Conrad Anker is not only one of America’s greatest mountaineers but one of the world’s greatest ever. He’s been at the forefront of elite alpinism for decades, his story often interweaving with those of other legendary mountaineers past and present, from George Mallory, Mugs Stump and Alex Lowe, to David Lama and Jimmy Chin. From Antarctica to the Himalayas and Karakorum via Yosemite and Zion, his list of first ascents commands the respect of the mountaineering community.
Anker’s story career in the mountains is a rollercoaster of highs and lows. Having risen to prominence with first ascents in the late ’80s, he became a key member of the North Face’s dream team and went on to forge a powerful friendship with fellow climber Alex Lowe. Tragedy struck in 1999, when Lowe was killed by an avalanche right before Anker’s eyes. In the aftermath, Anker famously fell in love with and married Lowe’s widow Jennifer – their unique bond has forged a relationship that continues strong to this day.
