Between Rock and Sky: Jenni Jalonen

It is quiet in the mountains. Only the crunch of crampons in the snow and the rhythm of her own breath accompany each step. Ahead of Jenni Jalonen lies the next ascent – steep, icy, and beautiful.

For the 32-year-old athlete, moments like these are the reason she keeps returning to the heights. Born in Sweden, she now lives in Chamonix, one of the world’s most renowned mountain sports destinations. Here, she trains for her passion: speed mountaineering – a discipline where endurance, technique, and mental strength must work in perfect harmony. In winter, she expands her training with ski mountaineering, cross-country skiing, and alpine skiing. But whether on skis or with crampons, the mountains are her element.

Many sports, many pairs of glasses?

Anyone who spends a lot of time outdoors knows the problem: changing conditions, shifting light, different sports. And often, that also means multiple pairs of glasses.

That used to be Jenni’s everyday reality. “I do many different sports, and I used to have to bring several pairs of glasses—depending on the weather or the activity.” One pair for trail running, another for cycling, yet another for mountaineering. Impractical, expensive, and anything but sustainable.

Today, she has found a solution that perfectly fits her active lifestyle: the SIOLS system. Instead of owning multiple pairs of glasses, Jenni relies on a modular concept. Depending on light, weather, or sport, she simply swaps the lenses—adapting her sports eyewear in just seconds.

Her favorite setup for the mountains

Her first choice is the Flite.Rim Sys.Pro sports glasses. The reason is simple: they fit perfectly, look sporty, and are highly adaptable. “The glasses just look really cool, and the fit is ideal. When the light changes, I can swap the lenses super quickly.”

This is especially crucial in the mountains. Clouds roll in, the sun breaks through, shadows alternate with intense glare. Anyone out there needs gear that can keep up.

A moment at 7,000 meters

Some situations make it especially clear how important good vision is in sports. For Jenni, one of those moments was an expedition to Nepal last October. The goal: a 7,000-meter summit.

At that altitude, light becomes a challenge. Glaciers reflect sunlight so intensely that unprotected eyes are quickly overwhelmed. For these conditions, Jenni relies on the Aero.Thermo glasses with category 4 lenses.

“The reflections on glaciers are extreme. Without proper protection, it would be impossible.”

Speed mountaineering is more than just a sport. It’s a test of personal limits—both physical and mental. Anyone out there needs trust: in their own abilities, in the route, and in their equipment.

For Jenni, that means one thing above all: clear vision in every situation. Because high up, between rock and sky, sometimes a single glance determines how the next step unfolds.

And the next summit is already waiting.

Meet Jenni:
Insta: @jennifromtherocks
www: jennijalonen.com