Conrad Anker is a familiar name in the expedition world. He has defied the odds by reaching the top of some of the most incredible heights. Moreover, the mountaineer has led numerous expeditions in his nearly three decades of career.
The professional climber has won many awards for his adventurous feats. For instance, he has received Golden Pitons: Lifetime Achievement, Jack Roberts Lifetime Achievements Award, etc. In addition, he has been featured in several documentaries and written travel journals.
So, let's get to know this legendary rock climber in this biography.
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Conrad Anker Comes From A Supportive Family
The alpinist was born on November 27, 1962, in California, U.S.A. He developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors from his childhood. Anker's grandparents, Joe Anker and Marge Anker lived in Big Oak Flat, where he learned climbing.
However, his parents held education in high regard and wanted him and his siblings to earn a college degree. So, to fulfill his parents' expectations, Conrad also focused on his academics.
Conrad Anker's dad, Wallace Robert Anker, enjoyed a successful career in international banking and later became Buddhist. Regarding his son's hobby, he remained patient and supported all of his escapades.
Although Conrad Anker's parents wanted him to get a college degree, they supported his outdoor passion. Photo Source: Conrad Anker's Instagram.
Likewise, Conrad Anker's mother, Helga Anna-Johanna Anker, also understood his love for the adventures from the beginning. His sisters, Kim Anker and Denise Anker, and brother, Steve Anker, too must have supported him.
After completing high school, Conrad enrolled at the University of Utah to continue his studies. He participated in the college's recreation program and took business courses. Moreover, he launched a start-up company during his college years, which he later sold for $10,000.
Eventually, Anker graduated with a Bachelor's degree in recreation and leisure studies in 1988. He later received an honorary doctorate on May 3, 2017.
Conrad Anker Net Worth And Career
The mountaineer's career has seen him exploring some of the most dangerous routes. Additionally, he has ascended many mountain slopes and led successful expeditions around the globe. As such, he has become one of the top explorers in the world.
Alongside gaining fame, Anker has made a substantial sum from his expedition career. His income also comes from his multiple sponsors and endorsement deals. Moreover, the alpinist has also worked on movies and authored several books. It also adds up to his total earnings.
Hence, Conrad Anker's net worth amounts to $2 million. He is indeed one of the successful professional mountain climbers.
Anker's Earnings From Expedition Career
The professional mountain climber began his expeditions during his college years. His first successful ascent was the Kichatna Mountains in Alaska in May 1987.
Conrad joined and captained The North Face team since its inception in 1992. In addition, he has led other athletes on numerous exploratory trips in his professional career.
The mountaineer's achievements include climbing Mount Everest three times, making the first ascent of Shark's Fin, Ellsworth Mountains, Karakoram, El Capitan, etc. However, one of his major accomplishments was discovering George Mallory's remains on his 1999 Everest Climb.
Conrad Anker has navigated some of the dangerous routes and climbed numerous mountains. Photo Source: Conrad Anker's Instagram.
Anker has also faced many obstacles and dangers in his expedition journeys. For instance, he experienced a near-death experience by suffering a widowmaker heart attack while ascending Lunag Ri. Thankfully, he survived but has now left the high-altitude mountaineering.
According to Ascentionism, a professional climber's estimated earnings are $300,000 per year. With Conrad's experience, he must make somewhere around the same range.
Hence, Conrad Anker's net worth must have risen over the years alongside his progressive career.
Conrad's Income From Films, Sponsors, And Books
Anker's successful climbing career has made his popularity ever-growing. As such, many companies and brands are lining up to endorse him. Moreover, he is currently sponsored by Yeti, Smartwool, Petzl, The North Face, etc.
Conrad has also worked on numerous documentaries in his career. His filming credits include Meru, The Hail Mary, The Endless Knot, Lunag Ri 2nd Attempt, etc. In addition, his documentary Meru gained much recognition and grossed $2,334,228 worldwide.
Let's watch Meru's trailer below:
The actor recently starred in 14 Peaks: Nothing Is Impossible, released in 2021. He starred alongside Nirmal Purja aka Nimsdai, who also executive produced the project with Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi.
The professional climber has also written several journals regarding his experiences. His works Gumbies on Gurney, Hunter's Northwest Face, and With You in Spirit are published by The American Alpine Club.
Conrad's book, The Lost Explorer: Finding Mallory on Mount Everest, depicts his journey of discovering George Mallory's body in Mount Everest. It is available for $21 in hardcover and $3.99 in Kindle format on Amazon.
Hence, Anker's earnings also come from his film appearance, book sales, sponsors, and other endeavors.
Who Is Conrad Anker's Wife?
Those of you who are familiar with Conrad might have undoubtedly heard of his love life. His relationship with his partner, Jennifer Lowe-Anker, was featured by Outside Magazine, which created quite a sensation.
The pair had a different beginning of their relationship. Conrad Anker's wife, Jennifer Lowe-Anker, was previously married to his best friend, Alex Lowe. Moreover, the latter was regarded as the world's finest mountaineer. Sadly, Alex died in an avalanche while on an expedition of Shishapangma in 1999.
After the death of his best mate, Conrad looked after his now-spouse and her kids. Although he was engaged to Becky Hall, he developed a bond with Lowe-Anker. As a result, he ended his previous engagement and proposed to Jennifer in December 2000. Finally, the couple married in 2001.
Conrad Anker's wife, Jennifer Lowe-Anker was previously married to his best buddy and climbing partner, Alex Lowe. Photo Source: Conrad Anker's Instagram.
The duo's affairs received mixed reviews from their family, friends, and the public. Nonetheless, both have enjoyed a successful married life for two decades by now.
Conrad Anker's wife, Jennifer Lowe-Anker, has even written a memoir titled, Forget Me Not. She has also founded Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation in memory of her late husband.
Anker Is A Father Of Three
After marrying his wife, the rock climber adopted the children of his late climb mate, Lowe. His eldest step-son, Max Lowe, is currently working as a director, cinematographer, and photographer.
Moreover, Max paid homage to his late father, Alex, in his movie, Torn. The documentary explores the footage of Max's father's feats and also interviews with his mother, siblings, and Conrad himself.
Anker is also close with his wife's kids, Sam Lowe and Isaac Lowe-Anker. The latter is an illustrator and designer at Studio Number One.
After marrying his partner, Jennifer Lowe-Anker, Conrad Anker adopted all of her three sons from her previous marriage. Photo Source: Conrad Anker's Instagram.
Conrad Anker's step-sons accepted him as their father figure from the beginning. Moreover, they don't hesitate to show their gratitude and appreciation for him in the media.
Alongside spending time with his family, Anker is still enjoying an adventurous lifestyle. He isn't planning on stopping soon and will likely continue for several more years.
Hopefully, we will continue to see him succeeding in his trips in the future.
Trivia And Facts
- Conrad has 431K Instagram followers.
- He supports American Himalayan Foundation, Protect Our Winters, etc.
- He received David A Brower Award in 2010.
