New Eddie Bauer Archives Featured on KING-TV’s Evening Magazine

On May 1, Eddie Bauer celebrated its 90th anniversary by cutting the ribbon on its newly constructed archive room. The museum-style opening included guests such as American climbing legend Jim Whittaker and First Ascent guides Ed Viesturs and Peter Whittaker. The archives showcase the rich history of Eddie Bauer, the man, his passion for the outdoors and the many American expeditions the company outfitted throughout the last 90 years, including last year’s First Ascent Everest Expedition. Read More…

My Father’s Footsteps

By Leif Whittaker

In 1963, my father, Jim Whittaker, became the first American to reach the summit of Mt. Everest. Now, 47-years later, armed with his original journal and some very warm boots, I’m attempting to follow in his footsteps and to share this adventure with all of you Read More…

First Ascent Family Returns to Everest with new “Firsts” in Sight

Last year, Eddie Bauer launched First Ascent in dramatic fashion, from the top of the world. This year, several members of the First Ascent family will return to Everest to attempt some amazing new firsts and we’ll be there to capture all the action.

On May 1, 1963, Jim Whittaker became the first American to summit Mt. Everest, outfitted head to toe in Eddie Bauer gear. This May, Jim’s son, Leif Whittaker, will attempt to follow in his father’s footsteps and stand on top of the world for his first time Read More…

Whittakers Launch First Ascent in Denver

Jim and Peter Whittaker were in Denver last week to support the launch of First Ascent. They made an appearance on KUSA-TV, the Denver NBC affiliate, to discuss how mountaineering has evolved over the years, from when Jim summited in 1963 to when Peter returned in First Ascent gear in May of 2009.

Upcoming Events: Your Chance to Meet the First Ascent Guides

October 21, 2009
First Ascent In-Store Event, 7 p.m.—10 p.m.
Eddie Bauer FlatIron Crossing, CO

Meet First Ascent mountain guides Peter Whittaker, Dave Hahn, Seth Waterfall, Chad Peele and Jake Norton, and a special appearance by mountaineering legend Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest. Refreshments, special discounts, panel discussion and expert advice on First Ascent gear. Plus book signing by Jim Whittaker Read More…

Tonight Only – Whittaker, Viesturs and Mountainfilm on Tour in Chicago

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First Ascent and Mountainfilm on Tour take the windy city by storm tonight for an evening of great films and mountaineering stories from climbing legends Ed Viesturs and Jim Whittaker. One of the featured films is Fitzroy, the story of the 1968 first ascent of the Southwest Ridge in the Patagonian Andes. Whittaker and Viesturs will also be on hand to sign books. The presentation starts at 7 p.m. at the AMC Loew’s Pipers Alley 4 Theaters (1608 N. Wells St.). For more information, call 312-642-6275. Tickets cost $10 and can be purchased at the door.

Upcoming Mountainfilm on Tour events:

  • Golden, Colorado – October 23 & 24
  • Salt Lake City, Utah – October 30

Whittakers Kick Off Mountainfilm on Tour in Seattle

Mountainfilm Poster Seattle_Page_1

Join First Ascent and Mountainfilm on Tour in Seattle for two great nights of award-winning films and live presentations by some of the world’s most accomplished mountaineers. The program includes a series of short films along with special guests – First Ascent Guide Peter Whittaker on Friday, October 9, and mountaineering legend Jim Whittaker on Saturday, October 10. The presentation begins at 7pm at the Magnuson Park Community Center/Theater in Seattle.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or online at: http://www.outdoorsforall.org/mountain_film_BoxOffice.html

MountainSummit Makes Its Debut in Aspen

Movies and mountains, it turns out, are a winning combination. Just look at the 30-year run of the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, CO. In fact, Mountainfilm has built such a reputation and loyal following that a new spin-off festival was launched this year in Aspen. The first annual MountainSummit Festival debuted August 27-30, 2009. It was a co-production of Mountainfilm in Telluride and the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen.

Like Mountainfilm in Telluride in May, the Aspen festival was also sponsored by First Ascent. The new line of mountaineering gear from Eddie Bauer challenges standard industry practice—it’s the first gear actually designed and built by professional mountain guides. This spring, First Ascent sponsored the Return To Everest Expedition, launching its new line from the top of the world Read More…