Kit DesLauriers is more than a ski mountaineer; she’s an adventurer who has redefined what’s possible on snow-covered peaks. Her groundbreaking achievement of skiing the Seven Summits, the tallest mountains on each continent, has etched her name into history. Beyond her feats on the slopes, Kit’s commitment to environmental advocacy and her role as a trailblazer for women in alpine sports make her a true icon. This blog delves into her inspiring journey, from her humble beginnings to her legendary accomplishments.
1. Early Life and Inspiration
Kit’s passion for skiing began in the snow-covered mountains of New England, where she first strapped on a pair of skis. However, it wasn’t until her move to the Rocky Mountains that she discovered the raw thrill of backcountry skiing. Competing as a professional freestyle skier early in her career, Kit honed the technical skills and mental toughness that later fueled her transition to ski mountaineering. Her fascination with untouched, remote landscapes eventually drew her into the world of extreme exploration, where the challenge wasn’t just the skiing—it was the whole journey.
2. The Seven Summits Achievement
In 2006, Kit became the first person to ski the Seven Summits. Each peak posed unique challenges:
Mount Everest (Asia): At 29,032 feet, Everest tested her endurance and skill with thin air, unpredictable weather, and technical descents.
Denali (North America): Its harsh climate and crevassed terrain made it one of her most difficult and rewarding accomplishments.
Vinson Massif (Antarctica): Remote and frigid, skiing down Vinson’s slopes required meticulous preparation.
Each summit carried not just physical but logistical challenges—lugging skis to places where even walking was a monumental feat. Kit’s determination to combine mountaineering and skiing was fueled by a simple but profound goal: to experience these mountains in their entirety, from base to summit to descent.
4. Notable Expeditions Beyond the Seven Summits
Kit didn’t stop at the Seven Summits. Her career includes countless exploratory missions to remote and untouched peaks, many of which resulted in first ski descents. Whether navigating the treacherous icefields of Greenland or skiing off volcanic peaks in Alaska, Kit’s hunger for adventure has consistently pushed the boundaries of the sport.
One of her most notable expeditions involved descending Mount Fairweather, a peak straddling the Alaska-Canada border. Known for its extreme weather, the successful ski marked another milestone in her illustrious career.
5. Advocacy and Environmental Work
Kit’s adventures have provided her with a firsthand view of the impacts of climate change, particularly on mountain ecosystems. As an ambassador for environmental organizations, she advocates for sustainable practices in outdoor sports and works to protect fragile alpine environments. Her focus is not just on preserving these areas for future skiers but also for the global ecosystems that depend on them.
Through speaking engagements and collaborations, Kit spreads awareness of how individuals and organizations can contribute to mountain conservation efforts.
6. Recognition and Influence
Kit’s pioneering spirit hasn’t gone unnoticed. She has received accolades like the National Geographic Adventurer of the Year and continues to inspire through public speaking and advocacy. As a female athlete in a traditionally male-dominated arena, Kit’s achievements have encouraged more women to pursue ski mountaineering and backcountry exploration.
Moreover, her presence in media, including documentaries and publications, has made her a household name among skiing enthusiasts. Her story resonates with anyone who dreams of pushing beyond their limits.
7. Lessons from Kit DesLauriers’ Journey
Kit’s journey offers invaluable lessons:
Resilience: She teaches us to persist even when faced with monumental challenges.
Innovation: Her ability to combine mountaineering and skiing shows the power of creative thinking.
Responsibility: As a steward of the environment, Kit underscores the importance of protecting the landscapes we explore.
Her legacy is not just in her accomplishments but in the countless adventurers she has inspired to take on their own challenges with courage and care.
Kit DesLauriers exemplifies the spirit of ski mountaineering: daring, innovative, and deeply connected to the mountains. Her story serves as a beacon for adventurers and environmentalists alike, reminding us that the greatest journeys combine personal ambition with a commitment to preserving the natural world.
Are you ready to embark on your own adventure? Share your ski touring stories and let Kit’s journey inspire your next climb, ski, or trek into the unknown.