Skier Rob Bernhoft is attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the most vertical feet skied in 12 hours, with an impressive 137,252 vertical feet skied over 109 laps at Alpental, Washington.
On March 7, 2025, Bernhoft began his challenge at 9 a.m. and skied nonstop until 9 p.m. when the resort closed. Throughout the 12-hour endurance trial, Bernhoft made lap after lap on Debbie’s Gold, a groomed run served by the Armstrong Express, Alpental’s only high-speed chairlift. His total vertical feet is the equivalent of skiing up and down Mt. Rainier almost ten times.
“I think I lost a little bit of time through the bathroom break, but it’s okay,” said Bernhoft, laughing. Despite needing to make a single pit stop, he powered through the day with remarkable stamina, managing the physical demands of the task with just one brief pause. His perseverance was tested during the last few hours of his journey when his legs began to cramp each time he entered a tuck position. Yet, Bernhoft found the strength to push through. “Once you get in the zone, you know, and your adrenaline’s going, I think that kind of sustains you.”
An essential part of Bernhoft’s success came from the support and encouragement of fellow skiers. “It’s kind of cool to talk to everybody on the lift and have them, you know, cheer me on,” he added. “It kind of gave me energy talking to people.”
A father of five girls and the owner of a landscape design and construction business, Bernhoft manages a busy life but still finds time to pursue his love for skiing. His journey to this record attempt began long ago when, as a young skier, he discovered Alpental while riding a shuttle bus between Summit Central, the neighboring ski area, and Alpental.
“I was in love. It was awesome,” Bernhoft recalled of his first experience skiing at Alpental.
Years later, the seed for the world record attempt was planted when Bernhoft decided to spend an entire day skiing at Alpental, after a spontaneous change of plans. This moment of inspiration led him to set his sights on a Guinness World Record attempt.
With remarkable perseverance, Bernhoft continues to push the limits of his endurance, all while embracing the support of the ski community. His attempt is still under review by Guinness World Records, and his incredible feat is sure to inspire skiers and endurance athletes alike.
You Might Be Interested In:
