This collaboration is all about atmosphere and authenticity. We're excited for Ed's real-world mountain expertise to shape the tone of our world, while we keep the focus on a cozy, story-driven management experience. Want to hear Ed talk about his experiences and philosophy in his own words? Our partners at Wandering Wizard sat down with Ed for a full interview, coming soon to our YouTube channel. Be sure to follow at the link below so you don't miss it! For now, enjoy a quick preview while you wait.
If you haven't heard of Ed before, here's a quick introduction:
Ed Viesturs is widely regarded as one of America's foremost high-altitude climbers. Many people first encountered him through the 1996 IMAX Everest documentary or in Jon Krakauer's Into Thin Air, where his calm, deliberate approach to climbing stood out.
Ed Viesturs near South Col of Everest at 26,000 ft, 2009
Ed originally planned to become a veterinarian and even earned his degree before his love of climbing took over. He then dedicated himself to a project he called Endeavor 8000. The goal: climb all 14 of the world's 8,000-meter peaks without supplemental oxygen. After 18 years, he completed that goal on May 12, 2005, on Annapurna, one of the world's most challenging and dangerous peaks. He remains the only American, and one of only a handful of climbers in history, to have achieved this incredible feat, and was recognized as National Geographic's 2005 Adventurer of the Year.
Ed Viesturs at the summit of Broad peak, 2003 Along the way, Ed received the historic Lowell Thomas Award from the Explorer's Club for outstanding achievement in mountaineering, joining a distinguished group that includes Sir Edmund Hillary. His bestselling autobiography, No Shortcuts to the Top, dives into his expeditions and his approach to risk, preparation, and decision-making in the mountains.
These days, Ed lives in Ketchum, Idaho, with his wife Paula and their four children, and continues to travel, guide, and seek out new adventures.
What drew us to Ed isn't just his record, it's his philosophy. His motto has always been that climbing has to be a round trip. He is known for his willingness to turn back when conditions aren't right, and for treating every climb as a conversation with the mountain rather than a conquest. As he puts it, "The mountain decides whether you climb or not. The art of mountaineering is knowing when to go, when to stay, and when to retreat." That thoughtful, respectful outlook is exactly the spirit we want echoing through Above The Snow, and we're genuinely delighted to be partnering with him.
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Thank you for being here and for helping us build a working mountain retreat we hope you’ll love spending time in. The Above The Desk Team