Peaks, punctures and muscle power across the alps
Freeski athletes, Jochen Mesle and Max Kroneck, have achieved the impossible in Ice and Palms climbing and cycling across the Alps unsupported.
The extraordinary 32 minute documentary follows their incredible feat of human endurance to realise a long-held dream: To cross the Alps and reach the Mediterranean sea by cycling, climbing and skiing some iconic mountains along the way – powered by human strength alone.
Leaving their homes in southern Germany laden with all the kit (ski equipment, cooking utensils, camera gear, sleeping bags and camping mats) attached to their bikes, the two close friends embarked on the expedition of a lifetime. The pair climbed over 35,000 vertical metres, and travel 1,850 kilometres on bikes, skis and crampons across Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France.
The duo were filmed climbing and skiing iconic peaks with their bikes fastened to their backs
Image: Powder Mag
The duo were filmed climbing and skiing iconic peaks with their bikes fastened to their backs. The men’s determination to push onwards, driven by muscle power alone, and with their entire bike setup of some 50kg is what makes Ice and Palms unique.
Plagued by sickness, exhaustion, hunger, poor weather conditions, avalanche threats and blisters they finally reached Nice
Ice and Palms is filled with hair-raising moments. Potential exposure on Austria’s Furka Pass (2,249m) or suffering severe exhaustion on Italy’s Cima di Rosso (3,366m) exemplify Mesle and Kroneck’s passion to realise a dream. The documentary is also a love note to nature as the two men journey into the wilderness and are transformed by it.
Image: Max Kroneck
Plagued by sickness, exhaustion, hunger, poor weather conditions, avalanche threats and blisters they finally reached Nice in mid-June after 42 exhausting days. Incredibly, just 20km from the finish line, the pair suffered the first bike tyre puncture of their entire epic journey!
I will either find a way or make one
Produced by El Flamingo films, directed by Philip Becker and documented by Mesle and Kroneck themselves Ice and Palms is an extraordinary tale of the power of mind over matter, and muscle over mountain. A story where Hannibal Barka’s immortal lines “I will either find a way or make one” have never felt so applicable.
Image: Powder Mag
Recently it won the Audience award at the St. Anton Film festival in Austria and continues to wow crowds at festivals across the world, including the Berlin Independent Film Festival and the Winter Film Festival in France.
Now let Ice and Palms inspire your next adventure and the boundaries we can push.
To find out more or to watch the film on the big screen click here. Or click here it read more about Max and Jochen
Image: Max Kroneck
The route taken through the alps
Image: Max Kroneck
Image: Philipp Becker
Image: Jochen Mesle