Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Climb high

Legendary climber Ed Viesturs to share his mountaineering wisdom


By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

Courtesy photo Ed Viesturs climbing to the summit of Lhotse, which is at the border between Tibet and Nepal. Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world.

Climbing the world's tallest peaks is a metaphor for life, but for Ed Viesturs it is his life. Viesturs is a living mountaineering legend and has decided, at least for a year, to make Sun Valley his home.

"It's God's country," Viesturs said. "We were looking for a vacation destination, and we fell in love with Sun Valley. We brought the kids here, and we are going to play it by ear."

Viesturs still has a house on Bainbridge Island, Wash., but is enjoying hiking Proctor Ridge in the mornings, fly fishing and running up Dollar Mountain. He is America's leading high-altitude mountaineer, having climbed many of the world's most challenging summits, including ascending Mount Everest six times.

In May 2005, Viesturs completed a 16-year quest to climb the world's 14 mountains above 8,000 meters without the use of supplemental oxygen. He is the only American and the fifth person in the world to accomplish this mountaineering feat.

Two years ago Viesturs wrote a book about climbing the 8,000-meter (26,000-foot) peaks.

"It is my life story on how I did this," he said.

Viesturs' book, "No Shortcuts to the Top," is not just for mountaineers. CEOs and company presidents read it because the principles behind mountain climbing and running a successful business are so similar.

"In the last several years, I have done a lot of corporate speaking," Viesturs said. "There are a lot of parallels with team work, setting goals and taking risks."

Viesturs will be giving one of his inspirational and educational talks along with a slideshow presentation and book signing on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m., at the Sun Valley Opera House. The event is $20 for the public and $15 for Zenergy members. Tickets are available at the Elephant's Perch and Chapter One in Ketchum and Lost River Sports in Hailey. Zenergy members must purchase their tickets at the club to receive the discounted price.

"It's going to be interesting, light hearted, fun, educational and there will be beautiful pictures," Viesturs said. "I just want to do something in this community and be a part of it."

Having truly lived his dream, Viesturs said his message to everyone is to do what you love to do and be satisfied with your performance.

"The goal is never to die climbing," Viesturs said. "Getting home is more important than getting to the top."




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