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Jetzendorf, November 11, 2025 – LOWA is intensifying its commitment to greater equity in mountaineering by supporting the Summit Scholarship Foundation as an apex partner. Starting December 15, 2025, women from around the world can apply for expeditions and training courses – including the flagship project “LOWA Matterhorn Adventure” with Ines Papert.
Mountaineering remains a male-dominated field. While more strong female alpinists are emerging and new role models are being created, women are still significantly underrepresented on expeditions, in alpine climbing, or roped together on glaciers – a structural issue deeply rooted in society.
LOWA and the Summit Scholarship Foundation: United for Greater Inclusion
The Summit Scholarship Foundation, founded by endurance athlete and entrepreneur Sunny Stroeer, addresses this very challenge. Stroeer, who set speed records on Aconcagua and became the first woman to complete the 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational on skis, aims to empower women through transformative outdoor experiences.
LOWA has supported the Summit Scholarship program since 2019 and will deepen its involvement as an apex partner starting in 2025. Each year, the program awards several scholarships to help women access high-altitude mountaineering – through gear, knowledge-sharing, and mentoring. Since its founding in 2019, the foundation has enabled over 40 projects worldwide, awarded more than $175,000 in funding, and attracted applicants from over 45 countries.
The program includes introductory courses as well as guided multi-week expeditions to peaks such as Island Peak in Nepal, Kilimanjaro, Mount Baker, the Cordillera Blanca, and the Snowy Mountains in Australia.
Flagship Project: LOWA Matterhorn Adventure with Ines Papert
A special highlight in 2026 will be the joint ascent of the Matterhorn – the LOWA Matterhorn Adventure – with LOWA athlete Ines Papert. Long-time LOWA elite athletes and record-breaking high-altitude mountaineers Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner and Alix von Melle will also be part of the program as mentors. The expedition exemplifies the foundation’s mission: to encourage women to find their place in the world of high-altitude mountaineering, build confidence, and connect with like-minded individuals.
Applications Open Worldwide in December
Starting December 15, 2025, interested women from around the globe can apply for the 2026 scholarships. The application deadline is January 31, 2026, with selections made in February. The winners will be announced around International Women’s Day on March 8.
More information about the Summit Scholarship Foundation and the application process:
Overview of the partnership and helpful tips on mountaineering:
www.lowa.com/en/highlights/women-in-mountaineering
Image credit: Christoph Jorda
