The bet, the climb, the bond: Janja Garnbret climbs the highest Slovenian mountain - Triglav

Janja Garnbret’s hike to Triglav began with a bet before the Tokyo Olympics, where she promised her coach to climb the mountain if she won gold. This ascent had been on her mind for a long time – she and her friends had often talked about making the journey together, but there was never enough time. Though she had no shortage of skills, hiking had never been her passion. With the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching, Janja decided it was finally the right moment to fulfill this promise and her long-time wish. To accompany her on this special journey, she turned to Tomo Česen, a legendary climber, mountain guide, and a mentor she shares a unique bond with.

Triglav: A Symbol of Slovenian Pride

This iconic mountain, towering over the Julian Alps at 2,864 metres (9,396 ft), is more than just a peak. It's the highest mountain in Slovenia, a symbol of national pride, a rite of passage for many and a challenge for those who seek to prove their connection to the country. There’s even an old Slovenian saying:

You’re not a true Slovenian until you’ve summited Triglav.

For Janja, this saying was an unspoken truth. But her story with Triglav had been more complicated. It wasn’t that she lacked the skill – far from it. As the greatest female sport climber of all time, she has continuously set new benchmarks in climbing. But hiking? Well, that was a different story.

From a Tokyo Bet to Triglav's Summit

The story of Triglav began with a playful bet made before the Tokyo Olympics between Janja and her coach, Roman. The terms were simple: If Janja won gold in Tokyo, she would climb Triglav. It was a lighthearted challenge, but one with a twist – Janja wasn’t particularly fond of hiking. Despite her world-class climbing skills, hiking up a mountain didn’t spark the same excitement as scaling walls or boulders.

As fate would have it, Janja did clinch gold at the Tokyo Olympics and as the Paris 2024 Olympics approached, she felt that not fulfilling the bet seemed like tempting bad karma. Yet, Janja knew she didn’t want to face the mountain alone; hiking is always more rewarding in good company.

This is why she reached out to someone truly exceptional – Tomo Česen, a legendary figure in the climbing world, mountain guide and mountaineer. A man who knows almost every rock of the Triglav mountain as his pocket. He has also been a steadfast pillar of support throughout Janja's career.

Janja shares a special bond with Tomo, which began when she was just 16 years old. At the time, Tomo was the trainer of Martina Čufar, the 2001 World Champion, and brought a wealth of coaching experience. While he was never officially Janja’s coach, he offered her valuable insights and guidance, helping her see climbing through his eyes. His thoughtful approach to training and competition, along with his clear vision, made his advice invaluable. "Tomo has a similar perspective on training and competitions and we’ve always had great discussions," Janja reflects.

One piece of advice from Tomo has stayed with her over the years and will never be forgotten:

Easy routes should be climbed easily.

Tomo Česen

Over the years, their relationship deepened into one of mutual respect and enriching conversations. They often engaged in meaningful debates about climbing, training, and competitions. She affectionately refers to her visits to him as "therapy," where, over coffee, they would discuss all matters in depth. Their connection remained strong, with her regularly visiting him once a month to share thoughts and seek advice.

Janja and Tomo Česen Embark on Their Triglav Adventure

Janja and Tomo set off for Triglav early in the morning, well-equipped and in high spirits. The weather was ideal for an early summer hike – clear skies and a refreshing breeze noticeably cooler than in the valley below. They chose the route which enabled them to experience the mountain's full range of landscapes, each more captivating than the last.

As they made their way upward, the landscape gradually shifted, each step revealing a new chapter of Triglav National Park’s beauty. They first crossed lush, grassy meadows, adorned with vibrant, protected mountain flowers, offering a stunning contrast against the panoramic views that seemed to stretch endlessly in all directions.

Soon, the trail grew steeper, the gentle grasses giving way to jagged rocks and treacherous paths, a stark reminder of the mountain’s untamed, raw power.

A Wild Encounter in the Heart of the Julian Alps

To add a touch of magic to the experience, they were fortunate enough to encounter a chamois, its graceful figure darting across the rocky slopes with remarkable agility. This rare moment of connection with the wildlife of the Julian Alps reminded Janja and Tomo of the untouched beauty of the region. The Julian Alps, home to diverse species like ibex, dormouse, red fox marmots, black grouse or even a brown bear, offer a unique sanctuary for wildlife, where animals roam freely in their natural habitat.

More Than a Hike: Shared Moments, Shared Knowledge

During their hike, Janja and Tomo also met fellow climbers, many of whom were eager to snap photos with the duo. In Slovenia, the love for athletes and sports runs deep and their presence is a source of inspiration. As an ambassador of Slovenian tourism, Janja's influence extends beyond sports, promoting her country's natural beauty and culture to the world. Her story showcases not just athletic excellence, but the spirit of Slovenia itself.

Janja was particularly thrilled by how much Tomo knows about the mountains. As a former professional alpinist pioneering climbs in the Himalayas, he shared his vast experience with her. This made the hike feel lighthearted and filled with fascinating insights. It's a rare gift to have someone from the field by your side, making the hike not just a physical challenge, but a safe and enriching experience.

Standing on Top of Slovenia

They reached the summit of Triglav in a single day. For the final stage of their climb they took additional safety measures. They relied on ropes, protective gear and other climbing tools to navigate the exposed and demanding terrain safely. After reaching the peak, they descended to Kredarica, where they spent the night. The hut, bustling with hikers and climbers preparing for or reflecting on their own adventures, provided a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. They joined a diverse group of people, playing cards, sharing stories and chatting late into the evening.

As Janja stood atop Triglav, surrounded by the majestic views of Slovenia’s landscapes, she couldn’t help but feel a deep connection to the mountain. It was as if Triglav, a symbol of Slovenian resilience and spirit, had become part of her own journey.

I felt proud—now I’m a true Slovenian. I’ve always respected mountaineering and the mountains, but standing there, you realize how small and insignificant you are.

Janja Garnbret

The moment was made even more special by Tomo’s presence. His calm and steady presence was a reminder of the importance of having someone who truly understands the journey, making the achievement of standing atop Triglav all the more meaningful.

Fast Forward to the Paris Olympics

At the Paris Olympics, Janja once again clinched the gold. It left us wondering if her ascent to Triglav had played a role in her success. After all, it had been more than just a physical challenge; it was a journey of reflection, of obstacles overcome and of untapped potential discovered. Alongside the legendary Tomo Česen, she seemed to unlock a new level of strength and determination, helping her scale yet another peak – this time, the Olympic podium.

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