Jimmy Chin

Athlete to Athlete Interview:

Mark Synnott with Jimmy Chin

Bio

Jimmy Chin grew up in southern Minnesota, wondering what life would be like if the landscape weren’t so flat. It only took one climbing experience in Joshua Tree, California, when he was eighteen, and he was hooked. After finishing college, Jimmy set out for a short climbing and skiing road trip. Eight years later he’s still traveling full-time. These days, however, his road trips take him a bit farther from home. As an athlete for The North Face, as well as an accomplished photographer, Jimmy has been busy climbing, skiing, exploring and photographing adventures in the remote corners of the planet.

In the last few years, Jimmy has organized and participated in numerous climbing, ski-mountaineering and exploratory expeditions to Tibet, China, Pakistan, Nepal, Tanzania, Mali, South Africa and Argentina. Some of his adventures include: climbing first ascents of big walls and alpine towers in the Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan; crossing the Chang Tang Plateau in northwestern Tibet, on foot and unsupported, with Conrad Anker, Galen Rowell and Rick Ridgeway; and attempting the direct North Face of Mount Everest, alpine style, with Stephen Koch. In the spring of 2004, Jimmy climbed Mount Everest with David Breashears while filming a feature film for Universal Studios. Jimmy has appeared in numerous publications, including profiles in National Geographic, Outside, Men’s Journal, People and Powder magazines.

Favorite The North Face Product:

Redpoint Optimus Jacket: "because it's perfect"

Words To Live By:

“Trust in the cosmos but tie your camel.”

Home:

Victor, Idaho

Favorite Music:

Cello

Favorite Places to Travel:

Home

Career Highlights:

• Mt. Everest, South Col Route (2004)
• Kaga Pomori, FA IV; 5.11R South Face, Mali, Africa (2003)
• Tai Yang Peak, first ascent and ski descent, Xinjiang, China (2003)
• Chang Zheng Peak (22,800 ft.), first ski descent, Central Rongbuk, Tibet (2003)
• Skied the Grand Teton, Middle Teton and South Teton in 14 hours car to car (2003)
• Six ski descents of the Grand Teton (2002)
• Chiru Mustagh, first ascent Southeast Ridge, 21,000 ft., Xinjiang, China (2002)
• Free solo of the Grand Traverse, Grand Tetons in one day car to car (2000)
• Tahir Tower, FA VII 5.11 A3, Kondus Valley, Karakoram, Pakistan (2000)
• Five one-day speed ascents of Half Dome (1998)
• Ten one-day speed ascents of El Capitan (1998)
• Iron Hawk to Native Son, VI 5.9 A4+ (1999)
• Beatrice Tower, FA VII 5.10+ A3+, Charakusa Valley, Karakoram, Pakistan (1999)
• Fathi Brakk, FA VI 510+ A3 WI4, Charakusa Valley, Karakoram, Pakistan (1999)

Film Hightlights:

• Working with David Breashears on Universal Studios feature film about the ‘96 Everest tragedy
• Traverse of the Chang Tang (2002 National Geographic Explorer)
• On the Edge: Mountaineering with Conrad Anker (2000 Outdoor Life Network)
• Higher Elevation: Kilimanjaro (ESPN)
• Journey to the Hand of Fatima (RUSH Channel)

Awards:

• National Geographic and Microsoft Emerging Explorers Grant (2004)
• Galen Rowell Memorial Photography Award (2004)
• Lyman Spitzer Adventure Award: K7 Climbing Expedition (2001)
• Polartec Grant Recipient: K7 Climbing Expedition (2001)
• AAC Mountaineering Fellowship Grant: Kondus Climbing Expedition, Pakistan (1999, 2000)
• Lyman Spitzer Adventure Award: Kondus Climbing Expedition, Pakistan (2000)
• Polartec Grant Recipient: Kondus Climbing Expedition (2000)