Skier James Morrison And Partner Hilaree Nelson Were Trying To Ski Down Manaslu

James is a well-known ski mountaineer. His ski goals have evolved from annual trips to Chamonix and Canada to climbing and skiing the world's highest mountains. Beginning with high points in Ecuador and Russia.

Similarly, he advanced to 8,000-meter peaks, drawn by the enormity of the challenge. In 2015, he made an attempt on Makalu, the world's fifth-highest mountain.

In 2017, James and his partner Nelson became the first Americans to ski down India's 21,165-foot Papsura Peak after skiing 14 of Telluride's most difficult couloirs in just over two months with Hilaree. Jim and Hilaree then traveled to Denali, Alaska, where they climbed the Cassin Ridge and skied the Messner's face.

James and Nelson had climbed the 26,781-foot-high peak and reached the world's eighth tallest mountain, the summit of Manaslu. The couple had hoped to descend Manaslu last week, but heavy snowfall prevented them from doing so.

Nelson posted on Instagram that she didn't feel as confident on Manaslu as she had on previous expeditions into the thin atmosphere of the high Himalayas.

She also added that her resilience had been tested in new ways over the last few weeks. The constant monsoon, with its constant rain and humidity, has made her desperately homesick. She is challenged to find peace and inspiration from the mountain when it is constantly shrouded in mist.

Moreover, Nelson worked for The North Face for nearly two decades and was named National Geographic Adventurer of the Year in 2018. Just 12 days after arriving in India, she and Morrison climbed the 21,165-foot Paspura, also known as "The Peak of Evil."

In 2015, she became the first woman to ski Makalu La Couloir in Nepal. Nelson and Morrison, skilled big-mountain skiers in their own right, were the first to descend Lhotse in 2018.

According to The North Face's website, with a career spanning two decades and dozens of first descents across more than 40 expeditions in 16 different countries, Hilaree Nelson is the most prolific ski mountaineer of her generation.

Nelson was born on December 13, 1972, making her 50 years old as of 2022. Similarly, Jim appears to be in his early 50s. The couple appears to have a small age difference.

Nelson grew up in Seattle and began skiing at Stevens Pass when he was three. She was the Captain of The North Face Global Athletic Team and a member of the Montana State University Everest Education Expedition in 2012.

Hilaree received a National Geographic Explorers grant, was a member of over 40 expeditions, and had her first ski descents in Argentina, Kamchatka, Russia, and the Tetons.

On the other hand, Morrison lives in Tahoe City and has spent his entire life skiing and climbing in the Sierra Nevada.

Growing up in Walnut Creek, three hours from Squaw Valley, John and his brother, another accomplished mountain athlete, competed in ski races and chased skiers like Scot Schmidt every weekend throughout high school.

Jim began spending ski seasons in Squaw Valley in 1990, eventually relocating permanently. He is known for his big heart and engine. He quietly excels at most feats he attempts, whether it's an Ironman triathlon or climbing El Capitan in Yosemite, all while running his own Tahoe custom home construction company.

James and Hilaree appear to have a strong bond. For many years, the couple has been ski mountaineers together. Because the couple shares a passion for the same field, they understand each other better.

Morrison recently posted a selfie with Nelson following the tragic incident. He describes his companion as his lover, best friend, and mountain companion, and Nelson is also the light of his life. 

Furthermore, based on the photos they posted, the couple appears to have a lot of fun together. On December 17, 2021, James posted a picture of them in their tent, clearly in love with each other.

Nelson has also shared numerous photos with Morrison on her Instagram account. She posted a selfie with her partner while climbing Rucu Pichincha on December 6, 2021. After seeing the post, many of her followers praised them as a lovely couple.

The couple lived in Telluride, Colorado, with their two children, and James is the stepfather of two children.

Nelson revealed that her greatest achievement is being a mother. She told Diamond, a brand for which she is an ambassador, that she is most proud of raising her two boys in her life. She is proud of the risks she takes in selecting unknown and unexplored locations for expeditions in her sport.

Both of their sons compete in alpine racing. Moreover, they live with their father, Nelson's ex-husband Brian O'Neill when Nelson is away.

On June 28, Nelson posted a photo of her son with the caption, "My @yeti lacrosse setup for the big tournaments with my kids." She also expressed her joy at seeing her son choose LAX in a big city, learning a lot about a new sport for her, making new friends, and pushing themselves to learn and be better individually and as a team.

According to the post, Nelson supports her children's career choices and is always there for them when needed.