Alison Hargreaves (née Chadwick; February 17, 1962 – August 13, 1995) was a British mountaineer known for her remarkable achievements in high-altitude climbing. She gained international recognition for being the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen and for her solo ascent of all the Great North Faces of the Alps in a single season.

Key points about Alison Hargreaves’ life and mountaineering career include:

1. Early Years: Alison Hargreaves was born in Derbyshire, England. She developed an early interest in climbing and mountaineering, starting with rock climbing in the Peak District.
2. Alpine Accomplishments: Hargreaves became known for her achievements in the Alps. In 1987, she completed the “Great Wall” of the Dru in the French Alps, and in 1988, she climbed the north face of the Eiger in Switzerland.
3. Everest Without Supplemental Oxygen: One of Hargreaves’ most significant accomplishments came in 1995 when she became the first woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest without the use of supplemental oxygen. This was part of her broader goal to climb the world’s three highest mountains—Everest, K2, and Kangchenjunga—in a single season.
4. Controversy and Criticism: Hargreaves faced criticism for attempting challenging climbs with a young family at home. Her decision to continue climbing despite the responsibilities of motherhood sparked debates about gender roles and parenting in the mountaineering community.
5. Solo Ascent of Great North Faces: In 1993, Alison Hargreaves achieved a remarkable feat by completing solo ascents of the six major north faces of the Alps in a single season. This included iconic routes like the Eiger, Matterhorn, and Grandes Jorasses.
6. Tragic Death on K2: Tragically, Hargreaves lost her life on K2 in August 1995. She died during a descent in adverse weather conditions, leaving behind two young children.
7. Legacy: Alison Hargreaves is remembered for her exceptional skill as a mountaineer and her groundbreaking achievements, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field. Her legacy is a subject of ongoing discussion, with opinions on her choices and accomplishments varying within the mountaineering community.

Alison Hargreaves’ achievements and her tragic end continue to be part of the broader narrative surrounding high-altitude mountaineering. Her determination, skill, and accomplishments have left a lasting impact on the history of women in climbing.