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Alpine Quest 1 — From Vienna to Monaco | 54 Days, 5 Countries, 47 Glaciers
March – May 2025 — Alpine Quest 1

From Vienna to Monaco.

A women’s pan-Alpine challenge across 5 countries: cycling, ski mountaineering and trail running. 54 days celebrating the International Year of Glacier Preservation, leading to an internationally awarded documentary.

Watch the Documentary
Distance1,600 km
Elevation67,000 m+
Glaciers47
Countries5
Days54
The Expedition

A women’s challenge across the Alpine arc.

From March to May 2025, Ironman World Champion Loubna Freih and mountain guide Mélanie Corthay traversed the Alps from Vienna to Monaco — combining cycling, ski mountaineering and trail running. This all-female adventure marked the International Year of Glacier Preservation, spotlighting glacier retreat and water resource issues, while celebrating women’s connection to nature through sport. Powered by the Alpine Quest International Foundation, it stood as a call to protect our environment.

54
Days
5
Countries
47
Glaciers
1,600km
Distance
67km+
Elevation
Meet the Team

A core team of five women.

Loubna didn’t tackle this challenge alone. She was joined throughout the journey by Mélanie, mountain guide ensuring safety on the toughest terrain, and at key moments by Sophie for logistical coordination, Saskia for research insights, and Aurélie for content creation — a dynamic team united by a shared passion for adventure and discovery.

Loubna Freih
Expedition Leader
2024 Ironman World Champion and elite athlete based in Verbier. Podium finisher at the legendary Patrouille des Glaciers, she embodies a deep passion for the mountains and the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries. Find out more →
Mélanie Corthay
Mountain Guide
First female mountain guide from Val de Bagnes, she is an accomplished alpinist. Since 2018, she has formed a daring trio with Loubna and Sophie, united by their passion for high-altitude adventures.
Sophie Pelka
Team Manager
Team manager and passionate ski mountaineer. Co-founder of Give it Forward Trust and Vice-President of GivingWomen, working for women’s empowerment.
Saskia Gindraux
Glaciologist
Glaciology expert based in Sion. Studied alpine and polar environments before joining CREALP. Skilled in measurement and imaging technologies to analyse frozen environments.
Aurélie Gonin
Film Director
Film director, photographer and founder of Alpine Media House. Creates mountain adventure films with a journalistic approach. Splits her time between Chamonix and Colorado.
A Women’s Relay of Strength

Athletes on the adventure.

Throughout the journey, a remarkable lineup of women joined Alpine Quest at different stages. From elite multi-sport athletes and Olympians to world champions and inspiring adventurers of all ages, they brought their unique strength and stories to this epic Alpine crossing.

The Documentary

An internationally acclaimed film.

The documentary retraces the Alpine Quest adventure with the ambition of sharing a powerful human story while raising awareness of the environmental issues it explores. Acquired by RTS Switzerland with a 2026 broadcast, also available on Amazon Prime Video across 8 countries and on Uptrack.

520k+
Cumulative views
8
International film festivals
2
Best Documentary awards
2
Honourable mentions
They Supported Us

A network of trusted partners.

Alpine Quest 1 was made possible thanks to the trust and commitment of our technical, in-kind, scientific and institutional partners — and the support of forward-thinking foundations.

The journey continues.

Alpine Quest 1 marked the beginning. Discover Alpine Quest 2 — our next pan-Alpine expedition launching August 2026, from the French Alps to the Slovenian Alps.

Support Alpine Quest