The UIAA in Banff : Women who have made a difference to the Mountaineering Community

Kim Reynolds

When Kim Reynolds began climbing ice in 1982, she knew of few women who engaged in this unique and aesthetic sport. Despite the fact that more and more women began to try ice climbing over the years, it remained a male-dominated activity. Over time, Kim saw few opportunities for women to learn from women guides in a fun, supportive, safe, and non-intimidating environment. Thus, the idea of Chicks with Picks was born in 1999. In addition to helping women learn to ice climb, Kim has been inspired to use this opportunity to raise money and awareness for a local woman’s shelter and promote the idea of women helping women.

Kim has been an adventurer and outdoor instructor since 1979. She has worked as an Outward Bound instructor, course director, ice climbing guide, Antarctic survival instructor, Aspen ski patrol, and Himalayan trek leader. Alongside Chicks with Picks, Kim started a new program in 2001 called Mind Over Mountains (adventure retreats for women). In 1998 she was the expedition leader on a Himalayan first ascent that raised over $70,000 for the Friendship House, a Nepali safe house for girls at risk. Since then, she and her husband Jim Nowak started The dZi Foundation, a small non-profit foundation dedicated to health, education, culture and welfare of Himalayan mountain communities.