These photos of Jill Tremain were taken by Sir Graeme Dingle during their 100-day winter traverse of the Southern Alps, a journey in which they became the first in the world to complete a full Southern Alps traverse in winter.
Together they walked, skied and climbed from the Milford Track to Nelson Lakes, over the Darran Mountains and across the Godley Valley in abysmal winter conditions. It was a test of endurance, grit, and spirit. On day 20, Jill shared a line that stopped Graeme in his tracks: “Life is a cup to be filled, not a measure to be drained.” It took him two weeks (and some blunt honesty!) to fully understand it, but her challenge to “do good for others” shaped everything that came next.
Three years later, Jill attempted to climb a 7,000m peak near Nanda Devi and tragically passed away in an avalanche. Graeme was devastated. Her words, however, became the spark that led him to found the Outdoor Pursuits Centre (now Hillary Outdoors) and ultimately inspired decades of work empowering young people across Aotearoa through the Foundation.
