Kenton Cool was first introduced to mountaineering at Scouts. An obsession with rock climbing developed at Leeds University and, on graduating, he moved to Sheffield to pursue this further.

Two years after graduating from Leeds, Kenton suffered a fall from a rock face near Llanberis Pass in north Wales. He suffered with calcaneal fractures of both heel bones and was was told by a specialist that he was likely to walk with a stick for the rest of his life.  A year of surgery and therapy saw him determined to regain his climbing form, after which he joined the British Association of Mountain Guides scheme.

Kenton Cool | Expedition Career

Kenton is recognised as one of the UK’s premier mountain and ski expedition leaders, renowned for his numerous challenging ascents with clients.

2006 –  Cool became the first Briton to ski down an 8,000-meter peak, Cho Oyu, Nepal, the world’s sixth-highest mountain.

2007 – Kenton led the first British-guided ascent of the north face of the Eiger with polar explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, who successfully completed the climb under Kenton’s expert guidance despite being in his sixties and initially fearful of heights.

2008 – Kenton and Fiennes attempted to conquer Mount Everest, but Fiennes had to turn back just 300 meters from the summit. Undeterred, Kenton returned to Everest in 2009 and successfully guided Fiennes to the top, solidifying his reputation as the mountain’s most accomplished British expedition leader.

2010 – He made the third-ever ski descent of Manaslu, the world’s eighth-highest peak, joining an elite group of mountaineers who have skied multiple 8,000-meter mountains

2013 –  Kenton achieved the Everest Triple Crown alongside climbing partner Dorje Gylgen. In a remarkable feat that many believed impossible, he summited the three peaks that form the Everest Horseshoe—Nuptse (7,864 meters), Everest (8,850 meters), and Lhotse (8,516 meters)—within just seven days, without returning to Base Camp.

This accomplishment highlighted Kenton’s extraordinary endurance and skill, particularly given the extreme challenges of prolonged exposure to high altitudes.

2015 – Kenton reached the summit of Everest for the 11th time, unfurling a flag representing the Principality of Sealand to show his support for the micronation.

2016 – At 42, Kenton summited Everest again, becoming the first foreign climber in two years to reach the top, alongside Sherpas and fellow Briton Robert Lucas.

2022 – Kenton continued to break records, completing his 16th Everest summit, the most by any non-Sherpa climber, while wearing a hand-painted protective helmet by British artist Teddy McDonald.

2023 – He surpassed his record in 2023, reaching the summit for the 17th time and guiding Richard Walker, Chairman of Iceland Food Group, to the top.

2024 – Kenton extended his record further by achieving his 18th Everest summit in 2024.

Kenton Cool | Speaking Topics

– Overcoming adversity in hostile environments

– Striving to attain a goal

– Critical decision-making in the ‘death zone’

– Leadership under pressure

Kenton Cool | Podcast

Kenton hosts The Cool Conversations podcast, which aims to mimic going to the pub for a drink with friends and overhearing a really, really cool conversation. He hosts alongside Dave Coull and they discuss everything from news stories, films and books to business, holidays and adventures.

They share fascinating insights from guests such as Ben Saunders, Sean Conway, Victoria Pendleton CBE, Ant Middleton and Lt Cdr Peter Reed OBE

Why book Kenton Cool?

Kenton’s motivational presentations and keynotes are energetic, entertaining, inspiring and humorous, focusing on themes of team-building and leadership. There is a serious aspect too, as Kenton uses photography and videos to share some of the most adverse situations he’s encountered and the personal fears he’s had to overcome. 

His insights into leadership in extreme times hold audiences enthralled and teach them about the prices and perils of decision-making and teamwork.

Kenton draws on his lived experience in the mountains and aligns it with relatable challenges we face every day.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book adventurer, high altitude climber and speaker Kenton Cool for your next live event or corporate video.

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