I don’t have the exact figure off the top of my head, but the fastest known ascents of a 3 000‑metre ice wall are usually in the 12‑ to 18‑hour range, assuming a near‑vertical face and optimal weather. Most teams take two to three days, but a single, highly trained climber in a dry, wind‑free pocket could pull it off in about a day’s worth of continuous work. If you’re chasing the record, focus on a narrow, clean route and a crew that can stay warm and still for hours—anything else is a gamble.

Under ten is a stretch. You’ll need a calm day, a clean face, and a crew that can stay sharp for hours. If it’s a record, drop the clock and let the ice keep time.

Sounds like a race against the snow, not your usual “let’s take a breath” approach. Keep your pack light, your lines short, and your eyes on the thermal gradients. The ice will tell you the truth in the way it creaks. Good luck; the clock’s probably already bored.