February 10

Jim Whittaker is an American climber best known as the first American to reach the summit of Mount Everest in 1963. He began his mountaineering career in the Cascade Range, where he honed his skills and passion for high-altitude climbing. As the longtime guide for Rainier Mountaineering Inc., he led climbers on expeditions of Mount Rainier and other peaks around the world. Whittaker founded the outdoor apparel company L.L.Bean Mountaineering and supported environmental conservation efforts throughout his career. He has authored several books recounting his adventures and philosophies on climbing and nature. His achievements inspired a generation of climbers and brought greater attention to environmental protection in mountain regions.

Lou Whittaker is an American mountaineer famous for his bold ascents in the Pacific Northwest and across the globe. He co-founded Rainier Mountaineering, Inc., one of the first professional guiding services in the United States. Known for leading challenging expeditions on Mount Rainier, he guided thousands of climbers to the summit over his multi-decade career. Lou also served as a guide on the American Everest Expedition in 1963, contributing to his brother Jim's historic summit. He authored memoirs recounting his experiences and has been a vocal advocate for mountaineering safety and environmental stewardship. His contributions have shaped the professional guiding industry and inspired adventurers worldwide.