Mathias broke the world record!
Adventurer Mathias Ekornås (35) set a new world record in vertical ice climbing on the ice wall at SNØ – 8,000 metres in 24 hours.
Mathias's goal was to ascend the height equivalent to Mount Vinson, the highest mountain in Antarctica (4,892 metres), while at the same time attempting to set a world record in vertical ice climbing. The previous record was 7,760 metres, but Mathias climbed a full 500 laps – 8,000 metres – and set a new world record.
During the pandemic, Mathias got the idea of ascending the heights equivalent to the highest mountains on each continent – without leaving Norway. The record attempt at SNØ, where he climbed for 24 hours, became an intense physical and mental challenge.
«It's a very demanding physical exercise. To keep going for 24 hours, it's largely about tactics – how much to rest, eating right, drinking right, not getting cold and so on.»
Mathias carried out the attempt on the Mammut wall at SNØ. The record was broken at around 14:00, after 20 hours of climbing. He continued, but after 21.5 hours he sustained a knee injury and stopped.
«I'm very tired, but also incredibly happy to be finished», says Mathias.
Published 21 October 2026 at 22.20