project 6893

greatest vertical descent on a mountain bike world recorD

Follow Aaron's epic journey climbing and mountain biking from ther summit of Ojos del Salado (6893m), the highest volcano in the world to sea level

An epic single push, solo

First pioneered by the English Alpine club in the 1860s, this high altitude route connects the two iconic Alpine towns of Chamonix and Zermatt. First completed on skis in 1911, it's now easily the most famous ski tour in the world. The route is usually completed over 6 or 7 days, where skiers stay in mountain refuges along the way.

Aaron will however, attempt the route in one single push aiming to complete the challenge in under 35 hours non-stop. To date, this feat has only ever been achieved by elite ski mountaineers, almost all of whom compete to an international level.

Aaron hopes to break this mould and undertake this epic journey solo, without lifts and no sleep before Zermatt.

120KM · 8000M ASCENT · 10 COLS

The Route

There are multiple routes to choose from, but Aaron has opted for the Verbier variant. This has become the most popular choice for ski tourers, and as far as we know, has never been completed in one push before. Although most people use the lifts in Chamonix and the 4 valleys, Aaron will be entirely self-propelled, connecting a short section from Champex and Verbier by bicycle.

In the spirit of adventure, he wants the challenge to involve at least 8000m ascent, and he'll push through the night aiming to not sleep until he reaches his end goal, Zermatt.

View FATMAP Route

About Aaron

Aaron is a London-based photographer who lives for adventure. Despite learning to ski late in life, he firmly believes strong-will and self-belief will get you anywhere. He's not a pro skier, nor a lycra-clad ski mountaineer, but he was lucky enough to escape to the Alps this winter.

With resorts closed in France, the only way to get his ski fix has been to earn those turns. Now with plenty of tours under his belt, he's ambitiously set his sights on becoming the first person to complete the Verbier Haute Route in one push.

Aaron's Instagram

"The Haute route project has been on my radar since I first read about the route years back. Doing this alone is no doubt a serious business, but I'm excited to push through the night and hopefully join the shortlist of the most accomplished ski mountaineers"

Aaron Rolph

The Gear

For this challenge, not only does Aaron need to be fast and light but he will also be extremely reliant on his equipment moving through harsh alpine conditions alone through the night. A huge thank you to the supporting brands for helping make this ambitious project a reality.

Skis & Ice Tools

Skis: Faction Agent 1.0 (86mm under foot & 1450g)

Bindings: ATK Kuluar (200g, out next season)

Skins: POMOCA Climb Pro S-Glide

Boots: Scott Superguide carbon

Poles: Black crows telescopic carbon

Crampons Petzl Irvis Hybrid

Ski Crampons: ATK (91mm)

Ice Axe: Blue Ice Akila Adze

Clothing

Shell jacket: Arc'teryx Sabre LT

Mid layer: Arc'teryx Atom LT