Born: 1969 (Albany, New York)
Biography:
Kit DesLauriers (born 1969) is an American ski-mountaineer who has cemented her place in history as the first person to ski down the Seven Summits. Her remarkable ski-mountaineering feats have earned her widespread recognition and admiration, making her a true pioneer in the field. DesLauriers’ determination and passion for adventure have not only pushed the boundaries of what is possible in the world of skiing but have also paved the way for future generations of female athletes.
Born in Albany, New York, DesLauriers spent her formative years growing up in Westport, Massachusetts, and Long Island, New York. Her passion for skiing can be traced back to her grandfather, who built the first chairlift at Stowe Mountain in Vermont. Before entering high school, her family relocated to Arizona, where DesLauriers would embark on her journey towards greatness.
DesLauriers attended the University of Arizona, where she pursued a degree in environmental political science. It was during her time in college that she discovered her love for trail running and rock climbing. Seeking to further broaden her horizons in the outdoor world, she obtained a scholarship from the National Outdoor Leadership School. In the summer of 1991, DesLauriers found herself in Alaska, immersing herself in the rugged beauty of the wilderness.
Not content with just conquering the trails, DesLauriers also pursued modeling to fund her travels and improve her skiing skills, particularly in Verbier, Europe. Following her college graduation, she made her home in Telluride, Colorado, where she resided for nearly a decade. It was in Telluride that DesLauriers honed her ski mountaineering skills and dedicated herself to serving others. She volunteered extensively with the San Miguel County Search and Rescue Team and worked as a ski patroller at Telluride Ski Resort, becoming an accomplished certified EMT and highly trained in technical and helicopter rescue operations.
DesLauriers’ impressive accomplishments in the world of skiing are highlighted by her back-to-back victories as the women’s World Freeskiing Champion in 2004 and 2005. Despite only competing for two years, the determination and skill she displayed on the slopes set her apart from her peers.
However, it was DesLauriers’ audacious plan to ski down the Seven Summits that truly solidified her place in history. Inspired by a meeting in 2005 with Richard Bass, the first person to climb all of the peaks, she set her sights on conquering these majestic mountains. She became the first woman to climb and ski Mount Aspiring/Tititea in New Zealand and the first woman, as well as the first American, to ski from the summit of Mount Everest. Additionally, DesLauriers became only the third woman to climb and ski the treacherous Grand Teton in Wyoming.
DesLauriers’ determination and courage further manifested as she successfully conquered the highest peak in America, Denali, in Alaska, in May 2004, becoming the first American woman to ski from its summit. This monumental achievement was followed by equally stunning descents from Mount Elbrus in Russia, Europe’s highest peak, Mount Kosciuszko, the highest mountain in Australia, Vinson Massif, the highest peak in Antarctica, and Aconcagua in Argentina, the highest peak in South America. In the spring of 2006, she reached the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain, further solidifying her status as one of the most accomplished ski-mountaineers in the world.
On October 18, 2006, DesLauriers achieved a historic feat by skiing down Mount Everest, making her the first person to complete this extraordinary adventure. Her accomplishment not only demonstrated her unrivaled skill as a ski-mountaineer but also showcased her unyielding spirit and determination. DesLauriers has truly carved her path in history as a trailblazer and an inspiration for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts, particularly women.
Awards:
– National Geographic Adventurer of the Year award in 2015