Known in climbing circles as Mr. Everest, Pete Athans is peerless when it comes to conquering the world's tallest mountain. He has attained the summit of Mount Everest a record seven times—more than any other climber who isn't of Sherpa ethnicity.

In the past two decades he has participated in 15 Everest expeditions and was awarded the American Alpine Club's David A. Sowles Award for a daring rescue later chronicled in the best-selling book Into Thin Air. In addition to Everest, Athans has climbed on all seven continents, led expeditions to K2 and other lofty peaks, and served as a high-altitude videographer for Nova, ABC Sports, NBC Sports, National Geographic Television & Film, the Brad Pitt film Seven Years in Tibet, and other productions.

Further, Pete led the expedition leading to the production of "Light in the Himilaya", a Rush Network feature documenting The North Face athletes working with doctors of the Himalayan Cataract Project in its ambitious plan to restore vision to indigent Nepalese patients. He was awarded the prestigious Tenzing Norgay prize from the Explorers Club in 2005 for his philanthropic work in Nepal.

Pete is part of The North Face athlete team and contributes regularly to the design, development and marketing of The North Face technical outerwear and equipment

Expeditionary Leadership and the Lessons of Everest
An avid student of philosophy and poetry, Athans evokes the magic of the climbing expedition and affirms the belief that everyone—mountaineer, mother, businessperson—has his or her own Everest. Presentation can be tailored to specific audiences.