Peter Hillary
Renowned mountaineer Peter Hillary—whose name is inseparable from the legacy of Mount Everest—brings a lifetime of adventure, leadership, and purpose to the stage. Beyond the summit, his work has focused on giving back to the communities that make exploration possible, from supporting education and healthcare in the Himalayas to advancing humanitarian initiatives worldwide.
Himalayan Climber
•
Global Philanthropist
•
Climbing Royalty
•
Himalayan Climber • Global Philanthropist • Climbing Royalty •
More about Peter
We are all inspired by epic adventure. The name Hillary is synonymous with exploration and Himalayan mountaineering. Peter Hillary has been on 50 mountaineering expeditions around the world, including five to the top of the world—Mount Everest.
When Peter first climbed Everest he made history as the first son to have followed in his father’s footsteps to the summit of the world’s highest mountain. He made his second ascent of Everest, in 2003, alongside Jamling Norgay, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the day their fathers, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, made the historic first recorded ascent of the world’s tallest peak.
Peter and his father were also the first two generations of one family to establish new routes across Antarctica to the South Pole. Peter went on to complete the elusive holy grail for most climbers, reaching the “seven summits” (the highest mountain on each continent).
-
The thing Peter is most proud of is the legacy his family will leave behind through the foundations his father created to provide health, environmental, and educational services for the people in the Himalayas. Peter chairs the nonprofit Himalayan Trust, which, together with the local people of Nepal, has built 42 schools and hospitals at the foot of Mount Everest and runs educational programs in 80 schools.
Peter captivates audiences with authentic, spine-tingling, and at times hilarious stories about his adventures, stressing the importance of preparation, perseverance, teamwork, caution, and good judgement—as well as staying present to enjoy the journey.
Speaking Topics
Leadership
Sports
Adventure
Overcoming Obstacles
Watch Peter in action
Presentations
70 Years of Everest
Peter Hillary is a high achiever from one of the great families of mountaineering. Like his father, the late Sir Edmund Hillary—who made the first ascent of Mount Everest 70 years ago in 1953—Peter summited Everest and reached the South Pole on skis. In this captivating talk, Peter reveals what it takes to travel to the ends of the earth.
"A little bit of fear is essential—fear makes you careful, it makes you good.”
– Peter Hillary