Renowned American ski mountaineer Jim Morrison and acclaimed filmmaker Jimmy Chin have reached above Camp III on Mt. Everest (8,848.86m) as they continue their final summit push from the Tibetan side. The expedition, unfolding under clear autumn skies, marks one of the most ambitious and technically demanding attempts ever undertaken on the world’s highest peak.
According to expedition sources, Morrison plans to attempt a ski descent from the northern side of Everest’s summit, a feat never before successfully completed. Jimmy Chin, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker and climber, is accompanying him to document the climb and descent as part of a National Geographic and The North Face co-produced project.
Historic Ski Descent Attempt Underway
Sources confirmed that the duo reached above 7,500 meters early Tuesday morning while six experienced mountain guides assisted them in the death zone, the section above 8,000 meters where oxygen levels are critically low. The team began their summit push last night from Camp III (7,200m), taking advantage of a rare window of stable weather.
If successful, Morrison will become the first person to ski down from the northern face of Mt. Everest’s summit, cementing his name among the most accomplished ski mountaineers in history. “The team is progressing steadily and conditions are favorable at the moment,” a source at Base Camp reported. “They are determined to make history later today.”
A Tribute to Hilaree Nelson
For Jim Morrison, this climb holds deep personal meaning. The expedition is a tribute to his late partner, Hilaree Nelson, a legendary ski mountaineer who tragically lost her life during a ski descent of Mt. Manaslu (8,163m) in 2022. Morrison and Nelson were known for their pioneering achievements, including the first ski descent of Lhotse (8,516m) in 2018, one of the most celebrated milestones in extreme skiing.
“Jim’s motivation comes from a place of remembrance and legacy,” a team insider said. “This project is not just about making history but also honoring Hilaree’s spirit and their shared dream of exploring the world’s most challenging peaks through skiing.”
Filming the ‘Scary Ascent’
Jimmy Chin, best known for his Oscar-winning film “Free Solo” and numerous National Geographic documentaries, is directing the film documenting Morrison’s Everest ski descent. The project, described as a multi-million-dollar production, aims to capture both the physical and emotional intensity of the climb.
Chin is filming what he calls a “scary ascent”, an acknowledgment of the extreme risks involved in climbing and skiing at such altitude. This latest expedition follows a canceled attempt last year after one of the supporting guides, Yukta Gurung, suffered an accident near Camp II, forcing the team to retreat.
This year, the team has returned with renewed preparation and expanded logistical support, hoping to successfully complete what would become one of the most daring and visually stunning achievements ever documented on Everest.
Strong Support and Logistical Backbone
The expedition is logistically managed by Alpenglow Expeditions, a California-based company specializing in high-altitude guiding. The project employs a large support team, including six Nepali guides, four Tibetan guides, and ten base camp staff, ensuring safety, coordination, and real-time communication between the upper camps and base.
The team reached Camp III on October 13, where they rested and acclimatized before launching their summit push. Each guide has been trained to assist in technical sections, manage fixed lines, and support the filming process, which involves carrying heavy camera gear in the extreme cold and thin air of the upper mountain.
According to sources, the National Geographic Society and The North Face jointly funded the expedition, underscoring its global significance as both a mountaineering and storytelling endeavor.
High Stakes on the Roof of the World
The northern face of Everest is notorious for its fierce winds, subzero temperatures, and exposed terrain, conditions that make skiing especially perilous. The route demands not only climbing expertise but also the ability to navigate complex snow and ice formations on descent.
If Morrison succeeds, it will mark a historic first ski descent from Everest’s north summit ridge, adding a new chapter to the mountain’s long legacy of human achievement and ambition. The attempt also highlights the synergy between elite alpinism and cinematic storytelling, with Jimmy Chin capturing a moment that blends courage, artistry, and human perseverance.
Awaiting Summit Success
As of the latest updates, Morrison and Chin have reached above 7,500 meters, continuing their steady progress toward the summit. Weather conditions remain stable, and the team expects to reach the top later today if all goes as planned.
Their climb, deeply personal and historically significant, is being closely followed by mountaineering enthusiasts and filmmakers worldwide. Whether or not the ski descent succeeds, the expedition already stands as a testament to human endurance, innovation, and remembrance, a fitting tribute to both Hilaree Nelson’s legacy and the enduring allure of the Himalayas.
