Jakob Herrmann sets new world record in ski mountaineering

On January 27th at 3:00 PM in Radstadt, Austria, Skimo athlete Jakob Herrmann embarked on an ambitious project: to cover 24,000 vertical meters on touring skis within 24 hours. The DYNAFIT athlete, after enduring hours of relentless skiing, achieved a new world record. He conquered the approximately 710 meters and 2.5 km ascent on his home trail in Radstadt a total of 34 times. He surpassed the previous record set by Kilian Jornet in 2019, which stood at 23,486 vertical meters within 24 hours, by an impressive 756 meters. 

In the Austrian ski resort of Radstadt in the Salzburg region, the cable cars specially prepared a separate ascent track on the left side of the slope for top athlete Jakob Herrmann. The 2.5 km route with an ascent of 710 meters became Herrmann's new record mile. On January 28th at 3:00 PM, the 36-year-old set the new record with 24,242 vertical meters covered.

"It has always been a dream of mine to be on touring skis for 24 hours straight and see how many vertical meters I can achieve," says Jakob Herrmann. "I just wanted to know what limits one can reach and how far beyond you can go. I have a great support team around me, and I love simply skiing for hours. The most challenging part was skiing overnight with 14 hours of darkness. Now I am overjoyed and proud that I made it."

The previous record on touring skis was 23,486 vertical meters, set in February 2019 by Kilian Jornet in Molde, Norway. The Spanish exceptional athlete and Herrmann have competed together twice in the Pierra Menta ski touring race.

"A 24-hour record is something very special. The monotony of the movement is within you and synchronizes with your breathing and heartbeat," comments Kilian Jornet on Herrmann's recent athletic achievement. He further assesses the record, stating, "I think for athletes accustomed to running fast, it is important to start a bit slower because after 10-12 hours, especially at night, conditions become tougher. The excitement of the first hours is gone, the energy from food is barely there, and the muscles start to ache a bit. These are the moments when it is crucial to maintain the pace. Jakob has done that, and I am happy for him and congratulate him on the new record."

Herrmann took only short breaks to eat rice and potatoes. In addition to isotonic drinks, gels, and bars, he relied on homemade banana bread. He was supported on the slope during his record attempt by partners, friends, and family. The professional ski mountaineer from Werfenweng has been part of the DYNAFIT athlete team since 2019. Last winter, Herrmann achieved success with victories at the ski touring competitions Mountain Attack and Erztrophy, as well as two Austrian championship titles.

"A 24-hour record is something very special. The monotony of the movement is within you and synchronizes with your breathing and heartbeat," comments Kilian Jornet on Herrmann's recent athletic achievement. He further assesses the record, stating, "I think for athletes accustomed to running fast, it is important to start a bit slower because after 10-12 hours, especially at night, conditions become tougher. The excitement of the first hours is gone, the energy from food is barely there, and the muscles start to ache a bit. These are the moments when it is crucial to maintain the pace. Jakob has done that, and I am happy for him and congratulate him on the new record."

Herrmann took only short breaks to eat rice and potatoes. In addition to isotonic drinks, gels, and bars, he relied on homemade banana bread. He was supported on the slope during his record attempt by partners, friends, and family. The professional ski mountaineer from Werfenweng has been part of the DYNAFIT athlete team since 2019. Last winter, Herrmann achieved success with victories at the ski touring competitions Mountain Attack and Erztrophy, as well as two Austrian championship titles.

Photos: © Philipp Reiter / The Adventure Bakery