About Kimber
National Board Certified Educator, Alpinist, and Public Speaker
Her Story
Kimber Cross is an adaptive alpine and ice climber based in Tacoma, Washington, known for her mantra: Can’t. Will. Did. It’s 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. In March 2026, she completed the first documented adaptive female ascent of Bridal Veil Falls (WI5/WI6) in Telluride, one of the most storied ice lines in the country. In May 2026, she and her team began establishing a new route on a direct line up the north face of a peak in a remote Alaskan range, an objective they plan to return to next season to complete as a first ascent.
A currently sponsored Mountain Hardwear alpinist, Kimber breaks 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 teacher, using her story to inspire the next generation of outdoor adventurers and to promote inclusion through representation. She is also beginning to write a children’s book series called The Summit Kids centered on social-emotional learning, featuring a young protagonist with a limb difference.
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