Mont Blanc: the roof of Europe, the scene of incredible speed records
Records that defy imagination
Mont Blanc, a mythical peak reaching 4,808 meters, is not only the roof of Europe. It is also the scene of sporting feats that constantly push the limits of human endurance.
In May 2025, Benjamin Védrines set a new reference time for a round trip to Mont Blanc from the church in Chamonix, completing it in 4 hours and 54 minutes on skis , before being beaten a few days later by William Boffelli with a time of 4 hours and 43 minutes . For the "on foot" reference, Kilian Jornet still holds the record with 4 hours and 57 minutes, set in 2013.
These extraordinary performances illustrate the raw beauty and demanding nature of the Mont Blanc massif, a playground for exceptional athletes but also an endless source of inspiration for mountain photographers.
In short: reference times for Mont Blanc
- Round trip on foot from the church in Chamonix : 4 hours 57 minutes by Kilian Jornet (2013)
- Round trip skiing from Chamonix : 4 hours 54 minutes by Benjamin Védrines, then 4 hours 43 minutes by William Boffelli in May 2025
These FKTs (Fastest Known Times) have become a new way of telling the story of Mont Blanc – and an incredible source of inspiration for alpine photography.
Capturing the spirit of alpine performance
To immortalize these exceptional moments, mountain photography requires a deep understanding of alpine light and extreme conditions. The first glimmers of daylight on glaciers, the tracks left in fresh snow, the silhouettes of climbers on ridges… each element tells a story.
This photo of skiing in the Aiguilles Rouges, facing Mont Blanc, perfectly captures the commitment and beauty of these ascents. The composition highlights the immensity of the mountain range and the determination of the skiers.
Techniques for photographing mountaineering and ski touring
Photographing these feats requires meticulous preparation. Here are some essential principles:
- Golden light : The magical hours of sunrise and sunset offer incomparable warm hues on the snow and rock.
- Contrast : Playing with shadows and light to create depth and relief.
- Scale : Integrating human elements to give perspective to the immensity of the landscape.
- The tracks : The lines left by skiers or mountaineers create powerful graphic compositions.
These ski touring tracks in front of Mont Blanc perfectly illustrate this graphic approach, where the sinuous lines guide the eye towards the majestic summit.
The atmosphere of glaciers and mountain huts
Beyond the sheer performance, it is the entire atmosphere of the massif that fascinates. The glaciers sculpted by time, the perched refuges, the monumental seracs… all these elements make up the unique universe of Mont Blanc.
This image of ski touring on the Talèfre glacier shows the commitment required to move through these glacial environments, with the Aiguille du Moine in the background.
Immortalize your passion for the mountains
Whether you're a mountaineer , a ski tourer, or simply a lover of alpine landscapes, these images capture the very essence of what makes Mont Blanc so exceptional . Each photograph tells a story of effort, beauty, and respect for the mountain.
FAQ – Records on Mont Blanc & Photography
What is the current speed record on Mont Blanc?
The fastest reference time for a round trip on skis between the church in Chamonix and the summit of Mont Blanc is 4 hours 43 minutes by William Boffelli , achieved in 2025. On foot, the reference time remains 4 hours 57 minutes by Kilian Jornet in 2013.
How to photograph a feat of mountaineering or ski touring?
To convey the intensity of the effort, work in low light (sunrise or sunset), place the climbers in silhouette on the ridges, and use the tracks in the snow as lines of force that guide the eye towards the summit.
Which paintings should I choose for a decor inspired by the great feats of Mont Blanc?
Opt for panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif , scenes of mountaineering on glaciers or ski touring , printed in large format on matte Dibond aluminum for a clear and glare-free finish in a living room or office.
Discover our complete collection of photos of Mont Blanc , our mountaineering images and our ski touring photos in the Alps .
Each print is produced on matte Dibond aluminum in France, ready to hang, transforming your interior into a window onto the peaks . Hung above a sofa, a desk, or in a hallway, these images of Mont Blanc bring the energy of record-breaking climbs into your home… without having to put on skis.
