DYNAFIT athlete Andy Steindl is once again seeking a challenge: Together with Martin Anthamatten, the Swiss exceptional athlete aims to climb all seven peaks over 4,000 meters in the Aletsch area of the Bernese Oberland in under 20 hours on touring skis. A technically and mentally demanding speed project that requires perfect conditions and precise timing. The time window for the start is at the end of April.
The project: Berner Oberland Ski Express
The route is one of the most challenging high-altitude ski tours in the Alps. Covering approximately 70 kilometers and about 7,200 meters of elevation gain and approximately 8,500 hm of descent, it connects seven four-thousand-meter peaks, leading through high-alpine terrain, some of which is heavily glaciated.
Start: Jungfraujoch tunnel exit (approx. 3,360 m)
Destination: Belalp (approx. 2,100 m)
The planned route goes over:
- Jungfrau (4,158 m)
- Mönch (4,110 m)
- Grosses Grünhorn (4,043 m)
- Grosses Fiescherhorn (4,049 m)
- Hinteres Fiescherhorn (4,025 m)
- Finsteraarhorn (4,274 m) – highest point of the tour
- Aletschhorn (4,194 m)
The tour requires safe and swift movement over long glacier passages, exposed ridges, and steep slopes. Key points include especially the long, technically complex ascents to the Finsteraarhorn and Aletschhorn. Most of the other peaks are climbed and skied at night, which further increases the difficulty and imposes special requirements for navigation, pace, and alpine experience.
Each of these peaks already represents a challenging day trip for experienced ski tourers. Steindl and Anthamatten are planning to tackle all the peaks in one continuous push with just minimal breaks.
The record attempt: key details and history
The planned start is at midnight, the goal: to reach Belalp in under 20 hours. The time window for the attempt is between April 26 and May 6, depending on snow and weather conditions.
The previous reference value comes from 2015: Beni Hug and Tony Sbalbi needed about 20 hours, but they stopped their time already at the Aletschhorn. The final section to Belalp – about 1,700 meters of descent over the southwest side, the Oberaletsch Glacier, and the Oberaletsch Hut – is often underestimated. Just for that, classic rope teams usually need 5 to 7 hours.
It’s this long, complex final part that makes it clear: The Berner Oberland Ski Express is not just decided in the ascent, but especially in endurance until the last meter.
About DYNAFIT athlete Andy Steindl
Andy Steindl, born at the foot of the Matterhorn, discovered his passion for the mountains early on: At 14, he stood on the summit of the Swiss landmark for the first time with his parents. Today, the 37-year-old certified mountain and ski guide is one of the leading athletes in ski mountaineering.
Until 2018, Andy was part of the Swiss national team, and since 2019, he has been exploring high alpine terrain as a DYNAFIT athlete, always on the lookout for new personal bests. His biggest successes include the speed record on Mont Blanc (2019), his record run on the Matterhorn (under 4 hours), and climbing all four ridges of the Matterhorn in one day. In July 2024, he also set a new record on the Spaghetti Round with 7 hours and 45 minutes, once again confirming his extraordinary strength at high altitudes.
