Climber Erik Weihenmayer, the only blind person to have summited the highest peak on each of the seven continents and an accomplished rock climber, alpinist, skier and motivational speaker, this month officially joined SCARPA North America’s team roster.
Beyond his accomplishments on rock, snow and ice, Weihenmayer is also active in numerous causes helping others overcome disabilities. On Oct. 2, he set out on another alpine adventure, this time on an expedition called Soldiers to the Summit, where he will help soldiers who have suffered disabilities in combat embark on an adventure demonstrating that great things can be achieved no matter how high the obstacles.
“For me, SCARPA is a natural partnership because it's the only brand that offers high quality footwear in all of the sports I love,” Weihenmayer said. “As a blind climber, I can't compromise on sensitivity or power in rock shoes. As a mountaineer, I need boots with great support and durability, excellent warmth and comfort, and, most of all, superior performance. As a backcountry skier, I require AT boots that deliver stability and control with minimum weight. SCARPA is truly one-stop shopping for the best footwear on the planet.”
Based out of Golden, Colo., Weihenmayer is practically a neighbor to Boulder-based SCARPA North America.
“Erik is an inspiration, not just as a climber, although having climbed both Eldorado Canyon’s Naked Edge and Mt. Everest shows versatility that would be an inspiration to any climber, but also as a person, being an advocate for others with disabilities,” said Chris Clark, SCARPA North America’s director of marketing. “He shows what’s possible with hard work and determination, no matter what challenges you face.”
As part of this month’s Soldiers to the Summit expedition, Weihenmayer and 10 ever Everest veterans have teamed with 12 soldiers injured while on duty to climb two peaks in the Mt. Everest region of the Himalaya. The first is Lobuche East, a 20,075-foot technical rock, snow, and ice climb, and the second is Kala Pattar, a more moderate, 18,519-foot mountain near Everest base camp.
