Everest North Face Ski: Jim Morrison Returns

American skier Jim Morrison, renowned for his daring alpine descents, has returned to the Tibetan side of Mount Everest for his third attempt to ski the Hornbein Couloir. This endeavor honors his late wife, Hilaree Nelson, who tragically passed away in 2022 while attempting a ski descent of Manaslu.

Accompanied by Oscar-winning filmmaker Jimmy Chin, Morrison is part of a robust team supported by The North Face and National Geographic. The project, estimated at over a million dollars, aims to document the ski descent of Everest’s North Face, a feat that has never been accomplished.

The team has established Camp 2 on the Northeast Ridge route, the highest point reached thus far. They are currently awaiting favorable weather conditions to proceed with rope fixing above Camp 2, a critical step before attempting the ski descent.

Guiding the expedition are renowned IFMGA-certified Sherpas, including Pemba Gelje Sherpa, Pemba Ongchu Sherpa, and Yukta Gurung. Pemba Gelje Sherpa, known for his speed records on Manaslu, is also a skilled skier and has previously guided with Alpenglow Expeditions. The team is outfitted by U.S.-based Alpenglow Expeditions, directed by Adrian Ballinger.

In 2018, Morrison and Nelson achieved the first-ever ski descent of Lhotse’s Couloir. Together, they also skied down Papsura Peak in India and the Messner face on Denali. Morrison has continued his alpine pursuits, including the first ski descent of Pakistan’s Trango Tower in 2024.

This current expedition faces challenges, including the steep and technical terrain of the Hornbein Couloir. The team is prepared for the demanding conditions, with plans to establish high-altitude camps and carry necessary equipment for the descent.

As of now, the team is at Base Camp, awaiting the right conditions to proceed. Their progress will depend on weather patterns and the successful establishment of higher camps. The outcome of this ambitious endeavor remains to be seen, but the team’s dedication and preparation are evident.