International Women’s Day 2024: Interview with Janice Rot, “The girl of the altitudes”

Janice Rot  is a Chilean alpinist who made history on September 22, 2023, by becoming, at age 26, the first Chilean woman to reach the summit of Manaslu in Nepal (8,163 m above sea level). As the eighth-highest mountain in the world, she reached the peak without supplemental oxygen or guide assistance. She carried out the project titled “El Octavo Cielo,” alongside Nicolás Horta, her climbing partner and travel companion.

At the age of 18, her love for the mountains began when she set out on a trip to Torres del Paine National Park, Magallanes Region, alongside her sister. Despite the lack of prior experience, both of them got involved in the challenging “O Circuit” (known for being one of the most physically demanding of the park). This adventure not only marked the beginning of her passion for mountain climbing but also tested her perseverance and proved that her physical abilities would allow her to overcome many more challenges.

Her career has led her to explore different mountains across our country, such as Cerro El Plomo (5,424 m above sea level), located in the Metropolitana Region, and Ojos del Salado (6,893 m above sea level), the world’s highest active volcano in the Atacama Region. Additionally, she also climbed mountains from neighboring countries such as Argentina, with the summit of Aconcagua (6,961 m above sea level) and traversing Peru’s Cordillera Blanca to summit Nevado Ishinca (5,530 m above sea level), Montaña Urus (5,423 m above sea level), and the majestic Alpamayo (5,947 m above sea level).

On this International Women’s Day 2024, celebrated every March 8, we at Fundación Glaciares Chilenos wish to honor and highlight Janice as a woman, athlete, and role model in the practice of mountaineering in a conscious way. We would like to highlight her outstanding career, representing Chile in impressive feats. Not only did we highlight her determination and constancy, but we also want to mention her as a role model inspiring girls, young women, and women to be shapers of their own goals, to follow their dreams and work for them, to find in nature a space of connection, refuge, and learning, while always valuing its care and protection. We invite you to read the next interview carried out by our team with Janice Rot.

 

 

1. Janice, on September 22, 2023, at just 26 years old, you became the first woman to climb the Manaslu (8,163 m above sea level), the eighth-highest mountain in the world, without supplemental oxygen or guide assistance, what drives you to venture into the imposing heights of the mountains? What type of bond do you have with mountains, glaciers, and nature?

The drive to venture into the majestic heights of the mountains comes from a constant connection with nature and an intrinsic desire to push my own limits. Over the years, I’ve grown a strong connection with the mountains, exploring their summits, valleys, and glaciers with respect and humbleness. For me, they represent a constant challenge—an opportunity to test my physical and mental endurance, and an endless source of learning and personal growth. Each ascent is a unique experience, a journey of self-discovery and self-improvement that connects me with the environment and my inner self.

Through climbing and mountaineering, I find a form of expression and harmony with nature. Experiencing a sense of freedom and fulfillment that only the mountains can offer. Beyond physical achievement, these peaks are places of communion with nature where I find inspiration, peace, and belonging. My deep bond with the mountains and glaciers inspires me to keep dreaming and climbing toward new heights.

My goal is to demonstrate that gender is not an obstacle to achieving great accomplishments; it’s time to change the point of view and foster a culture of equality and empowerment. In this way, my connection to the mountains has evolved into a powerful platform for promoting inclusion, diversity, and the rights of women across all sectors of society.

 

 

 

2. As a female mountaineer, what has been your experience in a sport that is mainly represented by men? How do you face the physical and feminine hygiene needs in your excursions, which often are not adequately addressed in terms of equipment and mountaineering culture?

In my experience as a woman mountaineer, being in a mainly men’s sport has been very challenging but also gratifying. Often, I’ve dealt with gender stereotypes and ingrained perceptions about women’s abilities in mountaineering. However, I believe that these obstacles are opportunities to demonstrate that women can have outstanding performance in any field, including mountaineering.

As for my physical and feminine hygiene needs during my excursions, these have certainly been factors to consider; often, the equipment and mountaineering culture aren’t fully adapted to these specific requirements. However, I have learned to meet these challenges through creativity and foresight. For example, I always include essential hygiene supplies in my gear—such as sanitary products and wet wipes—while ensuring I have a clear waste management plan. Meticulous route planning and logistics further enable me to anticipate these needs and ensure I have the necessary resources for critical days.

 

 

3. Based on your experience and mountain trips, do you consider that enough attention is paid to protecting the environment when mountaineering? What is your perception of the waste management during expeditions?

I must say that I don’t consider that enough attention is being paid to protecting the environment when mountaineering, which is pretty sad. Frequently, the expeditions and climbs focus more on reaching the summit than on preserving the environment. This perspective can have negative effects on fragile ecosystems in the mountains.

Addressing the waste management during expeditions, I firmly believe that all alpinists must take full responsibility for their own waste. Packing out all trash generated during an ascent and ensuring its proper disposal is fundamental to protecting the natural environment. Regrettably, this principle isn’t always followed in practice; litter is frequently abandoned at base camps and along climbing routes, leading to the pollution and degradation of mountain ecosystems.

It’s essential to promote a greater environmental awareness among mountaineers and foster sustainable practices during the expeditions. This includes the reduction of waste, the use of portable waste containers for human waste, and the implementation of measures to minimize the environmental impact of our activities in the mountains. Ultimately, natural environmental care should be a priority for all of us who enjoy the mountains; it’s up to each of us to ensure that future generations can enjoy the beauty and majesty of these unique places.

 

 

4. As an athlete and woman, how do you think you could help address the climate crisis and glacier melt?

I see many ways to contribute to tackling the climate emergency and the melting of our glaciers. As a mountaineer from Chile, I hold the responsibility and the opportunity to drive positive change and climate action, proving that through collective effort, we can help protect our vital natural resources for the generations to come.

Awareness and education: I can use my social networks to increase awareness about the impacts of climate change on mountains and glaciers. This includes sharing information about the importance of glaciers, the threats they face, and the actions we can take to mitigate climate change.

Advertising of sustainable practices: I can opt for sustainable practices both in mountaineering and in my daily life; this includes promoting the use of environmentally friendly equipment and techniques during expeditions, as well as promoting responsible consumption habits and reducing our carbon footprint.

Participation in conservation initiatives: I can participate in and support conservation initiatives that work to protect glaciers and mountain ecosystems; this may include mountain cleanup projects, reforestation programs, and public awareness campaigns.

 

 

5. On International Women’s Day, what message would you share with girls, young women, and women?

Today, we commemorate the strength, resilience, and courage of each of you. On this special day, I want to remind you that you are incredibly valuable, powerful, and capable of achieving anything that you put your mind to. 

Throughout history, women have demonstrated time and again their capacity to overcome obstacles, break barriers, and change the world. From political leaders to scientists, artists, athletes, and human rights defenders, they have left an indelible mark on every aspect of society. 

Today, I invite you to believe in yourselves, to follow your dreams with passion and determination, and to never doubt your worth, no matter what challenges you face along the way. Remember that you have an unwavering inner strength that will guide you through any adversity.

To girls and young women, I say that the world is full of infinite possibilities and opportunities waiting to be explored. Don’t be afraid to speak up, pursue your passions, and fight for what you believe in. You are the future, and your vision is essential to creating a more just, equitable, and sustainable world for everyone.

To women of all ages, I remind you that your voice matters, your experience matters, and your presence in this world matters. Celebrate your uniqueness, embrace your power, and support other women on their journey toward success and personal fulfillment.

On this International Women’s Day, let us commit to working together to build a world where we can all shine. Remember, together we are unstoppable!

 

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  Janice Rot at Montaña Urus (5,423 m above sea level), Cordillera Blanca, Perú. August 2023.

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  Janice Rot climbing in Torrecillas, Metropolitan Region, Chile. July 2023.

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  Janice Rot climbed to the summit of Manaslu (8,163 m above sea level) in Nepal without supplemental oxygen or guide assistance. September 22, 2023.

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  Janice Rot climbing at Cerro Gloria. June 2023.

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  Janice Rot at Juncal glacier, Valparaíso Region, Chile. June 2023.

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  Janice Rot at Juncal glacier, Valparaíso Region, Chile. June 2023.

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  Janice Rot at Osorno Volcano, Los Lagos Region, Chile. July 2022.

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  Janice Rot at Cordillera Blanca, heading to Alpamayo, Perú. August 2023.

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  Janice Rot at Osorno Volcano, Los Lagos Region, Chile. July 2022.

 

 

Photos:

• Featured Image: Janice Rot at Osorno Volcano, Los Lagos Region, Chile. July 2022.
• Photos from Janice Rot’s personal archive.