On the evening of October 15th, Protect Our Winters Board Co-Chair Jim Morrison made history by becoming the first skier to link the Hornbein and Japanese Couloirs on Everest’s formidable north face. From the summit at 29,032 feet, Jim descended to Camp One at 19,900 feet in just over four hours—a feat that pushes the limits of human endurance and technical skill in extreme alpine skiing.

This groundbreaking descent didn't come easily. It demanded three separate expeditions and countless hours fine-tuning the line, timing, and gear. The north face of Everest loomed as a fiercely unforgiving force, with icy chutes and steep terrain that tests even the most seasoned mountaineers. Yet Jim’s relentless commitment, combined with a deep respect for the mountain’s raw power, enabled him to tame the route that no one had ever fully skied.

Originally, Jim planned to take on this daring run alongside his late partner Hilaree Nelson, a fellow POW Athlete Alliance Member. Hilaree, widely regarded as one of the world’s top ski mountaineers, tragically passed in 2022 during a ski descent of Manaslu. Before beginning his descent from Everest’s summit, Jim scattered her ashes here, sharing a silent tribute to her courage and passion. This moment added profound weight to the accomplishment: more than a ski run, it became a deeply personal journey of connection, loss, and reverence.

Skiing the Hornbein and Japanese Couloirs in one continuous descent demands an intense technical skill set—navigating mixed snow and ice sections, negotiating narrow couloirs, and managing exposure to sheer drop-offs. With oxygen thinning and weather ever-changing at these altitudes, Jim’s rapid descent highlights not just physical grit but precise logistical planning and expert acclimatization.

Look out for the upcoming National Geographic documentary led by POW Creative Alliance Member and filmmaker Jimmy Chin, capturing the raw intensity and breathtaking scenery of this historic expedition. The film promises a front-row view of Jim’s journey on a mountain that challenges anyone foolish enough to underestimate it.

For adventurers inspired by Jim’s feat: Everest’s north face skiing remains an elite pursuit requiring intense preparation, expert mountaineering experience, and deep respect for the mountain’s fierce demands. Yet, even if you never ski its slopes, Jim’s story exemplifies how perseverance, partnership, and purpose can push the edges of what’s possible in the wildest places on earth.

#protectourwinters