The 28-year-old scaled the highest peak in each of the seven countries that fall within the range.
He started the challenge in swift style as he climbed Mont Blanc in France, Italy’s Gran Paradiso and the 3,798-metre Grossglockner in Austria in quick succession on the back of an adventurous training expedition.
However, he then had to wait two years to complete the set – returning this summer alongside friends Sgt Ben Combe (RAPTC) and Cpl Toby Tibbits (AAC) to tackle Germany’s Zugspitze; the highest mountain in Slovenia, Triglav; Grauspitz in Liechtenstein and Switzerland’s Dufourspitze.
“When I started out the aim was to just push my limits in mountaineering,” Sgt Harrison told Soldier. “Mont Blanc was the best for that as it is the highest peak in the Alps.
“After the first three I saw an article online about a climber who attempted a speed record for all seven, which gave me the idea for the challenge.”
The NCO, who is based at AFC Harrogate, scaled a total of more than 25,000 metres in elevation and after a spectacular start had to negotiate some challenging weather patterns to complete the arduous quest.
“The scenery is amazing and there were views that not many get to see,” he continued. “I enjoy the challenge of setting an objective that seems impossible and seeing where I can get to.
“Mont Blanc was the first time I had been above 2,000 metres and that final ridge to the top was a shock to the body.
“When we returned for the four remaining peaks we had planned to do them in a logical order, but the weather was against us.
“We were driving back and forth looking for good windows and did 50 hours on the road in nine days to make it work.
“The standout moment was reaching the top of Dufourspitze. It is the second highest mountain in the Alps and is meant to be done over three days – we had to do it in two.
“They were 14-hour days but it all came together – it was an amazing way to finish.”
