Eric Alexander

Eric Alexander is a mountaineer, adventurer, and advocate whose career centers on demonstrating that the world's most challenging peaks are accessible to individuals of all abilities. Alexander has established a reputation in adaptive sports and disability advocacy by leading climbers with disabilities to the highest points on six of the seven continents. Notably, he has guided a person with a disability to the summit of each continent's tallest peak.

A pivotal moment in Alexander's career occurred when he served as guide and guardian to blind climber Erik Weihenmayer on Mount Everest. Alexander led Weihenmayer to the summit of the world's tallest mountain, contributing to a multi-record-setting ascent recognized by Time magazine and Outside magazine. During the expedition, Alexander survived a 150-foot fall on Mount Amadablam, resulting in pulmonary edema and a prolonged recovery. Despite these challenges, he played an instrumental role in the Everest ascent.

Alexander's collaboration with Weihenmayer continued with successful climbs of Mt. Elbrus and Mt. Kosciusko, where they also completed the first blind ski descents from these summits. Alexander co-led a 30-mile trek through the Andes of Peru with nine blind students, culminating at Machu Picchu, and has supported other physically challenged adventurers, including leading blind teens to the summit of Kilimanjaro and guiding at-risk youth to the top of Mt. Pisco.

In addition to his mountaineering achievements, Alexander founded Higher Summits and Adventures Beyond Limits, organizations dedicated to empowering youth with disabilities through outdoor education and adventure. He is the author of "The Summit: Faith Beyond Everest's Death Zone," which details his experiences guiding climbers with disabilities on some of the world's most demanding expeditions. Alexander also teaches adaptive skiing in Vail, Colorado, and shares his expertise in leadership, teamwork, and resilience with audiences nationwide. His work in inclusive adventure sports and adaptive outdoor education continues to influence the fields of mountaineering and disability advocacy.