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Today in History: Alison Hargreaves first woman to summit Everest unaided

5/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

British climber Alison Hargreaves soloed Mount Everest on 13 May 1995, reaching the 8,848-meter summit without bottled oxygen or Sherpa assistance—making her the first woman to achieve the feat unaided. Her résumé also included soloing all the great north faces of the Alps in a single season.

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Story summary

British climber Alison Hargreaves soloed Mount Everest on 13 May 1995, reaching the 8,848-meter summit without bottled oxygen or Sherpa assistance—making her the first woman to achieve the feat unaided. Her résumé also included soloing all the great north faces of the Alps in a single season.