Defying limits and redefining endurance, professional skier James “J.D.” Miller has announced an audacious goal to ski a staggering 10 million vertical feet—equivalent to 3,048,000 meters—within a single ski season, aiming to set a new Guinness World Record for the most vertical descent skied in one winter.
Miller, a veteran of extreme alpine challenges and holder of multiple endurance skiing records, has already logged over 6 million vertical feet this season. With weeks left in the North American and European snow calendar, he’s pushing through daily dawn-to-dusk descents to chase what many consider an impossible feat.
“This isn’t just about the number,” said Miller at a press conference in Aspen. “It’s about proving what the human body and spirit can accomplish when focused on a single, relentless goal.”
The 37-year-old is using a mix of traditional alpine skiing and high-speed gondola returns to maximize his vertical drop totals each day. His tracking is monitored in real-time using verified GPS and altimeter data, which is independently audited for Guinness certification.
Miller’s challenge has captivated the skiing world, with fellow athletes, fans, and mountain communities rallying behind him. Some ski resorts have even adjusted lift schedules to help him reach his daily targets.
“We’re witnessing history on the slopes,” said Lara Simmons, spokesperson for the International Ski Federation. “No one has ever attempted this with such scale and consistency.”
Beyond the record, Miller is using his journey to raise awareness and funds for youth outdoor programs and climate sustainability efforts in ski regions threatened by rising temperatures.
If successful, Miller’s name will go down in history not just for conquering vertical terrain — but for inspiring an entire generation of athletes to dream bigger and ski farther.
