Giving women visibility in mountain and outdoor sports, creating role models and inspiring women to try something new; the 100% Women initiative and associated Peak Challenge were successfully launched on International Women’s Day 2021. This ambitious concept is now continuing into 2022. Switzerland Tourism, the Swiss Alpine Club (SAC), the Swiss Mountain Guide Association (SBV), Saas-Fee/Saastal Tourism and the outdoor brand Mammut are planning to set a unique record with the world’s largest all-female rope team. Some 60 women from around the globe will come together in June to tackle the 4,027m Allalinhorn in Valais.

Travelling brings people together. The 100% Women initiative, launched successfully on International Women’s Day last year, is proof of it. Despite the pandemic, women from more than 20 countries came to Switzerland for the Peak Challenge. Between them, around 700 women climbed all 48 of Switzerland’s 4,000m peaks in all-female teams. This was also the first time ever that female mountaineers and guides had undertaken a visible, concerted effort of this kind anywhere in the world.

As we take the next step in 100% Women on this year’s International Women’s Day, this collective female power on the mountain is set to grow even stronger. Switzerland Tourism (ST) is planning a record attempt in the Alps this June in conjunction with the Swiss Alpine Club, the Swiss Mountain Guide Association, Saas-Fee/Saastal Tourism and the outdoor brand Mammut. Around 60 women will together climb the Allalinhorn in Valais and symbolically form the world’s largest all-female rope team. Two partner organisations – the Swiss Alpine Club and the Swiss Mountain Guide Association – along with prestigious women’s mountaineering experts, all agree that mobilising such a large all-female team is unprecedented. The historian Marie-France Hendrikx concurs: “To my knowledge, never before in the history of mountain sport have so many women teamed up to climb a peak together. It is all the more pleasing that this record is being set in Switzerland.”

Greater diversity on the mountain.

The Swiss mountains are accessible to all women, and 100% Women is seeking to highlight this via the largest, most diverse all-female rope team. Women from all cultures and of any age with the basic level of fitness required for the approximately three-hour ascent can register online for one of 10 places. The other 40 or so places will be allocated to journalists and specially selected women from Switzerland and abroad. The aim is to make the group as diverse as possible.

Around 15 experienced female mountain guides will each take charge of the safety of four participants per rope during the ascent. The Allalinhorn was selected as a 4,000m peak that is suitable even for those with limited mountaineering experience. For some of the women, this could be the first 4,000m peak they ever climb.

The record attempt will take place between 15 and 17 June 2022. Depending on the weather, the climb will take place on Thursday or Friday. Saas-Fee will serve as the base camp, thus establishing itself as a hub for women’s mountain sport. It is important to stress that this event is not just about the mountain climb itself, but also about the chance to share experiences. The accompanying programme includes various workshops, training opportunities, relaxation activities for body and mind, and a celebratory evening meal once the peak has been successfully summited.

Women-only travel: Huge potential for Switzerland as a destination.

ST believes that female travel holds great potential for the Swiss tourism industry. Switzerland has much to offer this target group, with its varied and unspoiled natural environment. The country also regularly features at the top of international rankings for safety, cleanliness and sustainability. These are all attributes that are particularly valued by women. Furthermore, the conditions for getting more women involved in mountain sports and outdoor activities in general are constantly improving. In developed countries, the number of well-educated, financially independent women with a desire for physical, back-to-nature adventure continues to rise. Within tourism, this trend has translated into higher demand for women-only travel. Switzerland Tourism has responded by compiling the MySwitzerland.com/women platform as part of the 100% Women initiative. It provides inspiration for many different experiences specifically tailored to women’s needs. They include 11 multi-day mountaineering, hiking and e-biking experiences led exclusively by female guides. The tours have been organised by the Mammut Alpine School (MAS) and out & ABOUT – Switzerland Trekking and can be booked directly via their websites.

Be part of the world’s largest all-female rope team.

Female journalists wishing to be part of the world’s largest all-female rope team can apply by email to media@switzerland.com. Please note that there is a limited number of spaces available.

All other women wishing to be part of this special event can apply online via MySwitzerland.com/worldrecord by 15 April 2022.

Links:

Media contact:

Myriam Ziesack, Head of Media and Communications UK & Ireland
Tel: +44 (0)20 7845 7691
Email: myriam.ziesack@switzerland.com

About Switzerland Tourism:

Switzerland Tourism is the Swiss National Tourist Board whose mandate it is to promote Switzerland as a premier travel, holiday and convention destination. Based in Zurich, Switzerland Tourism is present in 22 markets worldwide, employing around 240 people. Its UK and Ireland office is in Holborn, London.