Why visibility is important – Women in mountaineering | Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner & Sunny Stroeer 

Those who are visible in mountaineering shape role models and opportunities. The Summit Scholarship Foundation works specifically to give women in alpinism more space, training, and recognition. Founder Sunny Stroeer and alpinism legend Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner explain in this interview why this goes far beyond symbolism.

Visibility through funding programs

Founded by Sunny Stroeer, the Summit Scholarship Foundation has been awarding scholarships specifically for female mountaineers since 2019, aiming to break down existing barriers to access for women in alpine mountaineering. What began with a single expedition scholarship for Island Peak and Everest Base Camp in Nepal has developed into a comprehensive support program. Expeditions and training programs are funded in locations including Chamonix, Glacier Peak, the Red River Gorge, the Cordillera Blanca, the Matterhorn, and Mount Baker. Scholarship recipients typically receive full funding for expedition costs as well as high-quality equipment. Summit Scholarship Foundation The goal is to enable women from diverse backgrounds to access high-alpine mountaineering and to encourage them to pursue their mountaineering goals.

Female pioneers of the vertical 

In the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland), the proportion of female mountain guides is low. In Germany, it currently stands at only around four percent (a rising trend, editor's note), while in Austria it is less than three percent. The figure is somewhat higher for female instructors (TR C Alpine Climbing), reaching approximately 21 percent in Germany. However, according to membership statistics from the DAV (German Alpine Club) and the ÖAV (Austrian Alpine Club), there is almost gender parity.
Women began writing the history of mountaineering early on. From Henriette d'Angeville, who climbed Mont Blanc as early as 1838, to Lucy Walker, who in 1871, just six years after Edward Whymper's team, became the first woman to reach the summit of the Matterhorn. From pioneers like Gwen Moffat, Catherine Destivelle, and Lynn Hill, to numerous other top female mountaineers of today. Despite these role models and noticeable progress, structural barriers still persist in some areas. Sunny Stroeer and Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner explain in this interview why change takes time and what role initiatives like the Summit Scholarship Foundation can play.

Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner & Sunny Stroeer in an interview 

Lacrux: What does alpinism mean to you – and has this meaning changed over the course of your career?

Sunny: For me, mountaineering is above all an adventure and an opportunity to experience life to the fullest. It's less about the mountain itself or the achievement, but rather about how mountaineering feels and what it evokes in life. I had to learn this mindset: it's not about ticking off as many peaks as possible. One year, I tried to climb too many mountains in a short time – and kept turning back. Eventually, I realized: summit collecting and mountaineering are two completely different things. My best days were often the ones when I didn't reach the summit.

Gerlinde: In the beginning, I simply had the pure joy of mountaineering. Only later did I develop the courage to pursue it professionally. The term alpinism encompasses so much: technique, equipment, organization, personal development. Equipment has improved dramatically – organizing expeditions is much easier today. We used to send letters to Pakistan to obtain permits. It's hard to imagine now what it felt like to plan an expedition by letter. But one thing has definitely remained unchanged: pioneers expand our imagination. A good example for me is Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler, who climbed Everest without supplemental oxygen in 1978. Until then, nobody thought it was possible, and many followed in their footsteps. For me, this shows that mindset is key. 

Lacrux: Gerlinde, did you have this mindset from the beginning? 

Gerlinde: No, that wasn't there at the beginning. I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. My mentor, Pastor Dr. Erich Tischler, took me by the hand for my first ice climbing attempts, high-altitude tours, and climbing expeditions; I was 13 years old then. And then I constantly wanted more. Higher, further, more difficult. It wasn't until after my fifth eight-thousander that I decided I wanted to become a self-employed professional mountaineer. Until then, I had no sponsors and always saved all my money to afford my next expedition. When I wanted to pursue a career as a professional, I received a lot of criticism, such as, "You can't make a living from mountaineering—especially not as a woman." But that didn't stop me. I simply wanted to try. If I didn't try, nothing would ever happen. So, I had to find the courage and take the first step. But you also have to allow yourself the possibility that it might not work out. 

Lacrux: Sunny, how did you come to want to give women a platform? 

Sunny: Pursuing personal projects is fantastic, of course. But at some point, it's no longer just about mountaineering. Eventually, the question arises: What am I actually doing this for? I have a personal ambition to make a difference. To give something back and share my experiences with others. When my successes began and the media started reporting on me, I noticed that I was portrayed differently than men. In the media coverage, I very quickly perceived a certain diminishment of my achievements, along the lines of: "He's done that too, it's not that important."^*1 And it seemed to me like a systematic barrier. ^*2Now I know from figures and evidence: That's exactly it. That's exactly what I wanted to change. I know how beneficial mountaineering has been for me as a woman, and I would like to see more women in this field because it's so life-affirming to express oneself in the mountains.

Lacrux: Why is the visibility of women in mountaineering crucial from your point of view? 

Gerlinde: My own visibility came about rather by chance, for example in connection with the 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Nanga Parbat, and not because I consciously sought publicity. It has always been important to me to remain authentic and not do anything simply to be media-friendly. The visibility of women in mountaineering is crucial for me because it inspires, creates a sense of belonging, and motivates young women to forge their own paths.

Sunny: For me, visibility shows one thing above all: It is possibleMany women experience something on the mountain that I like to call "death by a thousand cuts"—countless small put-downs and doubts that accumulate and undermine their self-confidence. However, when women become visible and their achievements are recognized, it expands the realm of what is conceivable. We saw this, for example, with Margo Hayes: after she broke into the highest climbing grades, the number of women in these areas quickly increased—not because all abilities suddenly changed, but because it became clear that this path was even open and Margo expanded the realm of possibility. 

Sunny: An example, which is not uncommon: I was out with a group of women from my expedition company, AWExpeditions, and we encountered a group of climbers. They asked us where we were headed – certainly not to the summit! In addition, there are also very basic issues, such as what happens if a woman needs to relieve herself and feels inhibited as part of a mixed rope team. Many women therefore consciously drink too little water, others leave the rope team and expose themselves to serious risks. And because of these concerns, many don't even go into the mountains in the first place. And these shouldn't be obstacles. Women shouldn't think about it and conclude: "That's far too complicated and far too embarrassing, I'm not even going to do that."

Lacrux: Sunny, you founded the Summit Scholarship Foundation. Why scholarships for female mountaineers?

Sunny: I founded AWExpeditions because I wanted to create a space where mountaineering is about more than just reaching the summit: it's about belonging, developing skills, and community, without women having to prove they belong. Success means returning home from the mountains with new friendships, increased self-confidence, and greater independence. This same attitude led to the creation of the Summit Scholarship Foundation: I see how strong the desire is for many women to realize their potential in the mountains. The application process itself has an impact that extends far beyond awarding a single scholarship: The essays encourage reflection, clarify goals, and strengthen self-confidence. In these essays, many women describe financial obstacles, the lack of a supportive community, and the pressure of cultural expectations that hold them back. Even if they don't receive a scholarship, this reflection often changes something within them. Ultimately, I simply want to sustainably expand the realm of possibility for women in the mountains. 

Gerlinde: For me, scholarships primarily raise awareness: they force you to pause and ask yourself, What do I actually want? The real impact comes from within the women themselves, not just from financial support. I experience something similar with my own visibility, which I consciously use to give something back – for example, in building schools in Nepal. In both cases, it's about creating opportunities and generating impact that extends far beyond the individual moment or project.

Lacrux: Sunny, you mentioned a "participation gap" – what exactly is that and why is it relevant?

Sunny: For me, the participation gap describes the fact that women are still significantly underrepresented in high-altitude mountaineering – and this has many facets. Statistically, we see fewer women, but there are structural reasons behind this: limited access to money, equipment, and mentoring; stronger internal barriers such as the feeling "I can't do this"; and societal expectations that often downplay women's achievements. Added to this are very practical obstacles on the mountain – a lack of privacy or feelings of shame in strongly male-dominated group structures, in which many women don't feel safe. This gap is significant because it not only prevents opportunities but also limits perspectives: women often communicate differently, tend to make more cautious decisions, and demonstrably have fewer serious accidents. ^*3

Gerlinde: The point is that we all learn from each other and appreciate one another.
My goal is that one day it will be completely normal to see women in the mountains – without any explanation. For me, the crucial point remains mindset: that's where development happens, when people see that the impossible is possible. 

Lacrux: What still prevents women from becoming visible today?

SunnyWomen still face many structural barriers that limit their visibility in mountaineering. These include high financial barriers to entry for equipment, travel, and training, as well as a lack of female guides and role models who could provide guidance and build trust. Stereotypical media portrayals further reinforce the idea of ​​who "belongs," while safety concerns in heavily male-dominated groups deter many women from even entering these spaces. In addition, women still receive significantly less sponsorship, which not only deprives them of resources but also makes their achievements less visible to the public.

Lacrux: Sunny, have you ever received negative reactions to your commitment to equality?

Sunny: It's so important for me to say: This isn't about hating men! I absolutely love being out with men, and men are incredibly important mentors. It's not about us being 50/50 on the mountain. It's simply a human need to do beautiful things, and I know there are so many women who haven't yet seen their way into the mountains. It's simply about supporting women. 

Lacrux: What message would you like to give to young women who are dreaming of mountaineering for the first time – perhaps of a big mountain or a first tour?

Gerlinde: Have the courage to take the first step, and don't just focus on the summit, but on the entire experience. Listen to yourself and your body, avoid comparing yourself to others, and develop your own mindset. And above all: if you truly want it, from the bottom of your heart, then you can do it! Dare to try. 

Application processes and Matterhorn Expedition 2026

The application period for the 2026 scholarships opened on December 15th and runs until January 31st, 2026. Women worldwide are eligible to apply for these programs. Any exceptions to the eligibility criteria for a particular scholarship will be clearly stated in the respective announcement. There is no upper age limit.

New this year is the Matterhorn Expedition, supported by LOWA, which offers two scholarships. Designed as a five-day alpine project in the heart of the Swiss Alps, it is aimed at ambitious female mountaineers who wish to take on a serious, technically demanding ascent of the Matterhorn. The expedition will be mentored by renowned alpinists Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner, Alix von Melle, and Ines Papert. Papert will also accompany the two scholarship recipients on the mountain. In addition to the Matterhorn Expedition, the Summit Scholarship Foundation is offering other exciting scholarships in 2026. Further information can be found on their website. 

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Credits: Cover image: Lacrux

Sources:
^*1
Study: Gender balance in sports reporting

^*2
Gender statistics DAV
Proportion of female mountain guides in Austria
Everest by the Numbers

^*3
Study: Risk taking in avalanche terrain: a study of the human factor contribution
Austrian Alpine Club (ÖAV) press release
Study: Gender Differences in Risk Assessment: Why do Women Take Fewer Risks than Men?