Elise Wortley

Elise Wortley is an adventurer, writer, speaker, and founder of Woman with Altitude, a community project dedicated to empowering individuals through the stories of pioneering women adventurers.

In her twenties, Elise grappled with severe anxiety, searching for ways to improve her mental health. She eventually found solace in the outdoors and inspiration in the remarkable stories of overlooked women adventurers. Determined to bring their narratives to life, Elise began re-creating their expeditions, using only the gear and resources available to them at the time.

Her expeditions have taken her to some of the most remote places on Earth, including hiking Iran’s valleys in hobnail boots, climbing Himalayan peaks in corsets, and braving Mont Blanc in 1800s bloomers. These challenges, faced without modern gear, reveal the depth of perseverance and resourcefulness required by past adventurers—and Elise herself.

Elise’s Woman with Altitude project has garnered widespread attention, with her writing featured in The Guardian, The Financial Times, and The Telegraph. She recently starred in Channel 4’s ALONE, surviving 34 days in the Canadian wilderness, earning runner-up in this ultimate survival test.

Drawing on her experiences and the courage of historical adventurers, Elise empowers audiences to embrace their unique paths, break boundaries, and take risks. Her talks inspire individuals and organizations alike to adopt a mindset of perseverance and confidence, redefining limits and pursuing dreams with determination.