Climbers

Across rock, ice, and towering peaks, women have continually redefined what’s possible in climbing. From pioneering ascents to record-breaking achievements, their courage, skill, and resilience have shaped the history of the sport. This page celebrates female climbers — the firsts, the fastest, the youngest, and the boldest — whose stories inspire others to dream bigger and climb higher.

Notable Female Climbers and Achievements

Mountaineering

First woman ever to reach the summit of Mount Everest (8,848 m) – Junko Tabei (Japan) — 16 May 1975
First woman to summit both Everest and neighbouring 27,940-foot Lhotse in 24 hours – Hilaree Nelson (USA) — 25 May 2012
First woman to climb all 14 eight-thousand-metre peaks – Edurne Pasaban (Spain) — 17 May 2010
Fastest woman to climb all 14 eight-thousand-metre peaks – Kristin Harila (Norway) — 4 May 2023
First Nepalese woman to summit Everest – Pasang Lhamu Sherpa (Nepal) — 22 April 1993
First woman to summit Everest without supplementary oxygen or Sherpa support – Alison Hargreaves (UK) — 13 May 1995
Youngest woman to summit K2 (8 611 m) – Adriana Brownlee (UK) — 29 July 2022
Oldest woman to climb Mount Everest – Tamae Watanabe (Japan) — 19 May 2012 (aged 73)
First Indian woman to summit Everest – Bachendri Pal (India) — 23 May 1984
First woman to climb Nanga Parbat (8,126 m) – Liliane Barrard (France) — 1984

Rock Climbing & Sport Climbing

First woman to climb 9b/5.15b – Angela Eiter (Austria) — “La Planta de Shiva” (Spain), 2017
World's first-ever female climber to onsight an 8c (5.14b) – Janja Garnbret (Slovenia) — 2021
Youngest person (male or female) to climb 9a/5.14d – Ashima Shiraishi (USA/Japan) — at age 13, 2015
First woman to free climb “The Nose,” El Capitan – Lynn Hill (USA) — 1993
First woman to free climb the Salathé Wall – Steph Davis (USA) — 2005
First woman in history to climb 9a+/5.15a – Margo Hayes (USA) — “La Rambla,” Spain, 2017
First-ever female climber in history to onsight a 8c+/5.14c – Laura Rogora (Italy) — 2025
Youngest person to solve a v14/8b+ boulder problem – Oriane Bertone (France) — age 12 — 2018

Bouldering

First woman to climb V15/8C boulder – Ashima Shiraishi (USA/Japan) — “Horizon,” Japan, 2016
First woman to climb V16/8C+ boulder – Katie Lamb (USA) — “Box Therapy,” Colorado, 28th July 2023
First female to solve 8A+/8B (V12/13) boulders – Babsi Zangerl (Austria) — 2008
Most bouldering climbing World Cup victories by a woman (five overall titles) – Sandrine Levet (France) — 2005
Most gold medals won at the IFSC Climbing World Cup – Janja Garnbret (Slovenia) — multiple titles (Lead & Boulder), 2016–2024

Ice & Mixed Climbing

First woman to lead M13 (mixed climbing) – Ines Papert (Germany) — “Mission Impossible,” 2007
First woman to climb mixed grade M14 – Lucie Hrozová (Czech Republic) — “Iron Man” (M14) at Eptingen, Switzerland, February 2013

Related Tough Girl Podcast Episodes

Dr. Hannah Lock

Emergency & Expedition Doctor Specialising in High Altitude Mountain Environments. Qualified Mountain Leader & Mountain Rescue Trainee.

Tori Taylor-Roberts

Climbing Coach and Outdoor Adventure Facilitator. Aiming to inspire and support women in their ambition to become independent rock climbers.

Saanvi Sita Mylavarapu

Her Quest for Adventure and Conservation, From Half Dome to Everest Base Camp. Empowering Youth Through Outdoor Education and Exploration.

Crystal Rose Hudelson

Her love and passion for climbing and her work as Co-director of Climbers of Color (CoC) a platform for people to connect and teach Black people, people of color, and marginalized communities.

Lisa Thompson

From Novice Climber and Breast Cancer Survivor to summiting Mt. Everest and K2. Inspiring others to reach new heights through her book "Finding Elevation: Fear and Courage on the World's Most Dangerous Mountain”.

Rachael Crewesmith

One of only 46 female Winter Mountaineering Instructors (ever!), mountain bike, swim, run guide. Noisily taking up space in a male-dominated industry, bringing her peers along for the ride.

Jennifer Price

From Army Officer to Extreme Endurance Athlete. 12 challenges in 12 months. Including an Ironman, a multistage desert ultra-marathon, Mt. Aconcagua, and a 1000 mile self supported Lands’ End to John O’Groats cycle.

Adriana Brownlee

On a mission to summit all 14, 8000m peaks and become the youngest woman ever to do so.

Patricia Boardman

From Textile Designer to Thriving Outdoor Instructor. Empowering Women Through Outdoor Exploration and Leadership

Zahra Rose Alazaibi

Empowering Muslim Women in the Great Outdoors. Trekking to Everest, Broad Peak, and K2 Base camps, as well as summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Sasha DiGiulian

Professional rock climber. Following her passions, pushing her limits, and completing first ascents around the world.

Dr. Carla Benton

Clinical Psychologist, queer vegan and a lover of all things outdoors. Awarded the Ultra Distance Scholarship in 2021 which is aimed at increasing representation of BAME cyclists in ultra distance cycling.