a half hours later, Benedikt had reached the summit of Ararat – and eight hours later he was back in the small mountain village of Çevirme, from where he had set off early that morning. Benedikt recounts what happened in between and how he was received by the locals on the Abendschau programme on BR television.

The Mountain of Noah’s Ark

According to biblical tradition, Mount Ararat is believed to be the site where Noah’s Ark came to rest. This cultural and religious significance has made the mountain famous far beyond the mountaineering community – and provides a special backdrop for the expedition.

Benedikt Böhm and Prakash Sherpa reach the summit in 12 hours and 35 minutes – no bottled oxygen, no high-altitude camps, but a single push from base camp to the summit and back again.

No oxygen, no high-altitude camps, but a single push from Base Camp to the summit and back: extreme mountaineer Benedikt Böhm and his partner, the Nepalese alpinist and mountain guide Prakash Sherpa, are celebrating their successful speed ascent of Cho Oyu. On 7 October at 11:33 am local time, the pair stood on the world’s sixth-highest mountain in record time. The DYNAFIT managing director and his partner took just 12 hours and 35 minutes to climb from base camp at 5,600 m to the summit at 8,188 m. After a total of 19 hours, the extreme athletes were already back at base camp. They did so without high-altitude or intermediate camps, support from porters or artificial oxygen. Benedikt Böhm climbed Cho Oyu in ‘one-push’ style: without bottled oxygen and without fixed high-altitude camps, in a single push from base camp to the summit and back.

For their ascent, the two athletes chose the classic route on the Tibetan north-west face of Cho Oyu. Mountaineers usually take between three and five days to climb this challenging 8,000-metre peak. With their speed ascent in 12 hours and 35 minutes, Benedikt Böhm and Prakash Sherpa have set new standards on the ‘Turquoise Goddess’. According to current research, no one before them had ever attempted to reach the summit non-stop from base camp.

“Tracing a path through broken ice, numerous technical sections and plenty of wind – Cho Oyu certainly didn’t make it easy for us. That makes us all the happier about our summit success and the fast time. Prakash and I worked really well together as a team and were able to support and push each other. It was a very long and very hard day for us, but we really put our foot down and mobilised all our strength. The descent and the seemingly endless moraine in front of base camp really finished me off, though. Now it’s time to warm my feet and recover a bit before I head back to Germany in just a few days,” said Böhm.

An Expedition Fraught With Obstacles

During their speed ascent, Benedikt Böhm and Prakash Sherpa had to overcome a number of challenges – ranging from the necessary permits to the conditions on the mountain itself. Since China’s annexation of Tibet, there have been repeated political tensions and tightened entry regulations, which had already caused Böhm’s planned expedition to Cho Oyu in 2012 to fail. Since 2019, China had not issued any permits for Cho Oyu to foreign climbers. In autumn 2023, international expeditions were permitted again for the first time. For Böhm himself, it remained uncertain until his arrival in Kathmandu whether the expedition to Cho Oyu would actually take place. Due to the long wait for the entry visa to Tibet, the athletes had less time than originally planned for acclimatisation. Böhm in particular struggled greatly with this:

“I’ve never suffered physically as much on any expedition as I did on this one. We were already at just under 8,000 metres after only a few days on our acclimatisation tours. Normally, you’d allow two or three weeks for that. But we didn’t have that time, and I definitely felt the effects. Prakash was born in Nepal and lives at altitude here. He’s naturally perfectly acclimatised and sleeps like a baby even at over 7,000 metres. I really had to grit my teeth, especially in the first few days, whilst Prakash was still doing interval training at 7,000 metres,” reveals Böhm with a wink.

On the mountain itself, conditions were at times extreme, with strong winds and snowfall. On 2 October, Benedikt Böhm and Prakash Sherpa had almost reached the summit as part of an acclimatisation tour, but had to turn back just under 100 metres below the summit due to a complete whiteout. For the summit push, however, a window of good weather opened up for the pair, which they skilfully took advantage of – including a clear view of Everest and Lhotse from the summit.

“Cho Oyu is a fascinating mountain, and for me, this successful ascent fulfils a long-cherished dream. I hope that future generations will be able to experience the beauty of the mountains and nature in exactly the same way. That is why it is a matter close to my heart to advocate for a mindful approach to our planet as part of this expedition,” explains Böhm.

Anyone wishing to support Benedikt Böhm can do so very easily via an auction: Böhm’s entire expedition kit is being auctioned off in aid of the Helping Band initiative, which he founded. The organisation is committed to environmental and nature conservation and works in partnership with the WWF, amongst others. Böhm has been a WWF ambassador since 2022, focusing on the Himalayan region. Further information at: helpingband.com.

Facts About the Speed Ascent of Cho Oyu

• Arrival in Kathmandu: 15 September 2023
• Arrival at Base Camp: 26 September 2023
• Summit day: 7 October 2023
• Start of speed ascent: 7 October, 22:58
• Total distance Base Camp – Summit – Base Camp: approx. 18 kilometres
• Elevation gain: 3,400 m (ascent and descent)
• Cho Oyu summit: 8,188 m
• Time Base Camp – Summit: 12 hours, 35 minutes
• Total time: 19 hours

Nepal. The “Expedition Himalaya” to Himlung Himal (7,126 m) was something truly special. For the first time, Benedikt, in his capacity as an ambassador for the nature conservation organisation WWF, travelled to this country that has grown so dear to his heart. So, instead of heading straight to base camp as is usually the case, the expedition first heads to the south of Nepal, to Chitwan National Park. Together with a WWF delegation, the expedition team was able not only to observe unique wildlife – rhinos, tigers, crocodiles, etc. – at close quarters, but also to meet people who experience the human-wildlife conflict first-hand in the tension between wild nature and human settlement. It is impressive how, although some are clearly scarred by tiger or bear attacks, they fight for the restoration and preservation of this rich wildlife!

Via what are at times adventurous, rain-washed “roads”, the journey then continues towards the base camp of Himlung Himal. There, complete solitude awaits them; Benedikt, his partner Prakash Sherpa and the two cameramen, Alessandro d’Emilia and Luca Junior, are the only people for miles around! They soon realise that they are not the first people there. The vast wilderness is littered with rubbish left behind by previous expeditions – all the way up to 6,500 metres! Their frustration is immense – but their motivation not to leave it at that is even greater. Their acclimatisation turns into the #cleanerthanbefore campaign: for days on end, Prakash Sherpa and Benedikt pick up the rubbish and haul it down in sacks.

Stones are literally in the way of the actual purpose of their journey – the speed ascent of Himlung Himal (7,126 metres). A recent, massive landslide makes the search for a route onto the glacier leading to the summit extremely difficult. The weather isn’t playing ball either; it’s raining or snowing constantly. Benedikt extends his stay by one final day; it has to work out on this day – or it simply won’t. But they’re in luck: the sky clears! Shortly after midnight, Benedikt and Prakash Sherpa set off in complete darkness. They have set themselves a time frame of 8 hours to reach the summit. After 6 hours and 43 minutes, they have made it and are rewarded with a spectacular view of the Himalayan mountain range stretching hundreds of kilometres before them! The icy wind on the 7,126-metre-high summit urges them to start their descent… After a total of 9 hours and 39 minutes, Benedikt and Prakash Sherpa arrive back at the starting point, exhausted but happy. Just 48 hours later, Benedikt is able to embrace his family in Munich.

A Seven-thousander in 14 Days

by Michał Kaźmierczak

High-altitude mountains are not a popular destination for ski expeditions. Very few people practice this sub-discipline of skiing, and their attention usually focuses on eight-thousanders. No wonder – successes on the world’s highest peaks quickly make it to mainstream media and are widely commented on. But high mountains are not just eight-thousanders. Seven-thousand meter peaks, six-thousanders, sometimes entire valleys untouched by humans – these are areas that provide vast space for developing one’s mountain creativity and implementing exploratory skiing projects.

First ascents, first descents, speed ascents, or new technical lines – the possibilities are numerous. What often holds us back from realizing such dreams is time. The Himalayas or Karakoram usually mean an expedition of a month or more, and who can afford that today… Or can they?

Benedikt Böhm and Prakash Sherpa decided to test how far this time barrier could be pushed with their expedition to the seven-thousand-meter Spantik. How fast can a high-altitude ski expedition be?

The Golden Peak of Karakoram

Spantik, also known as Golden Peak, is a 7,027m peak located in Pakistan’s Karakoram. It owes its name to the characteristic golden color of its walls in the setting sun. The mountain stands out for its relatively straightforward access logistics and – for a seven-thousander – a relatively easy normal route, making it a popular destination for first high-altitude expeditions.

First climbed in 1955 by a German team consisting of Reiner Diepen, Eduard Reinhardt, and Jochen Tietze. The history of skiing on this peak is much shorter – the first ski descent dates to 2019, when the French team of Tiphaine Duperier and Boris Langenstein skied from the summit as preparation for their Nanga Parbat project. Since then, the mountain has gained a reputation as one of the more interesting skiing objectives in the Karakoram, offering a combination of relatively safe terrain and impressive altitude.

Today, Spantik is a well-known objective, typically planned for 4-5 weeks, allowing for comfortable acclimatization and waiting for suitable weather windows. However, Benedikt decided to significantly shorten this time.

Express Expedition

On August 8, he lands in Islamabad, and the next day he’s already in Skardu. One day for preparations, a jeep ride to Arando – the last village accessible by road – and then begins a two-day trek to base camp at 4,300 meters. Unfortunately, at base camp, they face a three-day forced stay due to a severe lung infection.

On August 15, the team climbs to Camp 2 (5,500m) and returns to base camp. On August 16, the main push begins – first to Camp 1 (5,100m) for the night. The next day they reach Camp 2. After cooking and resting, at 22:00, the summit push begins. From 5,500m, they reach the summit in 7.5 hours.

Climate Change in High Mountains

The conditions on the mountain were surprising. “What struck me the most was the impact of climate change,” says Benedikt. “Up to 6,000 meters, it was terribly hot, even 40 degrees during the day. This means the snow doesn’t freeze, crevasses open up, and it’s simply much more dangerous than it should be.”

Spantik is a mountain that, in favorable conditions, offers good skiing possibilities. The summit dome to Camp 3 is wide, not too steep (up to 40 degrees), and relatively easy to ski. However, between Camp 3 and Camp 2, conditions are much more challenging – hard snow requires special caution. Lower down, the situation becomes even more complicated. “At lower altitudes, the melted snow is difficult for both ascending and skiing,” reports Benedikt. “Some ridge sections are completely bare. To Camp 1, we move on rocks, and the terrain between Camp 1 and Camp 2, which should be skiable, isn’t anymore due to conditions.”

During the descent, Benedikt experienced a dramatic situation. “During the descent, I fall into a crevasse,” he reports. “The slope collapses beneath me, and I land on a snow bridge below, from which I manage to get out. I’m incredibly lucky. Climate change isn’t just about melting glaciers or weaker winters – it’s also about our safety in high mountains.”

Technology in Service of Speed

In such a demanding expedition, equipment plays a crucial role. Recent years have brought a revolution in ski touring equipment construction – what used to be a compromise between weight and performance now offers extraordinary capabilities at weights below a kilogram.

“I used equipment from Dynafit’s Blacklight series, the company I manage,” explains Benedikt. “Relatively short skis – 158cm and less than 1000g in weight, plus lightweight bindings and boots. Light equipment provides great comfort on the ascent, especially in speed attempts where every gram counts. Today we have access to very good and light constructions that support ski mountaineers in such speed objectives as this one.”

This evolution in equipment has opened new possibilities in high mountains – what once was the domain of heavy, stable skis can now be achieved at half the weight. This translates directly into speed and efficiency in mountain operations.

After returning to base camp and a few hours of sleep, the team starts their return trek to Arando. “During the jeep ride, we stop at hot springs, and it’s the first day of this expedition when we truly relax and rest.” This moment of relaxation symbolically closes this intensive project.

Future and Conclusions

Fourteen days for a seven-thousander, without supplemental oxygen, without prior acclimatization, without using hypoxic devices – it’s an impressive achievement, but also an enormous risk. “It was an extreme expedition, operating practically without acclimatization and after illness, with no margin for error. Madness,” admits Benedikt.

For Böhm, the realization of mountain projects is primarily a path to self-development and an expression of personal creativity. “Start from your local mountains,” he advises. “Work on yourself, develop gradually, moving to increasingly higher mountains. The most important thing is to consistently move forward, even if there are a million steps ahead – just take them.”

High-altitude skiing remains a niche sport, especially on eight-thousanders. However, just as in Himalayan climbing, where after conquering all the highest peaks came time for winter ascents, harder routes, alpine style, and speed records, we can expect a similar evolution in high-altitude skiing. Speed ascents, new descent routes, peak linkups, and traverses – this is the future of the discipline. Benedikt’s Spantik shows that boundaries can be pushed not only vertically but also in time. May it always be done safely.

IN 7 HOURS AND 53 MINUTES UP DHAULAGIRI VII – A NEW RECORD FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Nepal, October 2019. Speed mountaineer and DYNAFIT managing director Benedikt “Bene” Böhm climbed Dhaulagiri VII in Nepal on Oct. 15 in new record time. The 42-year-old started his speed ascent from base camp at 4,903 meters (16,086 feet). He only needed 6 hours and 6 minutes to reach the summit at 7,246 m (23,773 feet). Then Böhm skied down from the summit and returned to base camp after a total of 7 hours and 53 minutes. With this new record, Benedikt Böhm broke the goal he set for himself of eight hours with room to spare. The father of three did his speed ascent in the name of a good cause. Before his departure to Nepal Böhm established the campaign “United for Himalayan Kids.” Mountain endurance brand DYNAFIT created a headband speci cally for this cause. It was available for purchase during Böhm’s expedition for the special price of 10 Euro each in the online shop. The sales of the headbands have brought in 7,530 Euro. Together with the Nepal Medical Care Flight Association, this revenue will go to support a school project.

Benedikt Böhm set out for his speed ascent in Nepal on Sept. 26. Dhaulagiri VII, also called Putha Hiunchuli, is the most westerly peak of the long Dhaulagiri Himal mountain chain in Nepal’s northwest. It is recognized as a rewarding mountain for skiing with its 7,246 meters, which is relatively simple to tackle technically speaking. Nevertheless, due to the long approach and its general remoteness, Dhaulagiri VII is still not overrun.

From Dunai, the last point of civilization, Böhm, and his crew reached base camp at 4,903 meters in a total of nine days. After several days of acclimatization Benedikt Böhm started his summit push on Oct. 15 at 4.17 a.m.

“Dhaulagiri VII is a marvelous ski touring mountain with its amazing snowy slopes. The snow conditions were somewhat of a challenge. From icy crusts and icy passages where the wind had blown away much of the snow, we confronted about everything. In addition, it was extremely cold. In combination with the altitude, the nights before the summit push were, of course, relatively uneasy,” Böhm reported. “I have very happy that I was able to hit my goal of eight hours or less. However, this speed ascent de nitively pushed me to my limits physically. But it was worthwhile! A hearty thank-you to everyone who has supported the ‘United for Himalayan Kids’ campaign and has thus given kids access to a good education.”

The sales of the limited-edition headbands brought in a total of 7,530 Euro. One hundred percent of all revenues from the headbands are going to a privately funded school project in Dandaphaya in Humla, one of the poorest regions in Nepal. The Nepal Medical Care Flight Association, with headquarters in Pfronten in Allgäu, has built a school there and continues to operate it with vast amounts of commitment and passion. Now, more than 200 children attend the elementary and secondary school there. An af liated home with medical support for mothers and their children also offers needy families access to urgently needed care. Another school is being built now and will be nished soon. Benedikt Böhm personally delivered the check for the donations to the association in Allgäu, Germany, on Oct. 24.

From sea level up to 5.671 meters above sea level with a distance of 130 km – with one push

In April Benedikt ventured a unique project which lead him to a foreign world and took him to his absolute performance limit.

In the winter of 2016, Beni Böhm, Schorsch Nickaes and Patrick Jost planned a spectacular speed ascent from sea level to the summit of Mount Etna (3,500 metres) in a single push. None of the three highly experienced mountaineers had ever climbed an active volcano before.

The starting signal for the “Etna Speed Rush” was given on the grey beach at San Marco. They covered the first 30 kilometres on foot along a seemingly endless tarmac road, then headed steeply uphill over slippery grassy slopes and fine volcanic sand, which slowed their progress at every turn. This was followed by a ski tour through wind-packed snow and ice. And everywhere, sharp-edged lava rocks and dust. At the summit, all their efforts were rewarded. The view from above of the starting point by the sea, where they had set off just a few hours earlier surrounded by lemon and orange trees, was impressive. A backdrop of sea, snow, ice, storm and fire – the speed ascent of Mount Etna was absolutely unique!

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

X7 – the name says it all: seven athletes set themselves the goal of reaching the highest peaks of the seven Alpine countries in seven days – and doing so exclusively ‘by fair means’, i.e. using only their own muscle power. By bike, on foot and on skis, always starting from the valley, whatever the weather. It was unlikely that the sun would shine for seven days straight – but that things would get off to such a bad start was another matter.

Braving adverse weather conditions can awaken the spirit. Seven lads took it a step further. And plunged into the wintry wilderness of high peaks. For seven days, tackling the seven mightiest mountains in the Alpine countries. Always starting from the valley. Project X7.

Mount Olympus – in ancient Greek mythology the abode of the gods and still today a mountain range steeped in legend. An extraordinary ski touring trip from Poseidon to Zeus.

Starting on the seashore, the mysterious realm of Poseidon, the destination is the summit of Mount Olympus, the seat of the gods and realm of Zeus in Greek mythology. On a rainy day in late March, Schorsch Nickaes, Patrick Jost and Benedikt Böhm set off on this extraordinary race.

They set off straight from the beach on their bikes. After 25 kilometres and now 1,100 metres above sea level, the three athletes continue on foot in their running shoes. At the snow line, they switch to skis. Despite the bad weather, they are in high spirits when, after a further four hours, they are forced to take a break due to the unstable snow conditions. After a night at Kakalos Lodge (2,648 m), the next morning they stand on the highest point in Greece, the summit of Mount Olympus (2,918 m), after just a 40-minute climb!

The descent is on skis down a thrilling 45-degree slope through a 300-metre-long, sheer-sided gorge. After less than seven hours of skiing covering a total of 68 km and 3,260 metres of elevation gain, they are back at their starting point. And what could be better than a refreshing dip!

In mid-August, Benedikt Böhm and Sebastian Haag set off with Canadian extreme skier and filmmaker Greg Hill for the world’s sixth-highest mountain – Cho Oyu in Tibet. The team’s goal: a speed ascent followed by a ski descent back to base camp. But then everything changes…

Benedikt Böhm climbed Manaslu in ‘speed’ style – light and fast, without fixed high-altitude camps, and followed by a ski descent from the summit. This approach reduces the time spent in the hostile ‘death zone’ to a minimum.

Benedikt Böhm and Basti Haag plan to allow just 24 hours for the ascent from base camp to the summit of Cho Oyu (8,188 m) and the subsequent ski descent. To acclimatise for their ambitious project, they have set their sights on another mountain: Mera Peak (6,461 m) in Nepal. The monsoon is still in full swing there, so they battle their way through seemingly endless torrents of water together with seventeen friends. But in the end, luck is on their side. The planned ‘summit day’ is the only one on which it doesn’t rain, and so in the end all the friends stand together on the summit of Mera Peak!

But then everything turns out differently than planned. Cho Oyu becomes Manaslu (8,163 m). The reason: the Chinese authorities are not allowing the expedition team to enter Tibet. Benedikt Böhm and Basti Haag return to the mountain where they had already failed in 2007: Manaslu in Nepal.

Back then, they had to turn back at 7,300 metres due to the risk of avalanches. This makes their desire to attempt the speed ascent they’ve been planning for years all the stronger. In doing so, they’re deliberately foregoing artificial oxygen and the assistance of high-altitude porters. They’re travelling with only minimal luggage. Two to three litres of water and 20–30 energy gels must last for 24 hours. No tent can serve as a refuge in an emergency. The absolute advantage of a speed ascent, however, is the relatively short time spent in the death zone!

After weeks of acclimatisation and days of bad weather, the time has finally come. The sky clears, the summit comes within reach. Benedikt Böhm’s team and several other expeditions leave base camp for the high camp…

It is said that every Japanese person should have climbed Mount Fuji at least once in their lifetime – but for most mountaineers, the 20-kilometre route and nearly 3,000-metre ascent represent at least a full day’s hike.

Japan’s Sacred Mountain

For centuries, Mount Fuji has been regarded as a sacred mountain and a destination for pilgrims. This cultural significance elevates the ascent beyond a purely sporting achievement – and makes the mountain one of Japan’s most famous symbols.

Konohana Sakuyahime was kind to the participants of the speed ascent of Mount Fuji, which, at 3,766 metres, is Japan’s highest mountain. For the goddess, who according to legend dwells on the mountain’s summit, may well have played a part in ensuring the ascent was a resounding success. Only after the traditional rituals to welcome the female deity of Mount Fuji did Benedikt Böhm set off from Sengen Jinjya at an altitude of 870 metres. The temple gate marks the official entrance to Mount Fuji. This traditional route is marked by ten ‘stations’. Benedikt walks the first seven kilometres with skis and ski boots on his back to the Uma Gaeshi car park at 1,490 metres. From Uma Gaeshi, the route continues on foot along a muddy trail through dense forest up to 1,840 metres. From here, he continues on skis along the partly icy path to the end of the tree line, where he catches his first unobstructed view of the vast white summit plateau. The conditions and weather are good, though a very strong and cold wind blows in the summit area. From an altitude of 2,900 metres, progress is only possible with crampons, and an icy slope over the final 600 metres makes a descent impossible.

After just 3 hours and 29 minutes, Benedikt has covered over 20 kilometres and 2,929 metres of elevation gain and stands on the summit of Mount Fuji. The descent nearly proves his undoing. Böhm gets tangled in his crampon straps and tumbles down the icy slope. In the process, he loses his skis and only finds them again 600 metres lower down. After this critical moment, he finally reaches the temple gate after a total of 4 hours and 59 minutes. The Japanese team, including Kazuya Hiraide, one of Japan’s finest mountaineers and winner of the ‘Piolet d’Or’, is thrilled. It appears to be the fastest ascent on skis to date. Instead of tackling Mount Fuji during the summer hiking season’s hustle and bustle, Benedikt Böhm climbed it in winter entirely on his own – in speed-style and skiing down from the summit.

For European mountaineers, Mount Fuji is a very special experience:

Morocco, 15 March 2012. An exotic speed ski ascent of North Africa’s highest mountain. Speed mountaineers Benedikt Böhm, Schorsch Nickaes, Patrick Jost, Andreas Eisenmann and Sepp Willibald from Team Dynafit have set themselves a major goal: from the starting point at ‘Around’, they must cover 17 kilometres and climb 2,200 metres in altitude to reach the summit of Toubkal, at 4,167 metres, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains.

The journey began in the village of “Around”, situated at an altitude of just under 1,900 metres. To the amazement of many passers-by, the route took us at a brisk pace, with skis and rucksacks on our backs, past the Muslim rock sanctuary “Sidi Chamharouch” and through the “Assif n’Isougouane” river valley. Near the “Refugio de Toubkal” at an altitude of 3,200 metres, the touring skis were strapped on and the steep ascent to the Toubkal saddle was completed on snow.

After 3 hours, 9 minutes and 20 seconds, the team reached the summit.

4 days – 4 countries – 4 summits – and all achieved ‘by fair means’ – that is, using only our own muscle power, without using cable cars on the mountains or shuttles in the valley. That was the mission undertaken by five athletes from the Dynafit Team in October 2010.

405 km and 13,000 metres of elevation gain. The summits and the entire route were conquered exclusively either by running or on MTBs – and Piz Palü on skis. On some sections, the MTBs were carried. On 8 October 2010 at 5:00 am, the starting signal was given at the Olympic Ski Stadium in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The route then led from the Zugspitze via the Similaun and the Ortler to Piz Palü.