CLIMBING HIGH

THE AUSSIE HAS A MOUNTAINOUS CHALLENGE AHEAD BUT SHE'S TAKING IT ALL IN HER STRIDE

- • By Emma Levett

Allie Pepper is on top of the world - literally. The Australian mountaineer has spent the past two years summiting 8000-metre peaks across the globe, creating a raft of records and making history for both women and this country.

"To think I'm Australia's most accomplished female mountaineer and one of the most accomplished mountaineers, male or female, is something I only dreamt of and still can't comprehend," the 50-year old from Canberra tells WHO. What makes it all the more extraordinary is that a few years ago, she thought she would have to give up climbing altogether.

Allie only discovered climbing at age 23 after completing an outdoor recreation TAFE course. There was no looking back and, discovering a natural talent and passion, she became an adventure guide climbing all over Australia and the world.