Fastest woman on the Ama Dablam: Laura Dahlmeier with new speed record

Laura Dahlmeier climbs the 6812 meter high Ama Dablam in a time of 8 hours and 24 minutes (12:01h base camp-base camp), thus securing the Fastest Known Time for women.

Former professional biathlete Laura Dahlmeier has set a new record time on Ama Dablam. The Garmisch-Partenkirchen native climbed the shapely mountain, which is often referred to as the Matterhorn of Nepal, from base camp in 8 hours and 24 minutes. After 12 hours and one minute she was back at the starting point, bringing with her the new Fastest Known Time for women.

"An incredible day in every respect"

The first time, Laura Dahlmeier climbed the 6812 meter high summit over a period of three days, using the existing intermediate camps. After a two-day break in the base camp, she felt ready for another go. "I longed for this feeling of pure freedom - light, fast, concentrated - and so I set off alone, directly from the base camp to the summit and back in one go."

The day promised to be incredible in every way. "The climbing was just as exhilarating as the breathtaking landscape around me," enthuses the 31-year-old. "With perfect weather and perfect conditions, I was able to fully immerse myself in the moment and the beauty of it all."

In the end, she reached the summit after 8 hours and 24 minutes, and was back at base camp after just over 12 hours - faster than any other woman before her. But she wasn't really interested in setting a record, says Laura Dahlmeier.

Key data of the climb

• Altitude meters: 2355
• Distance: 25,73 kilometers
• Time (round trip): 12 hours, 1 minute, 11 seconds

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Credits: Cover picture Laura Dahlmeier