UPDATE: In a groundbreaking achievement, Bay Area daredevil Jim Morrison has completed the first-ever ski descent of Mount Everest’s perilous Hornbein Couloir on October 15. This remarkable feat, initiated from an elevation of 29,032 feet, marks a significant milestone in mountaineering history.
Morrison, hailing from Walnut Creek, undertook this daring descent alongside acclaimed filmmaker and mountaineer Jimmy Chin. The descent, executed in approximately four hours, demanded extraordinary precision as Morrison navigated the icy slopes, which reach a steep gradient of 50 degrees. “You can’t make a single mistake — like a blown edge, or if you slip,” Morrison emphasized, underscoring the life-or-death stakes involved in such extreme sports.
The expedition not only showcases Morrison’s skill but also serves as a poignant tribute to his late partner, Hilaree Nelson, who tragically passed away three years ago. In a heartfelt gesture, Morrison spread Nelson’s ashes at Everest’s summit before beginning his descent, sharing, “I had a little conversation with her and felt like I could dedicate the whole day to her.” This emotional act honors their shared passion for mountaineering in the very environment they both cherished.
This historic ski descent is set to be featured in an upcoming National Geographic documentary, directed by Chin and Chai Vasarhelyi, the duo behind the Oscar-winning film “Free Solo.” The film promises to capture the intense preparation and the breathtaking nature of this extraordinary achievement.
The Hornbein Couloir is renowned for being one of the most challenging routes on Everest, making Morrison’s success not just a personal victory but also a significant moment in the sport of mountaineering. The event has drawn attention from adventure enthusiasts and media outlets worldwide, highlighting the risks and rewards associated with extreme sports.
Stay tuned for further updates on this remarkable story as it develops, and prepare to be inspired by the incredible feats of human endurance and spirit that continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of adventure sports.
