Eric Alexander, skier, climber and mountaineer, is achieving his goals while playing an instrumental role in helping others to achieve their own. On May 25, 2001, Eric defied the odds and scaled Mt. Everest guiding his blind friend Erik Weihenmayer to its lofty 29,035 ft summit. In 2002 the pair traveled to Russia and climbed Mt. Elbrus at 18,500 ft and again found success on Mt. Kosciusko, Australia--two more of the seven summits (the highest points on each of the seven continents). Notably the pair skied from the top of each of these latter two--making these the first ever blind ski descents. Eric Alexander shares this inspirational story with audiences all over the country and when he is not traveling he teaches disabled skiers in Vail, Colorado and directs Adventures Beyond Limits, an organization that educates and encourages youth with disabilities in the outdoors.
Eric grew up in the Colorado Rockies and started climbing in his teens. He was a member of the University of Denver ski team, which led him to pursue work as a Ski Patrolman in Vail and in the French Alps, as well as instructing at Beaver Creek Resort. Eric Alexander has successfully climbed the highest points on six of the seven continents and led expeditions throughout Europe, North America, South America, the Himalayas and other mountainous regions of the globe.
Climbing has not always been without its trials. Eric reminds us of our humanity and demonstrates the courage it takes to succeed in climbing to the "top of the world." Surviving a 150 ft fall in the Himalayas on Mt. Amadablam in 2000 was just the beginning. Eric developed pulmonary edema and it became clear that he would need to be airlifted to safety. For eight months he struggled with pneumonia and was unable to train for Everest. Gaining inspiration from his team and his faith, Eric dared to dream once again and fought back to play an instrumental role in the historic ascent. Today, Eric Alexander continues to climb and look for new challenges both personally and in the outdoors while challenging people to overcome the "Everests" in their own lives--redefining the limits of what we can achieve.
