One of the most profound facets of the human condition involves the act of pushing oneself beyond the boundaries of comfort. Delving into the outermost limits of what an individual may consider possible offers opportunities for gaining insights, enhancing mental and physical strength, and even experiencing spiritual epiphanies.

Feeling called to examine this transformative process, Spanish photographer Carlos Blanchard employed the traditional medium of film to document friends Verena Hennes, Mary Irrasch, Eva Danner, and Maria Frykman-Grant on a trip in the Ötztal Alps near the border of Austria and Italy. The resulting images—some of which were shot as multiple exposures—immortalize the journey of four individuals as they challenged their thresholds for discomfort amidst rugged terrain. Blanchard’s gallery, accompanied by diary-like entries from each of the women, mixes moments of reflection with the hardship of ascending mountain passes and taking on treacherous descents. At the end of the trip, the photographer found himself moved.

“As a group, and each of them as individuals, had the courage to not only offer help to others when they needed it, but to open up with their thoughts and fears throughout the route,” Blanchard said. “It’s an interesting exercise that could teach us something about how to lose the fear of accepting our weaknesses and vulnerabilities to others.”

"Our group of four shares a friendship that came about quite unexpectedly. What initially brought us together was our collective passion for cycling. But we have so much more in common. We are all very different and yet there is a strong glue that holds us together. We respect each other, we are grateful for each other’s perspectives, we listen to each other, and we don't have to pretend when we are together. These strong women give me a safe space that I otherwise rarely feel." — Eva Danner

"Her bike, an extension of herself, follows the trail like water obeying the laws of nature. It glides effortlessly, tracing the path of least resistance. And yet, like a torrential river, it possesses the power to shape her experiences of every landscape she encounters. Together, they become a force—a dance between rider and machine, mimicking the natural flow of water." — Maria Frykman-Grant

"I don’t often have the opportunity to be in the high mountains, but I always feel at home there. The barren landscape and rugged nature make me aware of how small I am. But it doesn't make me feel uncomfortable—in fact, quite the opposite. I wonder how that can be? Maybe it’s because the mountains seem so strong and indestructible. That gives me security and safety." — Eva Danner

"In a rugged landscape of stones weathered by time, let it symbolize our daily challenges—an illustration of the enduring power within. And there, seamlessly blended with the rocky terrain, their silhouettes emerge, head held high with an unwavering gaze that mirrors the determination within their souls." — Maria Frykman-Grant 

"It’s a timeless scene, yet another presence lingers—a silent force that propels, uplifts, and amplifies the ride. It is the co-riders, the group of friends, sharers of ups and downs, and her guardians who are trailing in her wake, getting sprinkled with the current of her flow." — Maria Frykman-Grant

"In moments like these, I am just grateful to experience nature and enjoy this beauty without worry. Sharing such moments with my friends makes the experience even more intense and deepens our friendship." — Eva Danner

"When I am out in nature all day experiencing the wind, the weather, the smells and sounds firsthand— without filters—without the safety cocoon of human achievements that make us believe we are superior to nature, that make us forget that we are a part of it, I rest within myself. The happiness radiates from the deepest part of my heart. This photo of me and Verena, in the evening mist of our second hut high in the alpine between Austria and Italy, shows a moment of simple happiness, contentment, and peace." — Eva Danner

"With each ride she conquers physical and metaphorical mountains, harnessing the force of stone beneath and air above. Let the efforts echo a resounding message—she is a force, defying expectations and shattering boundaries." — Maria Frykman-Grant

"This photo was taken after Verena mastered a challenging passage. The rest of us didn’t think we could do it. I was cheering along with her and had heart palpitations when she got on her bike to give it a try. I was so proud of her and so happy for her. I know it’s an incredibly good feeling to go above and beyond— to dare to do something and be rewarded for it." — Eva Danner