A British climber who conquered numerous peaks, including the first ascent of the North Face of Spantik in the Karakoram range, and was part of the first all-female team to climb K2.
Julie Tullis was a British climber and filmmaker who made history by becoming the first British woman to reach the summit of K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. Tragically, her triumph was short-lived, as she died in a storm while descending from the summit, along with four other climbers, in the infamous 1986 K2 disaster.
Born on March 15, 1939, to Erica and Francis Palau, Julie's early life was marked by the turmoil of World War II. She discovered her passion for climbing in 1956, near Tunbridge Wells, where she met her future husband, Terry Tullis. The couple married in 1959 and ran various small businesses while continuing to climb and explore the outdoors.
Julie's fascination with traditional Japanese martial arts led her to study karate forms under David Passmore in the Budokan school, Tunbridge Wells. She often practiced karate forms in traditional hakama while climbing, showcasing her unique blend of physical disciplines.
In 1976, Julie met Austrian climber Kurt Diemberger, and by 1980, they were working together on lecture tours. Their partnership marked the beginning of Julie's high-altitude filming career, which included expeditions to Nanga Parbat, the North Ridge of K2, and the unclimbed NorthEast Ridge of Mount Everest.
In 1984, Julie and Diemberger successfully climbed Broad Peak, and their subsequent expedition to K2 in 1986 would be their most ambitious undertaking yet. Despite the risks, Julie's determination and skill ultimately led her to become the first British woman to reach the summit of K2, on August 4, 1986.
Although Julie and Diemberger celebrated their triumph, their exhaustion from spending several days above 8,000 meters (the "death zone") took its toll. During the descent, Julie slipped and fell, and although Diemberger's belay saved them both, she likely suffered internal or head injuries that affected her vision and coordination.
Trapped in their tents by a storm that lasted for several days, Julie and the other climbers deteriorated physically and mentally, lacking food, sleep, oxygen, and warmth. It was a tragic end to an extraordinary adventure, as Julie Tullis died in the storm, along with four other climbers, on August 6, 1986.
Julie Tullis's remarkable achievements and untimely death cemented her status as a mountaineering legend. Her fearlessness, skill, and passion inspired generations of climbers, filmmakers, and adventure-seekers. Her legacy serves as a testament to the power of human determination and the importance of pursing one's passions, no matter the risks.
83 Years Old
Austrian mountaineer and skier who pioneered a new style of alpine climbing, emphasizing speed, minimal equipment, and partnership, and first ascended the North Face of the Eiger with Reinhold Messner. He's also a renowned ski instructor and author.
81 Years Old
First person to climb all 14 eight-thousander peaks, including Mount Everest, and a renowned explorer of remote regions. He has written extensively about his expeditions and has held public office in Italy.
75 Years Old
A British climber and writer who conquered Mount Everest and penned books about his adventures, inspiring generations of mountaineers and outdoor enthusiasts.
85 Years Old
A British mountaineer and author who was the first to climb the south face of Mount Everest, and wrote books about his adventures.
91 Years Old
A renowned mountaineer and author, known for leading numerous expeditions and writing books about his adventures, inspiring generations of climbers and outdoor enthusiasts.
93 Years Old
A pioneering British climber who made significant first ascents in the Alps and Himalayas, known for his bold and innovative climbing style.
96 Years Old
A pioneering Scottish mountaineer and author, known for his daring ascents and literary works that captured the essence of the climbing world. He founded the Search and Rescue team and developed innovative climbing equipment.
