Project XPEAKS

Experience, skill, preparation and the right equipment are essential for a project of this size. But choosing the right partner is even more important. Climbing and hiking up 71,645 meters of altitude in 271 hours through extreme alpine terrain, and flying for 61 hours in the most adverse conditions - you can't do that with just anyone. The first person who came to Peter's mind for this adventure was Chrigel. They had already demonstrated their perfect harmony as a team in previous alpine competitions. Everyone knows each other's strengths and weaknesses, everyone gives of their best - without the pressure of having to prove anything.

A lifelong dream can only become a reality after you’ve set some rules and deadlines. This is how Peter and Chrigel create their own adventure. They decide ten simple and workable rules - don’t make it more difficult than it already is. They create the basis for an ambitious and original adventure that they can be proud of if they succeed, but total success is a secondary concern. Similarly, setting records is not the main intention. It’s the journey itself that counts, not just reaching the proverbial goal. With 82 summits that has to be the case.

For Chrigel, an adventure is a complex puzzle to be solved. He has already found the best solution eight times at the Red Bull X-Alps; he now knows the Alps like the back of his hand. But even for him a certain amount of competition fatigue sets in at some point, and being diagnosed with Lyme disease in spring 2024 gave Chrigel a new perspective on flying. After all these years, even the toughest adventure race in the world is no longer quite as challenging as it was the first time. So why not try something completely new? What if you could do something for the very first time again, not just against the clock, but at a distinctly higher level? Hike & Climb & Fly in high alpine terrain sets the bar much higher.

According to Chrigel, an adventure begins where the planning ends. XPeaks has not just met this definition, it has added a new dimension to it. High alpine flying is a whole new ball game due to the weather and terrain conditions. For Chrigel, uncertainty is an elementary component of adventure - this factor is higher in this project than in any competition. Standing on the Aletschhorn, their first summit, the reality of the gigantic challenge sinks in. The there are 81 more of these to come. The big picture can be far too big and confusing for the mind to take on board. One step at a time has to be the thinking strategy.

Those who recognise uncertainty as a source of inspiration learn to enjoy it. Not only the alpine altitude, but the flying also brings a new dimension to climbing 4000-metre peaks. Making big plans before takeoff doesn't work here. The best decision is often only made at the last minute, and you don't know exactly where you will end up or how far you will fly. It is precisely this factor that makes it so exciting because anything is possible: circle up and top land on the next summit, or be forced down in leeside sink with a glide ratio of 3 to land on a glacier - or perhaps spiral down at 28 m/s.

Although the mountaineering and flying are at the highest level, there are always moments that bring them down to earth. Many mountain huts just run out of space, making Peter a professional negotiator - avocados for places to sleep. Even the restaurants do not make allowances for the record-breaking adventure: closing time is closing time. Late in the evening, for example, Chrigel ventures on a culinary adventure called vending machine pizza.

Adopting the motto “at least one of us should be having fun”, Peter and Chrigel balance each other out - not only in their strengths, but also in their weaknesses. It is often the strong wind takeoffs on small surfaces in steep terrain that Peter would probably not dare to do alone. Here’s where Chrigel's calmness and support pay off. They then swap roles on narrow, icy ridges. Here there’s a relaxed Peter in the lead and a Chrigel who might prefer not to choose a push to the Mont Blanc summit shortly after midnight in uncomfortable conditions. The motto of the project is actually more serious and more important than one might initially think, in fact it’s vital for a successful team project.

One of the biggest dangers in a project of this magnitude could be your own ego. During the 51 days Chrigel and Peter repeatedly felt that it is essential to put ego aside for success and safety. Flying a B glider, even though you normally fly high performance gliders? Sensible. As a mountain guide, let a professional pilot pull you up by the rope because your strength is waning? Of course it makes sense. Admit that the next step is a bit too much for you? Definitely. There is no reason for the two of them to apologise for anything from the outset. They are two expert individuals who know that each will do his best. And that's exactly how it worked.