Jordi Pons, a 93-year-old climber, shares his passion for mountaineering and the joy of living fully. Despite physical challenges, he continues to inspire others.
At the age of 93, Jordi Pons embodies the spirit of adventure that has defined his life. With a smile that belies his years, he welcomes visitors with tales of his extensive climbing experiences across some of the world’s most challenging terrains, including the Alps and Himalayas. Pons emphasizes that he no longer feels the need to prove himself; instead, he seeks to enjoy every moment.
Pons recently faced a minor injury causing discomfort in his foot, yet it hasn’t deterred him from pursuing his passion for climbing. “Last week I ascended Trona Peak in Montserrat,” he shares. While he admits to scaling with more caution now, he remains undeterred by age. “No one would guess I’m 93; I feel more like 80,” he asserts confidently.
Every Tuesday, Pons joins fellow veteran climbers for lunch at a restaurant in Eixample. He reflects on the loss of friends over time but maintains a positive outlook on life. “I’m at the front line of life’s race but have no hurry to leave this world,” he states while enjoying a warm June morning on his terrace in Guinardó.
To stay active, Pons regularly hikes up to the bunkers at Carmel and practices stretching exercises twice daily to enhance flexibility. This commitment not only supports his physical health but also enriches his social interactions, which are vital for his well-being. His greatest joy comes from gathering with friends, giving talks about his adventures, showcasing documentaries he’s produced, and planning future trips.
In October, Pons will return to Kathmandu for an important meeting with the International Union of Alpinism Associations (UIAA), where he holds honorary membership. Having traveled extensively—from Australia to Tanzania—he regards Nepal as a second home: “It’s a country that changes you.” Adorning himself with traditional Nepali jewelry featuring turquoise and coral stones, he points out prayer flags hanging on his terrace while reciting the Buddhist mantra Om mani padme hum.
Pons possesses remarkable memory retention despite acknowledging that aging brings certain losses. He treasures memories as they define who we are: “What matters most is knowing who you are,” he explains. His happiness stems from having good health and an enthusiastic approach toward daily activities; even this winter saw him skiing.
Living fully in the present does not prevent him from reminiscing about past achievements in mountaineering. In the 1960s, Pons made significant contributions to Spanish climbing history by completing first ascents of iconic northern faces in the Alps—the Eiger and Grandes Jorasses—with Anglada—and summiting Cervino with Heinz Pokorski. Additionally, one of his proudest moments was reaching Annapurna East alongside Anglada and Emili Civis—the first eight-thousander climbed by a Spanish expedition.
Pons prepared meticulously for this interview by gathering books detailing these historic climbs along with photo albums and old climbing gear that tell stories of their own. He proudly displays small sculptures representing each peak he’s conquered—Annapurna East, Dhaulagiri, Cho Oyu, and G-II—crafted by friend Emili Armengol.
The interview concludes as Pons poses willingly with vintage ice axes and other relics on his terrace before heading off for another round of stretching exercises later that day.
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