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A Historic Descent: Celebrating Jim Morrison and the Hornbein Couloir

A Historic Descent: Celebrating Jim Morrison and the Hornbein Couloir

Huge congratulations to Jim Morrison who recently accomplished one of the boldest feats in high-altitude ski mountaineering history: a successful descent of the infamous Hornbein Couloir.

Named after Tom Hornbein, who first climbed it during the legendary 1963 American Everest expedition, the Hornbein Couloir is a rarely visited, extremely narrow line that cuts through Everest's North Face. With sustained pitches of 50+ degrees, massive exposure, and the ever-present threat of high-altitude weather, it is considered perhaps the most serious lines on the planet.

Jim's descent is a testament to years of preparation, elite fitness, expert route-finding, and the mental resilience required to ski this infamous line. Jim’s accomplishment not only expands the boundaries of what is possible in ski mountaineering, but also honors the deep legacy of exploration on Everest.

We know that this achievement had a deeper meaning, by honoring, Hilaree Nelson, Jim's late wife and a pioneering ski mountaineer in her own right. Her spirit, strength, and legacy continue to inspire Jim and so many others in the mountain community. Skiing the Hornbein was not only a feat of athleticism, but also an act of remembrance, love, and tribute.

His line down the Hornbein Couloir is a reminder of the raw beauty and danger of big mountain skiing. It speaks to the spirit of modern alpinism, calculated risk, respect for the mountain, and a willingness to push past perceived limits in pursuit of something remarkable.

We at OuterU were humbled and honored to support Jim and his team with our faceGlove on this expedition. On Everest, where windburn and sun exposure are as serious as frostbite, simple, reliable protection can make a big difference. We're proud our gear played a small supporting role in this historic effort.

Congratulations, Jim. We are in awe.