Souls of the Alps #10: Nicolas Hojac & Philipp Brugger – Speed, Endurance, and a New Alpine Era

In the grand theatre of the Alps, where tradition and legend have shaped generations of mountaineers, a new duo is writing a bold, modern script. Nicolas Hojac of Switzerland and Philipp Brugger of Austria are not just fast — they are precise, daring, and driven by a vision of alpine style that blends endurance, respect, and innovation.

In April 2025, the two climbers achieved what many thought impossible: they climbed the North Faces of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau — three of the most iconic walls in the Bernese Alps — in just 15 hours and 30 minutes. A feat that shattered the previous speed record by nearly 10 hours. But they didn’t stop there.

In true alpine fashion, they moved between peaks without any motorized assistance — on skis, by foot, and by sheer willpower. Their journey was more than a race — it was a tribute to the purity of alpinism. On the final descent, after summiting the mighty Jungfrau, they took off in a paraglider, soaring above the landscape they had just conquered. From ground to sky, climb to flight — this was the Alps reimagined.

Nicolas Hojac, already known for high-speed ascents and technical climbs, brings relentless focus and a calculated approach to risk. Philipp Brugger, with deep experience in ski mountaineering and mixed routes, adds endurance and fluidity. Together, they form a team rooted in the mountains, but always looking forward.

Their record-breaking adventure was not just about setting a new time — it was about pushing style, ethics, and athleticism into the future of alpinism. They are part of a new wave that honors the past, embraces innovation, and lives for the raw experience.

“The goal is not just to go fast — it’s to move well, to move free, and to live the moment fully.”
— Philipp Brugger