Mathias's goal was to climb the height equivalent to Mount Vinson, the highest mountain in Antarctica (4892 meters), while attempting to set a world record in vertical ice climbing. The previous world record was 7760 meters, but Mathias far exceeded this goal by climbing a total of 500 laps, equivalent to 8000 meters, thus setting a new world record!

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mathias came up with the idea of climbing heights equivalent to the highest mountains on each continent – without leaving Norway. He has previously completed several impressive climbing projects, and now it was Mount Vinson’s turn. The record attempt at SNØ, where he climbed for 24 hours, became an intense physical and mental challenge.

"It is a very demanding physical exercise, and for anyone who has climbed ice, they know how tired you can get in a short amount of time. To keep going for 24 hours, it’s all about strategy: how much rest, eating right, drinking right, not getting cold, and so on."

Mathias carried out the record attempt on the Mammut Wall at SNØ, where he climbed a total of 500 laps – more than enough to surpass the previous world record of 7760 meters. The record was broken around 2:00 PM, after 20 hours of climbing. Mathias chose to continue, but after 21 and a half hours, he sustained a knee injury and decided to stop.

"I'm very tired, but also incredibly happy to be done," says Mathias.