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Ross Watson

Ross Watson is the first blind person to climb Mount Logan,the highest peak in Canada

"What I've learned my blindness and mountain climbing is that society sets expectations, but we set our own limitations."

When Ross Watson talks about taking risks, teamwork, and personal dignity, he truly speaks experience. An outdoor enthusiast for over 20 years, Ross was the first blind climber to attempt North America's highest mountain, 20,320 foot Mount McKinley in Alaska in 1990. After 21 days on the mountain and only 6 hours the summit, a severe storm on the upper reaches of the mountain forced Ross and all but two members of the team to descend. Five days later the expedition realized success when two climbers reached the summit. In 2000, Ross fulfilled a lifelong dream by organizing and taking part in an expedition to be the first blind climber to summit Canada's highest mountain, 19,640 foot Mount Logan in Canada's Yukon. On May 25, 2000 after 19 days of 60-kilometer winds and -35°C temperatures, Ross and his three teammates reached the West Summit of Mount Logan.

Ross is a dynamic speaker who has made numerous radio and television appearances and spoken to associations and conferences throughout Alberta and Western Canada. Drawing on his unique mountain climbing experiences and an uncompromising belief in the power of personal goals, dreams and ambition, Ross delivers a memorable keynote on the rewards of taking risks and striving for success. Topics include: