Outpouring of Shock and Grief in the Mountaineering and Skiing Community at Hilaree Nelson’s Death

Julia Schneemann |
Hilaree Nelson
Hilaree Nelson with her sons, Grayden (right) and Quinn (left), picture: Hilaree Nelson via The Inertia

The internet has been flooded with heartfelt and shocked messages at the news of Hilaree Nelson’s death. Hilaree Nelson died while skiing down Manaslu Mountain in Nepal on Monday, September 26, 2022. Hilaree and her climbing and life partner Jim Morrison had reached the summit at 26,781 feet earlier that day after a failed attempt a few days earlier.

Jim Morrison described the event on his Instagram page and according to his recount, Hilaree triggered a small avalanche which ended up sweeping her off 5,000 feet down a steep chute. Her body was recovered two days later by helicopter. Jim was instrumental in retrieving her body with the help of Elite Exped, the Sherpa and Gurkha mountain guide company founded and led by 14 Peaks-Nims Purja, as well as helicopter pilot Captain Surendra. Her body was flown to Samagau from where it will be repatriated home to Telluride, CO.

The freeski and mountaineering world is in shock at the news of her fatal accident. Social media channels are flooded with an outpouring of grief at the devastating loss of one of the greatest mountaineers of this century. Professional freeskier Lynsey Dyer referred to Hilaree as her hero in a beautiful Instagram post in which she recounts how she first met Hilaree on a ski tour. Snowboarder and filmmaker Leanne Pelosi also refers to Hilaree as a ‘superhero’, thanking her for her “kindness, leadership, mentorship and friendship.” Another professional freeskier, Ingrid Backstrom, calls her a “force of nature” and pro-skier Ian McIntosh posted a Hilaree anecdote about her on his Instagram feed.

National Geographic photographer, mountaineer, and film director Jimmy Chin, who also worked for North Face and who spent a month with Hilaree on an expedition in Antarctica, remembers her not only as his friend but as “a true superhuman.”

Nick McNutt speaks of Hilaree’s humble nature despite her ‘larger-than-life achievements’ and her incredible leadership and guidance. Nick was a freeskier who was with Hilaree on the North Face team. He, like many others, referred to Hilaree as a “beacon of light,” words also used by her partner Jim Morrison. For Jim, this metaphor is even more poignant, as he met Hilaree during one of his darkest times, after having lost his wife and two children in an airplane crash in 2011.

It is incredible to see the number of lives she touched and influenced. There are countless tributes on social media, from people who have known her for decades and those who were simply inspired by her from afar. There are too many to write about here, but the loss of a unique and inspiring person permeates them all. The world has lost a superhuman. But her legacy lives on.

In lieu of someone else’s words, I will leave you with Hilaree’s own:

”These high altitude deaths have always impacted me deeply. It goes without saying that mountaineering can claim even the most experienced athlete in seconds. But one thing can be said about these adventurous souls — they were risking it all doing what they love, inspiring the next generation, and putting fear aside to experience immense joy. May we all reach for the mountain top, whatever form that takes for you. Rest peacefully.” – Hilaree Nelson

Hilaree Nelson
Hilaree Nelson, North Face Captain, December 13 1972-September 26 2022

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4 thoughts on “Outpouring of Shock and Grief in the Mountaineering and Skiing Community at Hilaree Nelson’s Death

  1. Word
    Her spirit lives on in her children, family and close friends.
    We only get one shot at this life so do what you love when you can, as nobody gets out alive.
    Cannot imgine her final thoughts as the sluff took her down the other side of the mountain and hopefully she didnt suffer a slow and painful death.
    Lets all make a run for her in spirit on our next bc ski ‘venture.
    Be safe be smart out there, stay humble and share the joy of this thing called life.
    And to all those others we knew and lost along the way too.
    Keep on keepin’ on.

  2. Yep, agreed. Actually knew this person. Got too caught up in the sponsorship groovy crowd. Had done plenty, should have retired.

  3. Big mountains equals big consequences for what?
    Tragic as ever and why does someone do such risky activities if you have kids?
    Hmmmm
    Feel so sad for those boys
    And remember, the mountains and auch dont care a bit how rad yall think you are.

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