Jan Reynolds

Explorer Jan Reynolds raised the bar for skiers worldwide when she set a world record for the highest ski descent from a summit of nearly 25,000' in the Pamirs, sponsored by National Geographic in 1980. This elevated her to holding the high altitude skiing record for women for almost a decade, a feat she later surpassed on a climb and ski of Mustagata in Western China. Recognized by Esquire Magazine as an athlete of the decade, Reynolds was a top biathlete in the first women's World Cup Championships in 1984 and participated in the grueling Everest Grand Circle expedition in winter in the Himalayas. Reynolds was the only woman on these expeditions, and she chronicled them in her book, "The Glass Summit: One Woman’s Epic Journey Breaking Through."

Reynolds's impressive record is not limited to skiing; she also led dozens of exploratory expeditions and completed first ascents around the globe. Beyond setting world records, her expeditions were among the first to garner corporate sponsorship, thereby elevating and expanding the sport internationally. Notably, Reynolds was one of the first two athletes ever hired by The North Face, creating a new professional occupation for climbers and skiers in the U.S.

As a journalist and photojournalist, Reynolds took skis worldwide, solo over Himalayan Nangpa La for National Geographic, and pushed equipment limits using skating skis on 23,000’ Mera peak, writing for Ski, Powder, Outside, Backcountry, and Snow Country. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Parent's Choice Award and Environmental Awards for her "Vanishing Cultures" book series. Reynolds' adventures and photography have been featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, Outside, Ski, and Backcountry, among other publications. She has also appeared in three adventure films, with "Flight of the Windhorse" winning best in show at Telluride Mountain Film and Banff Film Festival.

Today, even at over 65 years of age, Reynolds continues to set a formidable example in her field, her spirit of adventure undiminished. Her extensive interviews on TV, film, radio, magazines, and newspapers continue to inspire and motivate those in the adventure and exploration fields.