Kristin Harila
Kristin Harila
Kristin Harila's life is a reflection of her courage, strength, and determination to overcome challenges. Currently holding the record for the fastest woman to scale both Everest and Lhotse within a span of less than nine hours, she has managed to outdo her own previous record of 12 hours that was established in 2021. Her incredible achievement highlights her exceptional talent and unique ability to push herself beyond comfort zones.
“I love climbing because it makes me feel alive. It teaches me so much about myself and the world. It pushes me beyond my limits and shows me what I am capable of. It's not about the numbers or records, it's about the journey and the experience.”
Born in Vadsø, situated in the far north of Norway, Harila developed a passion for the outdoors early on in her life, and this love for winter sports only grew over time. By the tender age of three, she had already embarked on her skiing career and continued to participate in cross-country skiing until the age of 25. Eventually, her interests expanded and led her to become a mountain guide, during which time she presided over daring expeditions to the Arctic.
However, her skills and fearlessness as a rock climber have secured her a lasting legacy in the history books. A transformative moment in her career took place in 2015, when she successfully climbed her first 5,000-meter peak, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. From that point on, she knew that she wanted to dedicate her life to climbing the highest peaks in the world, leading her to relinquish her secure managerial job in 2019.
Achievements
The unparalleled combination of skill and courage displayed in Harila's expeditions places her among the ranks of the world's best mountain climbers. Serving as an inspiring force, she motivates audiences as an influential speaker and public figure, prompting others to chase their dreams and strive to reach greater heights.
- Climbed all 14 peaks over 8,000 meters in 1 year and five days
- Fastest to climb the 5 highest mountains in the world
- Fastest to climb Nepal's 6 mountains
- Fastest woman to climb Everest & Lohtse
- Fastest woman to climb 12 x 8000m
- And the journey has only just begun