First Canadian to Summit Mount Everest
On October 5th, 1982, Laurie Skreslet became the first Canadian to summit Mount Everest.
Since then, Laurie has recognized the parallel between climbing the mountain and the challenges people face daily in the business community. By sharing these similarities with 2000 organizations, Laurie has become an expert motivational speaker and touched the lives of more than 500,000 people.
But Laurie hasn’t retired from climbing. Over the years he has participated in more than 30 world-class expeditions into the Canadian Rockies, Nepal, South America and India. And Laurie continues to operate his Business Leadership and Challenge Courses in the Canadian Rockies.
Laurie has written a bestselling book “To the Top of Everest”. It was nominated in two categories, the Children’s Choice Award and the Canadian Book of the Year for Children Award in 2004.
2007 marked the 25th Anniversary of Laurie’s successful summit of Mount Everest. To celebrate this achievement, CBC-TV commissioned the production of a two-part television drama, recreating the events of the climb entitled “The Climb”. The 2nd part of this drama was filmed in June 2006 on Mount Everest. The production has aired on CBC and the outdoor network. Copies are now available through our office.
Laurie has been a professional mountaineer for over 3 decades with extensive experience in the North American Rockies, South American Andes and Asian Himalayas. His expertise spans technical ice climbing, rock climbing, alpine and high altitude mountaineering. During his career Laurie achieved the distinction (in 1982) of becoming the First Canadian to climb Mount Everest.
Laurie is a Certified ACMG Guide (Association of Canadian Mountain Guides), with over 32 high altitude expeditions to his credit. He has also been an instructor at the Colorado and Canadian Outward Bound Mountain Schools, teaching over 45 courses.
Laurie has led over 25 guided trips to climb Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere and one of the Seven Summits. Contact our office for details of the next trip, or to arrange a custom guided adventure with Laurie.
Laurie has written an award-nominated children’s book. To the Top of Everest was nominated for both the Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award and the Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children Award. It has also been added to the Children’s Literature Choice List.
What People are Saying…
“Laurie Skreslet has an incredible life story. Truly inspiring. His presentation and the hike he led us on immediately following will be an event that our group will be talking about in years to come!”
–Tundra Oil & Gas
“He was absolutely outstanding – clearly someone who not only has worked to achieve the exceptional in his own life but also has the linguistic skill and ability to communicate that philosophy to his audience.”
–Canada Life
“A week after the conference, people are still talking about your wonderful and inspiring message… presentation was clearly the highlight of the event.”
–Sprint
“You exceeded our expectations in every way. I would not hesitate to recommend you as a motivational speaker for any conference. It was a pleasure to have met you and I wish you continued success in the future.”
–Rural Economic Opportunities Conference
“Thank-you for your most inspiring presentation. Our sales team was captivated by our enthusiasm and your unique ability to associate your experience with our business environment. Presentations this profound are rare.”
–Novartis
“Your presentation to the group was nothing short of fantastic! You made it relevant to our business while taking everyone on your journey to the summit. You truly made the conference the success it was because of your inspiring and ‘real’ style.”
–Fidelity Investments
“Your knowledge and more important your enthusiasm were just the high energy kick-off we needed.”
–Du Pont Canada Inc.