Since the beginning of June, the American Anna DeMonte has held the new skiing record (FKT - Fastest Known Time) for women on the Grand Mulets route of Mont Blanc. The Rab athlete's record time from Chamonix to the summit and back again: 7 hours and 29 minutes.
The mountaineer from Utah needed just under seven and a half hours Anna DeMonte on 5 June for the ascent of the Montblanc over the Grand Mulets route on skis. She set a new skiing record for women.
Video: Anna DeMonte with new Fastest Known Time on Mont Blanc
Just missed the overall record
DeMonte’s time came Total FKT of women, set by Hillary Gerardi, but she lost valuable time after slipping about 30 meters during the icy climb. The route, which covers about 3.840 meters of elevation, combines technical trail running, steep ski touring and complex glacier crossing.
"I'm happy and humbled by my accomplishment," said DeMonte. "We put so much time and focus into training, scouting, acclimatization and waiting, all in a new country for me, and yet the conditions were far from optimal."
I'm pleased to have accomplished this in a style I can be proud of by carrying all of my gear myself from start to finish."
Anna DeMontes
«One of my best ski runs»
DeMonte and her partner Jack Kuenzle spent this spring in Chamonix looking for adventure and new challenges. She soon realized that she wanted to make a record attempt on Mont Blanc.
The Grand Mulets route is a real challenge, including a climb of around 1.000 metres past the Mont Blanc Tunnel, crossing the Bossons Glacier, negotiating massive crevasses and seracs, and climbing the Arete des Bosses to the summit.
The descent includes a challenging ski descent down the north face, which DeMonte described as "one of my best ski descents." DeMonte hopes her achievement will inspire more women to attempt speed skiing on Mont Blanc.
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Credits: Cover photo Aaron Rolph, text Rab