The Suunto Vertical Week 2025 was a remarkable global event that united nearly 240,000 participants in a collective effort to climb over 121 million vertical meters. This annual celebration of elevation gain, organized by Suunto, offered a unique blend of physical challenge, community spirit, and environmental advocacy.
Record-Breaking Achievements
Participants collectively climbed 121 million vertical meters, surpassing the initial goal of 1 million meters by an extraordinary margin of 121 times. The event attracted nearly 240,000 participants from around the world, marking it as one of the most successful editions in its history.
Diverse Activities and Global Participation
The event welcomed athletes and outdoor enthusiasts from various disciplines, including trail running, skiing, hiking, cycling, and mountaineering. It encouraged participants to engage in muscle-powered activities to contribute to their total elevation gain.
Environmental Advocacy
Suunto partnered with Protect Our Winters (POW) Europe to raise awareness about climate change. For every 100 vertical meters climbed, €1 was donated to POW Europe, up to a limit of €10,000. This initiative highlighted the event's commitment to sustainability and protecting natural environments.
Competitive Spirit
The event featured country rankings based on average ascent per session and total ascent. Austria led in average ascent per session (399m), while France topped the total ascent rankings. Individual achievements were also celebrated, with ten participants climbing over 14,000 meters during the week.
Innovative Tools and Features
Participants used Suunto's advanced GPS watches and apps to track their progress. Features like Climb Guidance, altitude profiles, vertical speed tracking, and Normalized Graded Pace enhanced the experience. The SuuntoPlus Vertical Week app allowed real-time monitoring of cumulative ascent and provided comparisons with previous years' rankings.
Prizes and Community Engagement
Suunto incentivized participation by offering prizes such as the Suunto Vertical Titanium watch and Suunto Wing headphones. Winners were selected from participants who joined through the Suunto app. A Strava challenge was also integrated into the event for broader community engagement.
National and Activity-Based Achievements
The event highlighted which countries excelled in specific activities:
- Spain dominated trekking activities with an average ascent of 628m per session.
- Slovenia led hiking with an average ascent of 555m per session.
- Italy excelled in cross-country skiing with an average ascent of 340m per session.
What Made This Event Special?
- Global Unity for a Cause: The event brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve a common goal while supporting environmental conservation.
- Focus on Sustainability: Linking physical activity with climate advocacy through donations to POW Europe emphasized the importance of protecting outdoor spaces.
- Advanced Technology Integration: Suunto's cutting-edge tools empowered participants to optimize their performance and enjoy a seamless experience.
- Community Spirit: The combination of friendly competition, shared goals, and rewards fostered a sense of camaraderie among participants.
Conclusion
Suunto Vertical Week 2025 was not just an athletic challenge but a celebration of human endurance, environmental stewardship, and technological innovation. It set new benchmarks for participation and impact while inspiring individuals worldwide to keep climbing—for themselves and for the planet.