Hilaree Nelson was a trailblazer in the world of mountaineering and skiing, known for her daring feats and unrelenting spirit. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington on December 13, 1972, she developed a love for the outdoors at a young age. Her passion for skiing was ignited at the age of three when she first hit the slopes at Stevens Pass in Washington State. Little did she know that this would be the beginning of an incredible journey that would take her to the summit of some of the world's highest peaks.
After graduating from Colorado College, Hilaree moved to France where she honed her skills in technical climbing. It was during this time that she caught the attention of The North Face, who offered her a sponsorship in 1999. This partnership marked the start of Hilaree's professional climbing career and set her on a path to greatness.
One of Hilaree's most notable achievements came on May 25, 2012, when she became the first woman to summit two 8000-meter peaks in a 24-hour period. She conquered both Everest and Lhotse, showcasing her incredible strength and determination. But Hilaree was not one to rest on her laurels. In 2018, she made history once again by completing the first ski descent of the Dream Line from the summit of Mt. Lhotse, cementing her status as a true pioneer in the world of skiing.
Hilaree's fearless attitude and unwavering drive pushed her to new heights, both literally and figuratively. She was a key member of over 40 mountaineering expeditions, always seeking out new challenges and pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. Men's Journal recognized her as one of the "25 Most Adventurous Women of the Past 25 Years," and National Geographic named her one of their Adventurers of the Year in 2018.
Despite her daring exploits in the mountains, Hilaree was also a devoted mother to her two sons, Grayden and Quinn. She balanced her adventurous lifestyle with her responsibilities as a parent, instilling in her children a love of the outdoors and a spirit of exploration. Her partner in both life and climbing, Jim Morrison, was by her side through it all, sharing in her triumphs and supporting her through the challenges.
Tragically, Hilaree's incredible journey came to an end on September 26, 2022, when an avalanche claimed her life during a climb of Manaslu in Nepal. The mountaineering community mourned the loss of a true legend, a woman who had inspired countless others to reach for their own summits.
As Hilaree Nelson's story comes to a close, her legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew her and the countless lives she touched with her bravery and determination. She will be remembered as a fearless trailblazer, a devoted mother, and a true pioneer in the world of mountaineering and skiing. Her spirit will continue to inspire others to push beyond their limits and reach for the stars, just as she did in her remarkable life.