On April 13, 2026, a remarkable achievement unfolded in the breathtaking Sierra Nevada mountains of California. Just before noon, a trio of seasoned adventurers—Cody Townsend, Tommy Caldwell, and Bjarne Salén—completed the first-ever winter ski traverse of Norman’s 13, a challenging route that links 13 of the highest peaks in the region. This monumental feat not only showcases their exceptional skills but also pays homage to the legendary mountaineer Norman Clyde, after whom the traverse is named.
The journey began with the team inspired by Kilian Jornet’s summer route, which had previously set the fastest time for traversing these peaks. The summer route, while less treacherous, highlighted the potential for an epic winter adventure filled with skiing, climbing, and the inevitable challenges of extreme weather. The team knew that the traverse covered over 160 kilometers (101 miles) with an elevation gain of around 12,000 meters (39,000 feet), making it a daunting task.
As they set off, the conditions varied dramatically. The team experienced everything from nearly perfect skiing to inconsistent and challenging weather, testing their resolve and adaptability. Cody Townsend remarked, “It was pretty quick that I realized the summer route connected a ton of great ski lines, and with the right conditions, it would not just be a peak-bagging trip but a journey filled with skiing, suffering, and great climbing… three aspects that make for epic adventures.” This perspective fueled their determination as they navigated the rugged terrain.
The final day of the traverse was particularly grueling, requiring 24 hours of continuous skiing and climbing over technical terrain. The team pushed through the pain, with Townsend describing the experience as feeling “like being stabbed… with thousands of hot needles.” Such vivid imagery illustrates the physical toll that this epic journey exacted on the adventurers.
Despite the hardships, the team successfully summited all 13 peaks, which include Mount Whitney, Mount Williamson, North Palisade, and several others, each towering above 4,000 meters. The peaks, in order of elevation, are a testament to the grandeur of the Sierra Nevada, with Mount Whitney standing as the highest at 4,421 meters. This achievement not only marks a significant milestone in the world of mountaineering but also serves as an inspiration for future adventurers.
As of now, the fastest time for traversing Norman’s 13 remains with Kilian Jornet, who accomplished the feat in September 2025 in just two days, 8 hours, and 11 minutes. The current state of the traverse is one of excitement and admiration within the climbing community, as the winter version adds a new layer of complexity and challenge to an already formidable route.
This sequence of events matters deeply for those involved, as it highlights the spirit of adventure and camaraderie that defines the climbing community. The successful completion of the winter ski traverse not only honors the legacy of Norman Clyde but also sets a new benchmark for what is possible in extreme sports. As Cody Townsend noted, “Seeing the headlines and stories made me dive deeper into the route itself,” reflecting the ongoing inspiration that such epic endeavors provide to climbers and skiers around the world.
