New Speed Records Set on Mont Blanc by French Athletes Benjamin Vedrines and Elise Poncet In a historic week for high-speed alpine ascents, two French athletes have claimed new Fastest Known Times (FKTs) for skiing ascents and descents of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak. On May 24, 32-year-old French mountaineer Benjamin Vedrines completed a blistering round-trip from Chamonix to the 4,809-meter (15,777-foot) summit of Mont Blanc and back in 4 hours, 54 minutes, and […] Climbing Martin Kuprianowicz | May 30, 2025 0 Comments
After 12 Years, a New FKT has Been Set on the Grand Teton, WY Athlete Michelino Sunseri has broken the 12-year-old fastest-known time (FKT) record for the Grand Teton in Wyoming. He completed the nearly 15-mile route, which involves climbing and descending 7,000 vertical feet to the summit at 13,775 feet, and returned to his car in an impressive 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 50 seconds. On the morning of September 2, Sunseri felt it […] Industry News Brent Thomas | September 16, 2024 2 Comments
[VIDEO] Anna DeMonte: The Fastest Woman to Ski Mont Blanc Rab athlete Anna DeMonte has set a new women’s ski Fastest Known Time (FKT) on Mont Blanc’s Grand Mulets route. On June 5th, the Utah-based mountaineer completed the course in an impressive 7 hours and 29 minutes, carrying all her own gear. A video documenting the project is now available on YouTube. Related: American Athlete Anna DeMonte Sets New Record […] SnowBrains | August 13, 2024 0 Comments
French Climber Smashes K2 Ascent Record in Half French climber Benjamin Vedrines has set a new speed record for summiting K2, the world’s second-highest mountain, in just under 11 hours. Vedrines, 32, known for his high-speed ascents without supplemental oxygen, left the K2 base camp shortly after midnight on Saturday and reached the summit 10 hours, 59 minutes, and 59 seconds later, his team reported to AFP on […] Climbing CragBrains | July 29, 2024 0 Comments
Jack Kuenzle Sets Fastest Known Time Skiing Round-Trip from Chamonix to Mont Blanc, FR Jack Kuenzle is a prominent figure in the world of mountain running and endurance sports and is known for his record-breaking performances in various challenges. He has garnered attention for his remarkable speed and endurance in highly demanding terrains, often setting new records in events that test both physical and mental limits. On Wednesday, June 5, Kuenzle set another impressive […] Industry News Brent Thomas | June 10, 2024 0 Comments
10h14m – Jack Kuenzle Sets ‘Fastest Known Time’ For Ascent/Descent of 20,310′ Mount Denali, AK On June 5th, 2023, Jack Kuenzle of Roxbury, CT, set a Fastest Known Time (FKT) for ascending and descending Mount Denali, AK. Kuenzle, a former Navy Seal, an ultrarunner, and an endurance coach, climbed from base camp at 7,200′ to the summit of Denali, and back down, in 10 hours and 14 minutes. “10:14:57 Round trip on Denali from the […] SnowBrains | June 13, 2023 0 Comments
Trip Report: Fastest Known Time Set by Unsupported Skier on the Sierra High Route, CA FKT Sierra High Route (Skiers) May 25, 2023 17 Hours, 18 minutes – Sheppard’s Pass Trail Head to Wolverton (almost 2.5hrs quicker than previous FKT) 43 miles 13,730 feet climbed Telemark Crossing Unsupported This report was submitted by SnowBrains reader Ryan Soares. My good friend Dave and I arrived at the trailhead the evening before the departure. The plan was […] Guest Author | May 29, 2023 1 Comment
2h30m – Jack Kuenzle Sets ‘Fastest Known Time’ For Ski Ascent/Descent of 14,162′ Mount Shasta, CA On Friday, Jack Kuenzle of Roxbury, CT, set a Fastest Known Time (FKT) for ascending and descending Mount Shasta, CA, on skis. Related: A New Mind-Boggling Fastest Known Time on Mt. Shasta, CA Starting at Bunny Flats at 6,880′, the route featured 7,602′ of climbing over two and a half hours to the summit of 14,162 foot Mount Shasta. Kuenzle took […] SnowBrains | April 17, 2023 0 Comments
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