Hotelplan UK backs Mont Blanc ascent by Inghams’ Woman with Altitude

Hotelplan UK – parent company of Inghams, Explore Worldwide, Santa’s Lapland and Inntravel – is supporting colleague Elise Wortley as she sets off to climb Mont Blanc in Victorian clothes.

The senior PR executive from activity holiday specialist Inghams plans to ascend the mountain next week as part of her Woman with Altitude project.

Her ‘Mont Blanc in a Bonnet’ adventure will see her retrace the 1838 ascent by Henriette d’Angeville, the first woman to summit Europe’s highest mountain unaided.

Joined by an all-female team to support women working in the outdoor space today, Wortley will undertake the climb dressed in period-authentic 19th-century clothing.

Her outfit will include a replica of Henriette’s 12kg wool outfit, with knickerbockers, hobnail boots and a large bonnet, to demonstrate how difficult the original journey was.   

Wortley’s Woman with Altitude community project has previously seen her retrace the journeys of six other female adventurers from history.

Her purpose is to highlight the overlooked achievements of adventurous women who were not celebrated in the same way as their male counterparts.

She started the project after suffering from severe anxiety, finding inspiration and healing in these women’s stories and spending time in nature.

“These women’s stories are still so important to tell. Women and girls have not historically seen themselves represented in the adventure space, so don’t always see it as an option for them,” said Wortley.

“I hope that this project can inspire people to pursue any path they choose, beyond just the adventure and outdoor space.”

Joe Ponte, chief executive of Hotelplan UK, said: “All of our brands champion the joy of exploring epic landscapes on foot, so we’re very proud to support Elise on this expedition to Mont Blanc.

“Her dedication, resilience and her honesty about the importance of walking to her mental health inspires our team.

“We’re helping her document her latest challenge so even more people will hear the stories of these incredible women from history and will be inspired to take on their own adventure, no matter how big or small.”