About Kimber
National Board Certified educator and alpinist
Her Story
Kimber Cross is an adaptive alpine and ice climber based in Tacoma, Washington, known for her mantra: can’t. will. did.— a commitment to never giving up in the face of adversity.
Born with one hand, Kimber grew up inspired by athletes like MLB pitcher Jim Abbott and has since carved her own path as a force in the outdoor community.
She has summited Mount Rainier/Tahoma six times, including a historic ascent of the Kautz Route as the first disabled climber to use a prosthetic ice tool on that technical line. Kimber is currently pushing boundaries as she trains to become the first adaptive climber to complete classic objectives in Alaska’s rugged range, including the iconic Moose’s Tooth.
A former member of The North Face’s Athlete Development Program, Kimber continues to break barriers in the climbing world, redefining what’s possible through adaptive equipment, grit, and mentorship. She is a climb leader and educator with The Mountaineers, teaching technical glacier, rock, and ice climbing. Beyond the mountains, she is a National Board-Certified Kindergarten teacher, using her story to inspire the next generation of outdoor adventurers and to promote inclusion through representation.
Through storytelling, speaking, and leadership, Kimber shares the power of perseverance, belonging, and bold dreams. She believes in rewriting limits — and proves that can’t is just the beginning of will.
Follow her journey: @kimberbelle