Melissa Arnot

Melissa Arnot Reid has made her life about exploring the beautiful mountains of the world, not only driven by her passion for climbing but also by her dedication to helping others achieve their goals in mountaineering. A professional mountain guide since 2004, she has successfully summited Mount Everest six times, including a notable ascent where she became the first American woman to summit and descend without supplemental oxygen. Her accomplishments extend across various global peaks, having led successful climbs on Mount Rainier over 100 times, as well as on Kilimanjaro and Aconcagua.

Aside from her climbing achievements, Arnot Reid is equally committed to the well-being of mountain communities. She co-founded The Juniper Fund, an organization that supports families of local workers who have been killed in the mountains of Nepal. This initiative underscores her commitment to the ethical aspects of mountaineering, ensuring that the pursuit of adventure does not overlook the rights and lives of those who make such expeditions possible. Her role as a remote site EMT and wilderness medicine instructor further highlights her focus on safety and care in extreme environments.

Arnot Reid's extensive experience and her unique perspectives on overcoming challenges have made her a sought-after motivational speaker. She often discusses topics like team building, leadership, resilience, risk management, and personal growth. Her record-setting completion of the Fifty Peaks Challenge, where she climbed the highest point in each of the 50 US states in just over 41 days, serves as a testament to her skills in goal-setting and achievement, themes that are prevalent in her professional talks. Currently residing in the Methow Valley of Washington State with her husband, Tyler, Arnot Reid continues to inspire and guide others in both her climbs and her speeches.