Press release -
Rab athlete Anna DeMonte sets new women’s ski FKT on Mont Blanc - Documentary film now available
Rab athlete Anna DeMonte has set a new women’s ski Fastest Known Time (FKT) on Mont Blanc’s Grand Mulets route. On 5th June 2024, 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 will be available HERE on 13 August 2024, 4pm (BST).
DeMonte’s time came within two minutes of the women’s overall FKT, set by Hillary Gerardi, after a 100-foot slip on the icy ascent. The route, covering approximately 12,600 vertical feet, combines technical trail running, steep ski mountaineering, and complex glacier travel.
“I am both happy and humbled with the effort I put together,” said DeMonte. “We put so much time and focus into training, scouting, acclimatizing, and waiting, all in a new country, and still conditions were far from optimal. I’m stoked to have done this in a style I am proud of, carrying all of my own equipment, from start to finish.”
Anna DeMonte and Jack Kuenzle in Chamonix after her successful attempt on Mont Blanc. ©Sami Sauri
DeMonte and her partner, Jack Kuenzle, spent this spring in Chamonix pursuing adventure and new challenges and it soon became clear to her that she wanted to attempt a FKT on Mont Blanc.
The Grand Mulets route presents a true challenge, including a 3,300-foot trail climb past the Mont Blanc tunnel, traversing the Bossons glacier, navigating massive crevasses and seracs, and ascending the Arete des Bosses to the summit. The descent involves a thrilling ski down the north face, which DeMonte described as “one of the best skis I've ever done.”
DeMonte hopes her achievement will inspire more women to attempt speed ski efforts on Mont Blanc.
Anna DeMonte - ©Aaron Rolph
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Anna DeMonte is available for interviews and in-depth profiles. We encourage media outlets to feature the video on their platforms.
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Equip Outdoor Technologies UK Ltd is an international business with the head office based in Derbyshire, UK. We are proud to own both the Rab and Lowe Alpine brands. We design exceptional product to meet the needs of our active customers. We encourage our teams to thrive and be part of our success. Our passion for the outdoors and adventurous spirit sets the foundation for what we do. We have approved near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets with the SBTi and are proud to be a Fair Wear Leader Brand. www.equipuk.com.
