A legendary alpine traverse over rock and ice, this spectacular route takes you from the Dômes de Miage to the Aiguille du Midi, via the beautifully aesthetic Aiguille de Bionnassay and, of course, Mont Blanc. Often described as the “royal route” to the roof of Europe, it is one of the most magnificent ways to ascend—and descend—Mont Blanc.

Hanmer Springs to Rotoiti traverses the Rainbow Station, an Alpine Station in Te Waipounamu (The South Island), of Aotearoa (New Zealand). The majority of this route is unsealed, with much of it in a harsh alpine environment, without cellphone reception. Those attempting this FKT should be equipped with a locator beacon, a first aid kit, and hydration and nutrition to last the entirety of the route.