Interesting news from the world of outdoor gear and exploration, as the Gear Junkie is reporting that ski mountaineer and all-around badass Hilaree Nelson is taking over the position of “team captain” for The North Face, a title that has been held by Conrad Anker for 26 years.
Anker and TNF created the Global Athlete Team back in 1992, and the mountaineering legend has served as its one and only captain ever since. But earlier this week, The North Face announced that Nelson would take over in that role moving forward. She has been a member of the team for more than 20 years and has completed some impressive climbs and ski descents in the Himalaya and elsewhere. Her amazing expedition resume includes summits of both Everest and Lhotse within 24 hours of one another and a ski descent of Cho Oyu in Tibet.
In the Gear Junkie story, Anker is quoted as saying “It is my great honor to hand the reins of Team Captain to Hilaree Nelson.” He goes on to add, “Hilaree has a long and storied career with The North Face and is well-suited to help make the athlete experience at The North Face meaningful for both the athletes, individuals, and the brand.”
There is no question that Nelson is amongst the best high altitude mountaineers in the world, male or female. She is a great choice to take over the role of team captain for North Face. In recent months, she has also played a prominent role in the company’s Move Mountains campaign, which has focused on creating a bigger role for women in the outdoors and world of exploration.
While the role as team captain may seem mostly ceremonial, Hilaree will play an important role in providing communications between The North Face and its sponsored athletes. She’ll also help select and manage new team members moving forward. According to GJ, Anker will serve as co-captain through the end of 2018 before Nelson takes over completely starting in 2019.
Congratulations to Hilaree on this honor. She is a great choice for sure.
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