Simon Messner

Simon, aged 32, studied molecular biology and is a passionate alpinist. At the age of 15, he discovered his love for the mountains in the classic rock and ice routes of the Dolomites. Over the years, Simon has climbed many rock and ice routes and has made first ascents in Oman, Jordan, Pakistan, the Alps and on his home mountains, the Dolomites. For Simon, the style, i.e. HOW a route is opened holds equal significance to the act of climbing itself. He places little importance on sheer numbers, difficulties, or completion times. Instead, he views the mountains as a realm of profound experiences that must be preserved. Alongside his girlfriend Anna, Simon oversees two mountain farms, Oberortl and Unterortl, nestled beneath Juval Castle in the picturesque Vinschgau Valley. It was in this scenic environment that Simon recently discovered his passion for trail running, embracing it as an additional means to explore and connect with the natural world.