At just 20, Alasdair McKenzie made mountaineering history, becoming the youngest European and the youngest Frenchman to climb all 14 of the world's 8,000-metre peaks. His remarkable feat was achieved in just 2 and a half years, during which time he not only faced extreme conditions, but also put together his expedition project from scratch, seeking sponsors and partners.
Summits etched in history
Alasdair marked 2024 with two spectacular achievements. On 7 June, he opened a new route to the summit of Cho Oyu, via the Nepalese side, which is notoriously dangerous. As leader of this expedition, he led a Nepalese team with bravery and determination. On 9 October, he reached the summit of Shishapangma in a ‘one push’, a feat that once again proved his extraordinary physical and mental capacities.
In 2023, he achieved another feat: climbing the five 8,000-metre peaks in Pakistan in less than 26 days, an impressive record, especially as he did not use a helicopter for his journeys. This approach, in line with his values, aims to minimise his carbon footprint, a strong commitment by Alasdair to more responsible mountaineering.
A Life and Values Project
Behind these figures and dates lies a profound philosophy. Alasdair McKenzie is not looking to set an example, but to inspire the young people of his generation. He wants to show that anything is possible with a clear vision, solid values and unfailing perseverance. Every summit, every effort is a lesson in humility and respect for nature.
His determination was evident right from the start in 2022 when he climbed Lhotse and Makalu, two Himalayan giants, before going on to climb the legendary Everest, K2 and many others. Alasdair is much more than just a mountaineer: he embodies courage, determination and innovation in a sport where every decision counts.
Summits in detail
2024:
- Shishapangma (9 October)
- Cho Oyu (7 June)
2023:
- Dhaulagiri (29 September)
- Manaslu (20 September)
- K2 (28 July)
- Broad Peak (25 July)
- Gasherbrum G2 (21 July)
- Gasherbrum G1 (17 July)
- Nanga Parbat (2 July)
- Kanchenjunga (1 June)
- Everest (16 May)
- Annapurna (15 April)
2022:
- Lhotse (15 May)
- Makalu (24 May)
Technological collaboration to reach the summits
To support Alasdair in completing his latest summit, Therm-ic worked with him for over a year to design a unique mountaineering suit. This highly technical garment has been designed to offer maximum protection against extreme conditions while allowing optimum freedom of movement. Thanks to constant innovation, this suit enabled Alasdair to overcome the challenges of Shishapangma and achieve his ultimate goal.
Advanced Technology for Excellence
Throughout his expeditions to the world's highest peaks, Alasdair McKenzie has relied on Therm-ic products to keep him performing in extreme conditions. Here's the gear he's worn during his climbs:
Lightweight and breathable, this choker protects against the cold while wicking away moisture, making it ideal for tough alpine conditions.
Thin and technical, these under-gloves offer a first layer of warmth while allowing great dexterity.
With their built-in heating technology, these gloves helped Alasdair keep his hands warm even in the most extreme temperatures.
This set of heated underwear provides constant warmth, ensuring optimum comfort during long days of high-altitude climbing.
Thanks to this innovative equipment, Alasdair was able to cope with the harshest conditions while remaining focused on his objectives.
A Partnership that Continues Towards New Horizons
The partnership between Therm-ic and Alasdair McKenzie doesn't stop there. On the strength of this fruitful collaboration, we will continue to support him in his future challenges. Together, we will explore new ways of tackling the summits, perhaps this time on more slippery and snowy terrain, with even bolder innovations.
We're already working on designing new equipment specifically for his upcoming expeditions. Alasdair will play a key role in the development of these products, bringing his mountaineering expertise to bear on pushing back the boundaries once again. Stay tuned to find out what the future holds.
