Vince Anderson (mountaineer)

Vince Anderson is an American mountaineer known for his bold and lightweight ascents of challenging peaks, particularly in the Alaska Range and the Karakoram. He is recognized for his minimalist approach to climbing, often foregoing fixed ropes, oxygen, and large support teams, favoring instead speed and self-reliance.

Anderson's notable climbs include multiple ascents in the Alaska Range, including impressive first ascents and variations on peaks such as Mount Huntington and Mount Foraker. He is particularly lauded for his partnership with Steve House, with whom he established several difficult new routes. Their ascent of the Slovak Direct on Denali (Mount McKinley) in 2000, completed in approximately 60 hours, is considered a landmark achievement in alpine-style climbing and earned them the Piolet d'Or, mountaineering's highest honor.

Anderson continues to climb and contribute to the mountaineering community, often focusing on remote and technically demanding objectives. He is considered one of the leading figures in modern alpine climbing, known for his commitment to ethical and sustainable climbing practices.