You hold records as a high-altitude mountaineer and are the first woman to ski solo to the South Pole. How would you describe yourself?
I’m very goal-oriented and I need challenges. Both motivate me to push my own boundaries. And of course, I just enjoy being out and about in nature.

Yet you were more of a beach lover when you were younger, right?
That’s right. I bought my first trekking shoes when I was 23 and climbed Machu Picchu with my sister. In the following year, I climbed the 6,961-metre-high Aconcagua in Argentina. I then set my sights on Denali, the highest peak in North America. With each mountain came inspiration for the next.

Until you finally stood on top of Mount Everest. Twice.
At that point I had climbed all Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. To date I’ve climbed ten eight-thousanders. Initially, I joined expedition teams, but nowadays I often climb the mountains alone.

In 2020, you became the first woman to ski 1,381 kilometres to the South Pole in 58 days. What’s it like there, where people almost never go?
Magical. The landscape is beautiful and unique, like a continent made of candyfloss. You stand on a mountain and instead of looking at clouds, you see ice and snow. It’s silent all around you. And it’s peaceful because there aren’t any polar bears.

What was going through your mind all day long?
At first I enjoyed the natural spectacle with sparkling ice crystals and elegant snowdrifts. When the first severe storm hit, self-doubt set in and that’s when I switched to challenge mode. Then I took a deep breath and enjoyed it. When things got tough later, I was constantly doing mental calculations: How fast am I? How far do I still have to go? Have I got enough fuel left?

Did you ever feel afraid? Of a storm, for example?
No, more like respect. Fear paralyses you. I’m completely focused and have practised every move a thousand times. So I kept going even in squalls of one hundred kilometres per hour and became more confident in myself with each day that passed.

What was it like when you arrived at your destination?
I was relieved but also a bit sad because it was all over.

What are your next goals?
More mountain and polar expeditions. And I also want to generate more impact with my voice and encourage young people to pursue their dreams. It’s worth it!