Introducing Emma Powell

Emma Powell is a Yorkshire based climber with over 14 years’ experience of climbing. These days she is most happy when climbing with an ice axe in tow, and can regularly be found ice climbing and dry tooling. Growing up in Yorkshire Emma was always close to some of the best outdoor gritstone climbing, and the local crags influenced her passion into climbing. Emma began to climb outdoors with her Dad when she was 7 (prior to ever climbing inside) this instilled an appreciation of the sport and its positive impacts on her life, as well as a love for the great outdoors.

In the past 8 or so years Emma has moved towards Dry tooling (involving the use of crampons and ice axes on rock), ice climbing and most recently started to dip her toes into Scottish winter climbing. The physical act of climbing and projecting for Emma allows her to find a positive outlet and when projecting a route she even finds herself in almost a meditative state. Emma’s ultimate goal is to keep pursuing her climbing in all disciplines and continue exploring her other sporting passions, which includes running.

Key Achievements

2022
First and only British female to climb a D12 (Guardian of the underworld)

2021
UIAA Bern Ice climbing European cup placed 14th, highest British Female placing at this competition.

2020
First British woman to climb the route Quick Release M11, The Works (Hodge close). In addition competed in her first UIAA senior World Ice climbing competition/ Senior European championships, she placed 29st in the world cup competition and 21st in the European championships.

2019
Mixed Masters dry tooling competition (UK), placed First in both the female and male competition.

2018
Ranked 1st in Britain for Dry Tooling in senior female category

2014 - 2017
Competed in U16 Youth World Ice Climbing Championships ever year, ranking in top 10 each time.

“Montane clothing allows me to complete all my adventures with the ease of not worrying about my clothing kit affecting my performance and with the knowledge their clothes are made with comfort, warmth, and durability in mind. Montane works closely with their customers and athletes whilst designing clothes to allow products to best suit outdoor adventures from fell running all the way across to ice climbing and the harsh conditions of winter climbing. In addition, Montane has supported me throughout my climbing endeavors and projects to allow myself as one of their athletes to remove barriers ensuring that I am able to become and strive to be the best athlete and role model whilst loving and enjoying the sport which gives me so much.” - Emma Powell

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