Industry News
The project’s artwork and book were created by women from Blizzard’s Women2Women Group
Yesterday, Blizzard announced the special release of a limited-edition Sheeva 10 and a children’s book, Leader of the Pack, in honor of fallen ski mountaineer Hilaree Nelson. A Blizzard athlete and icon that inspired a generation, this release is an homage to her legacy, created by the very community of women she empowered. Artwork crafted by skiers Malia Reeves and Soleil Patterson and book penned by journalist and skier Kim Beekman—all members of Blizzard’s Women2Women (W2W) group—the project is an emotional journey that encapsulates the spirit and tenacity that Nelson embodied. All proceeds will be donated to The Hilaree Nelson Fund, ensuring that her legacy of inspiration, empowerment, and advocacy will shine on, brightening the world she left too soon.
Inspiration for the artwork on the skis comes from Nelson’s life, with herself as the protective mama wolf looking over and admiring some of her great loves–Mt. Lhotse, nature, and her sons who are represented by the two baby cubs on the tail of the ski. A hand-written “Thank you, Hilaree” found on the sidewalls serves as a direct message of gratitude to her for all the lives she impacted.
“Hilaree was such an important person in the outdoor space—not just for women but for all. Beyond her achievements in sport, her passion, drive, and down-to-earth demeanor served as a beacon, especially for women. She showed us what women could do and led us encouragingly and humbly. It was important for us to not let her legacy fade away, but to carry on and support the things that were important to her.”
– W2W Project Lead, Leslie Baker-Brown
While the concept of designing a ski to honor Nelson came naturally, the children’s book was new territory for the team but one they emotionally embraced when Beekman proposed it. “Hilaree Nelson was so extraordinary—mythical even—that we felt we could only describe her in fantastical terms, which is why we chose to tell her story in the form of a children’s fairytale,” said Beekman. “We wanted to capture her intensity, magic, and the nearly inhuman drive that fueled both her passion for the mountains and her love for her sons.”
- Related: Outpouring of Shock and Grief in the Mountaineering and Skiing Community at Hilaree Nelson’s Death
Release Details
- 175 Sheeva 10’s will be available in sizes 162, 168, and 174 for $850.
- 250 books, “Leader of the Pack: The Hilaree Nelson Story,” will be available in print for $35.
- Sales will begin on October 18, 2023, through the Blizzard website.
- All proceeds will be donated to The Hilaree Nelson Fund.
The Hilaree Nelson Fund
All profits from the sales of the limited-edition Sheeva 10 and the book, “Leader of the Pack: The Hilaree Nelson Story,” will be donated to the Hilaree Nelson Fund. This fund, established in collaboration with Nelson’s partner, Jim Morrison, will distribute resources to non-profits dedicated to climate change initiatives and empowering women in the outdoor space.
A Lasting Legacy – The Leader of the Pack
On September 26, 2022, Nelson, a pioneering ski mountaineer, lost her life in an avalanche during an expedition on Manaslu, the world’s 8th highest peak. Her untimely passing has left a void in the outdoor and mountaineering community, as Nelson was not only a remarkable athlete but a beacon for women across the globe, inspiring them to break barriers and accomplish incredible feats in the outdoor world. Nelson was a pioneering force, lovingly referred to as the “Leader of the Pack.” With this initiative, Blizzard aims to honor her memory and the causes she championed, ensuring her work continues to make a lasting impact for years to come.
