On May 17, 2010, Edurne Pasaban reached the summit of Shishapangma, becoming the first woman to successfully climb all 14 of the world’s eight-thousander peaks. This achievement solidified her standing as the 21st person in history to complete the circuit, a journey that began nine years earlier on the slopes of Mount Everest.
Early Background and Education
Born in 1973 in Tolosa, Spain, Pasaban developed her career within the Basque Autonomous Community. She pursued formal business education at ESADE and spent time working in Barcelona. These professional foundations complemented her primary focus on high-altitude mountaineering, allowing her to balance athletic pursuits with business activities and later contributions as a podcaster.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →The Quest for the Eight-Thousanders
Pasaban launched her campaign for the 14 peaks with a successful ascent of Mount Everest on May 23, 2001. Over the following decade, she tackled the remaining summits systematically. Her progress included significant climbs such as Makalu in 2002, K2 in 2004, and Broad Peak in 2007. By May 2009, when she reached the summit of Kangchenjunga, she had established a clear lead in the race to become the first female climber to complete the list.
Controversy and Verification
During the final stages of her project in 2010, a dispute emerged regarding the record held by Korean climber Oh Eun-sun. Pasaban challenged the validity of Oh's Kangchenjunga ascent, citing reports from seven Sherpas. Following an investigation into the evidence and a retraction of the claim by the South Korean Hiking Federation, industry experts at ExplorersWeb confirmed Pasaban as the first woman to complete all 14 peaks.
Recognition and Awards
Her mountaineering career earned numerous accolades within Spain and internationally. She received the Sabino Arana Award in 2002, followed by the Lan Onari in 2009. The year 2010 proved particularly significant for formal recognition, as she was awarded the Gold Medal of the Royal Order of Sports Merit, the Premio Reina Letizia, and the Marca Leyenda. She also received the Leif Erikson Award in 2017.
Fast facts
- Born: 1973, Tolosa, Spain
- First eight-thousander: Mount Everest, May 23, 2001
- Final eight-thousander: Shishapangma, May 17, 2010
- Education: ESADE
- Languages: Spanish, Basque
- Occupations: Mountaineer, businessperson, podcaster
Questions readers ask
Was Edurne Pasaban the first woman to climb all 14 eight-thousanders?
Yes, following a review of conflicting summit claims by the South Korean Hiking Federation, she is recognized as the first woman to achieve this milestone.
What education did Pasaban receive?
She was educated at ESADE, a business school located in Spain.
Achievements
- Worked as mountaineer, businessperson and podcaster
