Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison established his reputation as a notable ski mountaineer, conquering and skiing some of the world's most challenging peaks. His groundbreaking ski descent of Everest’s Hornbein Couloir in 2025 was recognized as the "most audacious ski run in history." Prior to this, in 2018, Morrison and his partner Hilaree Nelson became the first to ski from the summit of Lhotse, the world's fourth-highest peak. His endeavors in the field of ski mountaineering led to him being named National Geographic’s 2018 Adventurer of the Year.

Morrison's accomplishments extend beyond those well-known peaks. In 2022, he completed the first-ever ski descent of the Great Trango Tower in Pakistan’s Trango massif, further solidifying his position in the mountaineering community. Outside of his mountaineering pursuits, Morrison operates a custom home construction business in Tahoe, demonstrating his diverse skill set. His athletic prowess is not confined to the mountains; he successfully participated in an Ironman triathlon, underlining his dedication to physical endurance and strength.

Despite facing personal tragedies, including the loss of his wife and daughters in a plane crash in 2011 and the death of his partner Hilaree in 2022, Morrison remains actively engaged in challenging climbs and ski descents. These experiences deeply influenced his connection to mountaineering, providing him with a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of his chosen pursuit. His story, including his descent of Everest’s Hornbein Couloir, will be featured in an upcoming documentary directed and produced by Jimmy Chin.