Superstar mountaineer Kristin Harila, who was on the cusp of breaking one of the greatest climbing speed records ever set, announced she is joining the leadership of Global Rescue’s Mountain Advisory Council. Global Rescue, the leading provider of medical, security, evacuation and travel risk management services, has been successfully rescuing mountaineers from the highest peaks around the world for nearly two decades since its founding in 2004.
“Outdoor activity worldwide is reaching unprecedented levels of participation among beginners, experts and everyone in between. We are honored to have Kristin Harila join the Global Rescue Mountain Advisory Council. The additional depth and breadth of advice and guidance from a world-class expert like Harila will be a benefit to our members and clients,” said Global Rescue CEO Dan Richards, and a member of the U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Travel and Tourism Advisory Board.
World-renowned high-climber and Mountain Advisory Council member Nirmal “Nims” Purja, who climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000+ meter peaks in the record time of six months and six days, said mountaineering improves when the best climbers share their experiences.
“We recognized an increasing need for the contribution of valuable expertise from elite mountaineering experts to improve the safety and excitement of the sport, and to cultivate and foster the knowledge, wisdom and experience of the leading authorities in the field,” Purja said.
Legendary mountaineer and Global Rescue Mountain Advisory Council member Ed Viesturs said Harila is a welcome addition. “Harila’s record-breaking climbing abilities, global reputation, and unsurpassed passion for the sport is a beacon for others to follow,” said Viesturs who is the only American to have climbed all 14 of the world’s 8,000+ meter peaks and the fifth person to do so without using supplemental oxygen.
As for Harila, she was a Global Rescue member before joining the Mountain Advisory Council. “I chose Global Rescue membership even before I joined the Mountain Advisory Council team. It is the best protection for mountaineers,” she said before departing Norway for the Himalayas to attempt summiting the final peaks in her quest to best the record set by fellow Mountain Advisory Council member Nims Purja.
Unfortunately, Hirila’s endeavor ended after Chinese officials refused to grant her a climbing permit for the final two mountains needed for her quest. “It’s been a rollercoaster. We have been trying so hard. I am so disappointed and heartbroken to say that we got a final no from China. It’s still very hard to believe that we got so close, but it’s over for now. I am going to try again next year,” she said.
In addition to Viesturs, Purja and Harila the Mountain Advisory Council members include:
Outdoor adventure safety expert and longtime mountaineering author Jed Williamson
Wilderness and altitude sickness expert Dr. Eric Johnson, Global Rescue associate medical director, past president of the Wilderness Medical Society and member of the Board of Directors of the Himalaya Rescue Association
Special operations and critical planning authority Scott Hume, Global Rescue vice president of operations and former Chief Operations Officer of the 3rd Brigade 25th Infantry Division
Former combat medic with the Singapore Armed Forces David Koo, Global Rescue senior manager of operations and past operations manager of the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital in Singapore.
Global Rescue operations manager Dan Stretch who is based in Nepal during the Mount Everest climbing seasons. He has coordinated hundreds of evacuations and crisis response operations.
Former Navy SEAL and associate manager of Global Rescue Security Operations Harding Bush has extensive mountain and cold weather operations expertise. He has developed multiple training programs for ski mountaineering and cold weather survival. He is a graduate of several U.S. and NATO Mountaineering courses including the Slovenian Mountain Warfare School.”
