Born: 1983 (Whitefish, Montana)
Melissa Arnot Reid (born December 18, 1983) is an American mountaineer known for her accomplishments in climbing some of the world’s tallest mountains. She has climbed to the summit of Mount Everest six times, making her one of the most successful female climbers in history.
Arnot was raised just outside Glacier National Park in Whitefish, Montana. After college, she embarked on a journey to save money and pursue her passion for mountaineering. Living out of her car, she dedicated herself to climbing mountains and honing her skills in the wilderness. In 2001, she had a transformative experience when she first climbed Mount Rainier, which she later described as a watershed moment in her life.
Following her initial ascent of Mount Rainier, Arnot started teaching wilderness medicine in 2002. She then became a guide for Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. in 2004, eventually becoming a lead guide by 2006. Throughout her career, she has summited Mount Rainier over 90 times, demonstrating her exceptional expertise and mastery of mountaineering.
Arnot’s passion for mountaineering extends beyond personal accomplishments. She is a certified Wilderness EMT and has dedicated herself to teaching Wilderness EMT courses for Remote Medical International. In 2008, she joined the Everest Team Inspi(RED) to promote HIV/AIDS awareness. This initiative was a collaboration between Microsoft, Dell, and the Product Red campaign. Arnot’s involvement in raising awareness for such important causes showcases her commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
In 2010, Arnot led a celebrity climb up Mount Kilimanjaro to raise awareness for clean water access. The climb, called Summit on the Summit, involved notable figures from the entertainment industry, such as actors Emile Hirsch, Jessica Biel, and Isabel Lucas, as well as musicians Kenna, Lupe Fiasco, and Santigold. This endeavor was broadcast as an MTV special, further amplifying the message of the importance of clean water and sustainability.
Arnot’s journey on Mount Everest has been marked by both successes and challenges. In 2013, she played a crucial role in diffusing a dangerous situation between three European climbers and a group of Sherpas. This incident highlighted her courage and ability to navigate difficult situations on the world’s highest peak.
In 2014 and 2015, Arnot’s summit attempts on Mount Everest were thwarted by tragic avalanches. However, in 2016, she achieved a remarkable feat as the second American woman to summit Mount Everest without the use of supplementary oxygen. Notably, she also became the first American woman to successfully descend from the summit without supplementary oxygen. This remarkable achievement solidified her status as a pioneering figure in mountaineering, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of climbers.
Arnot is currently sponsored by Eddie Bauer, a renowned outdoor clothing and gear brand. She was also one of the original six mountain guides who developed products for the ‘First Ascent’ brand, along with Peter Whittaker, Ed Viesturs, Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall, and Chad Peele. Arnot’s involvement in product development and testing reflects her commitment to continuously improving and advancing mountaineering equipment.
In addition to Eddie Bauer, Arnot is sponsored by Whittaker Mountaineering, a retail store based in Ashford, Washington. These sponsorships provide her with the necessary support to embark on challenging expeditions and push the boundaries of what is possible in mountaineering.
Throughout her career, Arnot has reached the summits of many notable mountains. Aside from her multiple ascents of Mount Rainier and Everest, she has successfully summited Aconcagua in Argentina three times, Denali in Alaska once, and Cotopaxi in Ecuador five times. Her numerous accomplishments in climbing speak to her incredible determination and resilience in the face of extreme challenges.
As a pioneering figure in mountaineering, Melissa Arnot Reid has cemented herself as one of the most accomplished female climbers in history. Her impressive feats on mountains around the world, her dedication to teaching wilderness medicine, and her involvement in promoting important causes all contribute to her significant influence on society. Arnot’s relentless pursuit of her passion has not only inspired others to pursue their dreams but has also played a vital role in shaping the history of women in mountaineering.