7 Key Dates for Alex Honnold Climbing in Taipei
You’ll want to know these 7 key dates to follow Alex Honnold’s Taipei 101 climb journey.
This epic climbing adventure started with initial plans way back in 2012. Then, there was a rescheduled attempt in 2014 that unfortunately didn’t work out due to bad weather.
Training for the climb hit important milestones through 2025. But things didn’t always go smoothly—the climb was postponed on January 23, 2026.
Finally, the big day arrived on January 24 at 6 p.m. MT. You can watch the entire climb live on Netflix, making it a historic moment in the world of climbing.
There’s plenty more to uncover about each step along the way. So, stay tuned and get ready to dive into the details!
Key Takeaways
- Initial planning for Alex Honnold’s Taipei 101 free solo climb began in 2012.
- Multiple early attempts were delayed or canceled due to bad weather, including rain and wind.
- The final scheduled climb date was January 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. MT after a last-minute postponement on January 23.
- Training and preparation spanned several years, with focus on architectural challenges and mental conditioning.
- The climb is broadcast live on Netflix with a 10-second safety delay, starting at 8 p.m. ET on January 24, 2026.
How the Taipei 101 Climb Was First Planned in 2012
Although Alex Honnold first planned to free solo Taipei 101 back in 2012, his initial attempts were cut short by bad weather. You can imagine how frustrating it must have been to prepare for such a significant challenge only to face unpredictable conditions.
Honnold’s motivation for the Taipei 101 climb stemmed from the skyscraper’s status as one of the tallest buildings worldwide and its cultural importance in Taiwan. You’d be drawn to a climb like this if you wanted to push your urban free soloing skills to new heights.
The 2012 plan wasn’t just a one-off idea—it marked the start of Honnold’s long-term goal to conquer Taipei 101. Even though weather halted his progress then, the ambition set the stage for future attempts.
What Went Wrong With the 2014 Rescheduled Attempt
You’ll see how unpredictable weather delays threw a wrench in the 2014 attempt, making conditions unsafe. Safety concerns grew as rain and wind compromised grip.
On top of that, technical challenges added to the hurdles. These factors combined to halt the climb before it even began.
Weather Delays Impact
When heavy rain soaked the surface of Taipei 101 in 2014, Alex Honnold had to cancel his free solo climb at the last minute. The slick, wet conditions made the building’s exterior unsafe, forcing a sudden halt to his attempt.
Weather delays repeatedly plagued his efforts, emphasizing just how critical good weather is for such a risky climb. You’d see how unpredictable weather can disrupt even the best-laid plans.
Here’s what impacted the 2014 rescheduled attempt:
- Persistent rain created slippery surfaces unsuitable for free soloing.
- Wind gusts added extra danger to an already hazardous climb.
- Multiple weather-related delays pushed back the timeline, preventing a live climb.
These weather delays really showed the challenges of urban free soloing in Taipei.
Safety Concerns Raised
Three main safety concerns surfaced during the 2014 rescheduled attempt to climb Taipei 101. First, unpredictable weather conditions, including rain and strong winds, posed serious risks.
Second, Alain Robert’s prior fall highlighted the dangers of urban free soloing without safety gear. Third, inadequate contingency planning revealed gaps in managing sudden weather changes.
When you climb Taipei, these factors make weather safety a top priority. The 2014 attempt taught climbers the importance of rigorous risk assessment and preparedness to avoid similar issues.
| Safety Concern | Description | Impact on Climb Taipei |
|---|---|---|
| Weather Conditions | Rain and wind delays | Forced cancellations |
| Prior Injuries | Fall caused injuries | Increased caution needed |
| Risk Management | Lack of contingency plans | Highlighted the need for safety |
Technical Challenges Faced
Although Alain Robert approached the 2014 Taipei 101 climb with determination, technical challenges quickly surfaced and derailed his progress. The building’s unique design and overhanging sections complicated his route, pushing the limits of his climbing grades.
Unpredictable weather became a major obstacle, forcing him to abort the climb for safety reasons.
Here’s what went wrong during the rescheduled attempt:
- Rain and wind made the facade slippery and dangerous.
- The complex architectural features interfered with planned handholds and foot placements.
- Delays caused by weather disrupted momentum and increased fatigue.
These challenges really showed just how critical precise weather monitoring and preparation are for urban climbs. Especially when you’re tackling skyscrapers with such demanding technical aspects.
Alex Honnold’s Key Training Milestones for the 2025 Free Solo
You’ll see how Alex tracked his training progress through key practice sessions leading up to the climb. He focused on mastering Taipei 101’s unique features and building endurance over several months.
Let’s look at the timeline that shaped his preparation for the 2025 free solo. It’s pretty impressive how methodical he was about it.
Training Progress Highlights
Alex Honnold spent several months honing both his endurance and precise movement techniques to prepare for the Taipei 101 free solo climb. His training progress highlights showcase how meticulously he approached each challenge to guarantee success on the big day.
You’ll see his commitment reflected in three key areas:
- Mastering specific building sections, like the overhanging “bamboo boxes” and balcony rests, to replicate the toughest parts of the climb.
- Engaging in mental conditioning and visualization exercises, sharpening focus and managing fear during the solo ascent.
- Collaborating with climbers and risk experts to refine safety protocols while completing practice runs on similar overhangs to test gear and build confidence.
These milestones highlight how steady training progress positioned Honnold for a groundbreaking climb.
Practice Session Timeline
When preparing for a climb as demanding as Taipei 101’s free solo, Honnold mapped out a rigorous practice session timeline that pushed his endurance and technique to new levels.
Starting six months before, he focused on repeated simulated climbs on overhanging structures resembling Taipei 101’s steep sections. These practice sessions built the strength and skill vital for the actual climb.
Key training milestones included multiple full-length runs on a replica of the building’s challenging overhangs. Honnold also integrated mental rehearsals and visualization techniques to prepare psychologically.
In the final weeks, he increased daily climbing hours, emphasizing consistency and gradually raising difficulty. This well-structured timeline guaranteed he was physically and mentally ready to tackle the 2025 free solo with confidence and precision.
Why the January 23, 2026 Climb Was Postponed Due to Weather
Although the climb on January 23, 2026, was highly anticipated, bad weather forced organizers to postpone it. Rain and wet conditions made the surface unsafe for free soloing, and forecasts predicted strong winds that increased the risk.
The postponement was announced just 30 minutes before the start time, which really shows how much weather plays a crucial role in planning something like this.
Here’s what led to the delay:
- Persistent rain made the climbing surface dangerously slippery.
- Strong winds threatened Alex’s balance and safety.
- Weather forecasts showed no immediate improvement, so they decided to play it safe.
You can see how unpredictable weather directly impacts high-risk activities like this climb. Safety always comes first, which is why the event had to be postponed.
Final Climb Date Set: January 24, 2026, at 6 P.M. MT
Since the climb was postponed due to weather, you can now mark your calendar for January 24, 2026, at 6 p.m. Mountain Time. This final climb is a milestone in Alex Honnold’s decade-long pursuit of conquering Taipei 101.
Knowing the exact time lets you prepare to witness history unfold live. The anticipation builds as this moment promises to be unforgettable.
| Emotion | Description |
|---|---|
| Excitement | The thrill of a historic ascent |
| Anticipation | Counting down the hours |
| Inspiration | Witnessing human limits pushed |
| Triumph | Celebrating a long-awaited success |
January 24, 2026, will be the day you watch courage and skill redefine urban climbing forever.
How to Watch Alex Honnold’s Taipei 101 Free Solo Live on Netflix
Wondering how to catch Alex Honnold’s incredible Taipei 101 free solo climb live? You’ll need a Netflix subscription since the event streams exclusively there.
Catch Alex Honnold’s breathtaking Taipei 101 free solo climb live exclusively on Netflix.
The climb starts at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday and features a 10-second delay for safety and broadcast control. Pretty cool, right?
Here’s how to watch:
- Log into your Netflix account before the event begins. Make sure you’re all set up so you don’t miss a moment.
- Tune in at 8 p.m. ET to watch the free solo climb live. It’s going to be intense!
- Check Taiwan’s weather forecast ahead of time to anticipate any delays or changes. You never know when the weather might shake things up.
Why Alex Honnold’s Taipei 101 Free Solo Is a Historic Climbing Event
Watching Alex Honnold’s Taipei 101 free solo live on Netflix isn’t just about witnessing an incredible climb—it’s about experiencing a historic moment in climbing history.
This Skyscraper Live event marks the first time a free soloing climb is broadcast live on U.S. television, setting a new standard for urban climbing feats. You’ll see Alex scale 1,667 feet of sheer glass and steel with no ropes or safety gear. It’s a demonstration of his decade-long training and unmatched skill.
The broadcast includes safety measures like delay and risk management, reflecting its cultural and technological significance. Successfully pulling off this climb will inspire admiration and spark debate.
It’s a pivotal milestone in both climbing and live event history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Day Does Alex Honnold Climb Taipei?
Alex Honnold climbs Taipei 101 on Saturday, January 24. You’ll want to catch the live event at 6 p.m. Mountain Time, streamed on Netflix at 8 p.m. Eastern Time, so don’t miss it!
How Long Should It Take for Alex Honnold to Climb Taipei?
You shouldn’t hold your breath—it’ll take Alex about 2 to 4 hours to climb Taipei. He’s no stranger to these feats, so expect a smooth, efficient ascent unless gravity decides to mess with him.
How Much Did Alex Honnold Make From Taipei?
You won’t find exact numbers on how much Alex Honnold made from Taipei since earnings weren’t publicly shared. His climb focused more on personal achievement and exposure rather than direct financial gain or disclosed profits.
Where Did Alex Honnold Climb Taipei?
You’d think he climbed a giant’s staircase in the clouds, but Alex Honnold actually scaled Taipei 101, the towering skyscraper in Taiwan’s capital. No ropes, just pure grit and gravity-defying skill on that urban giant.
Conclusion
As you watch Alex Honnold tackle Taipei 101, you’ll feel the thrill of a tightrope walker suspended between earth and sky. This climb isn’t just about strength—it’s a dance with danger, history, and human will.
Mark those key dates; each one is a stepping stone toward a breathtaking moment. Get ready to witness a legend free soloing where few dare to dream.
He’s lighting up the skyline like a shooting star, showing what true courage and skill look like. Don’t miss a single moment of this incredible journey—Alex Honnold’s climb in Taipei is a story of fearless determination and unforgettable adventure. It’s a climb that pushes limits and inspires every step of the way.
