Hilaree Nelson passed away on September 26th skiing from the Himalayan summit of Manaslu, the world's eighth highest mountain.

Hilaree, was born in Seattle on Dec 13, 1972 to Stanley and Robin Nelson and grew up here, skiing on the weekends at Stevens Pass. She attended Shorewood Highschool where she was active in basketball and school activities. She had an incredible group of friends who she enjoyed her entire life. Hilaree and her family spent summers aboard the family Chris Craft. Enjoying fourth of Julys at Roche Harbor then spending time in the San Juans and Canada. She attended Colorado College studying biology and skiing. At CC she formed strong relationships that have lasted a lifetime. After college, she booked a one-way ticket to Chamonix, France which changed the course of her life. She began her career in the mountains after winning the European extreme ski championships and taking her first big mountain trip to India.

Hilaree settled in Telluride Colorado where she found an amazing community of wonderful friends and like-minded adventurers. Hilaree's greatest passion and most fulfilling role was being a mom to her boys Quinn and Grayden. She loved her boys with all her heart. She coached their sports and was so happy becoming a LAX mom. She spent time with her boys in the mountains, surfing, rock climbing, playing board games, cards and doing all things mom.

Hilaree was regarded as one of the most prolific ski mountaineers of her generation, and the captain of The North Face Athlete Team, known for making artful turns in improbable places, with dozens of first descents from atop major and lesser-known peaks. Her perseverance and passion for exploring the mountains earned her recognition as National Geographic's Adventurer of the year in 2018.

While she and her partner, Jim Morrison, traveled to the ends of the earth to climb and explore, they relished staying close to home, enjoying day to day life with friends, family, and Wilson, their dog.

As her work evolved, her focus on our environment and her work with Protect Our Winters and other environmental organizations drove her daily.

Hilaree led her life with kindness and humility. She inspired people and athletes of all levels. Always encouraging people to reach their own personal summits, whatever that may be.

Hilaree is survived by her beloved sons Quinn and Grayden O'Neill, her life partner, Jim Morrison, her parents, her siblings, Wilson, and a large extended family and a community of friends that were her people.

She was loved greatly and will be missed.

A memorial service will be held in Seattle. We invite you to make a donation to (Protect our Winters), in her honor, in lieu of flowers.