In a world where limits are constantly tested and barriers are broken, Allie Pepper, a seasoned mountaineer from the Blue Mountains, is on the road to achieving something truly remarkable. She’s not just climbing mountains; she’s summiting them, all without the aid of supplemental oxygen.
Recently, she became the first Australian woman to ascend the towering Broad Peak in the Karakoram Range of the Himalayas without the use of supplemental oxygen, standing at a breathtaking 8,051 metres above sea level. But this is just the beginning of her awe-inspiring mission: to ascend all 14 of the world’s 8000-metre peaks without the use of supplemental oxygen in a mere three years.
Allie’s fascination with mountaineering began in 2000 while working as an adventure guide at the Australian School of Mountaineering. A 10-day technical mountaineering course in New Zealand changed the course of her life, setting her on a path filled with challenge and adventure. She realised that she not only loved climbing but was exceptionally good at it, both physically and mentally.
Her journey continued as she ventured to Aconcagua and then to the Andes, where she honed her skills and discovered her affinity for high altitudes. In 2007, Allie made her mark by summiting Cho Oyu in Tibet, her first 8000-metre peak, and she did it solo without supplemental oxygen. The thin air of the world’s highest peaks became her passion.
At 47-years-old, with 23 years of mountaineering experience under her belt, Allie is gearing up for an extraordinary quest: climbing all 14 of the world’s 8,000-metre peaks without the aid of supplemental oxygen.
One of her most unforgettable climbs to date was Annapurna, a formidable mountain known as the most treacherous of the 14 peaks. Annapurna has a notorious reputation for its unpredictable weather, avalanche-prone slopes, and technical challenges. But for Allie, it’s all part of the thrill.
However, embarking on expeditions like these isn’t a weekend getaway; they span months, making it challenging to hold down a regular job. And man, they don’t come cheap! A trip to Everest, for instance, can cost anywhere from $30,000 to a whopping $100,000. Yet, despite the hurdles, Allie’s dream has always been to conquer all 14 of these towering giants without a hint of supplementary oxygen.
Now, after 16 years of nurturing this audacious dream, Allie has taken the plunge. She’s bid farewell to her job, put her business on hold, and even sold her car. Every ounce of her energy and resources is dedicated to this monumental feat.
To put things into perspective, while roughly 6,000 people have reached Everest’s summit, only a mere 200 have done it without oxygen. But that’s not all; the legend goes that 47 people have supposedly conquered all 14 of the 8,000-metre peaks, with only 19 doing so without oxygen. However, recent findings reveal a startling truth – only three individuals have successfully reached the ‘true summits’ of all 14 peaks without supplemental oxygen. And guess what? Allie Pepper is determined to be next on that exclusive list, aiming to complete her mission in just three years.
So, how can you be a part of this epic journey? We at Adventure Reels see Allie’s dream as incredibly inspiring and powerful, that’s why we’ve chosen her as the 2023 Radical Reels Film Tour fundraising campaign recipient.
The easiest thing you can do right now to support Allie is follow her journey on social media. With just a click of a button, you can become part of her incredible expedition. Join her on Instagram and her website to witness firsthand the breathtaking landscapes, thrilling climbs, and the unwavering spirit of adventure.
By following Allie on Instagram, you’ll not only stay updated on her progress but also become a part of her support network. You’ll have a front-row seat to the challenges, triumphs, and breathtaking moments that make her journey so inspiring. Plus, you’ll be among the first to hear about her latest adventures and achievements.
You can hear Allie’s story in her own words on the excellent Breaking Trail Podcast. Listen HERE
Hero image: Allie at the summit of Broad Peak earlier this year. All image credit goes to Allie Pepper.
