To most people, any one of the Explorers Grand Slam missions would be the goal of a lifetime. Nikol Kovalchuk is on pace to finish them all before her youngest child starts high school.
Words :: Feet Banks // photos supplied by Nikol Kovalchuk
The “True Explorers Grand Slam” is one of those feats most of us never hear about. Because we’d never consider it, because we simply cannot do it. Except—according to climber/mountaineer/adventurer/mother of four Nikol Kovalchuk—maybe we can, because she is almost there.
The True Explorer Grand Slam consists of the following:
- Climb all 14 of the world’s tallest (8000+ metres) mountains
- Climb the Seven Summits (highest peak on all seven continents)
- Voyage to both the North and South Poles
It’s worth noting that this “True” grand slam is an amped up version of the regular old Explorers Grand Slam—both poles and the seven summits— and also that only one of the seven summits is an 8000-er: Mount Everest. So the “True” Grand Slam is substantially more difficult than the regular. In fact, only two people in the history of people have ever pulled of the “True” version. Right now, she continues her pursuit of the True Explorers Grand Slam with only a few significant objectives remaining. To most people, any single one of those trips could be the goal of a lifetime. Nikol is on pace to finish them all before her youngest child starts high school.
“For me, purpose is what defines a person and gives life meaning,” Nikol says. “Every climb makes me feel truly alive. Each ascent is a battle of physical endurance and mental resilience, and the sense of fulfillment that comes from overcoming those challenges is unlike anything else.”
In her downtime from being the most accomplished mountaineer you’ve never heard of, Nikol balances family life with her husband (retired NHL hockey star Ilya Kovalchuk) and their four children (ages ranging from 10-20) and maintains a deep commitment to fitness and wellness, which supports her training and has been featured in her professional work. Currently climbing Kanchenjunga (8,586 m/28,169 ft), Nikol responded via email for this exclusive Q&A.
Mountain Life: When did you get into mountaineering and adventuring? How did it start? At what point did you realize: This is where I want to put my focus?
Nikol Kovalchuk: My journey into mountaineering was a gradual progression—from simple hikes to increasingly challenging climbs. I was drawn to the idea of pushing beyond my perceived limits, constantly testing what I was capable of. That deep internal calling led me to pursue more extreme climbs, eventually taking on 8,000-metre peaks.
I knew I wanted to dedicate myself to mountaineering during my climb of Nanga Parbat in Pakistan. It was my second mountain above 8,000 metres, and the mix of fear, excitement, and the mental challenge completely shifted my perspective. I learned how powerful it is to step beyond comfort zones. That mountain had such a profound impact on me that I made a promise to myself—if I reached the summit and descended safely, I would try to climb all 14 of the world’s highest peaks.
ML: What do you love most about this mountaineering and adventuring life?
Nikol: For me, the greatest joy in climbing is the freedom and deep connection with nature. Each summit is a test of endurance, resilience, and inner strength, and reaching the top is an unparalleled feeling of accomplishment. The views from high altitudes, the silence of untouched landscapes, and the sense of being part of something greater than myself are what keep me coming back for more. Every climb is a journey of self-discovery, a lesson in patience, and a reminder of the incredible beauty of our planet.
ML:Talk about balancing motherhood with these kind of big adventures and the time-commitments involved?
Nikol: My kids have a wide age range, so balancing adventure and motherhood has always been a challenge. In the beginning, I could only leave for short trips, often no longer than a week. As they’ve grown, I’ve been able to take on longer expeditions, but my priority has never changed—I am a mother first. Being present for my kids, supporting them, and making sure they know they come before anything else is what matters most to me. Climbing is my passion, but my family is my foundation.
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ML: As a world-class mountaineer spending time in “the death zone” above 8000 or in other potentially dangerous places, do you ever face criticism for the amount of risk you put yourself in as a mother with four kids and a family at home?
Nikol: Yes, I do face criticism for taking on such extreme challenges while being a mother. Many misunderstand the risks and realities of high-altitude mountaineering. Balancing my passion with my responsibilities is a constant challenge, but I make sure to prioritize safety, preparation, and calculated decision-making. I hope to inspire my children to be courageous and persistent in pursuing their own goals while demonstrating how to manage risk responsibly.
To those who question my choices, I say this: Life is about balance and fulfillment. My family understands that climbing is more than a sport for me—it’s my passion. Challenges define who I am, and I am incredibly grateful to have their support.
ML: What is your training routine like when you’re at home?
Nikol: When I’m home, I train for five sessions a week, focusing on strength training, endurance work, and boxing. Each session is designed to build physical power, stamina, and mental toughness, all of which are essential for extreme altitude climbing. Beyond mountaineering and being a mother, I also enjoy creative outlets like drawing and pottery.
“Climbing is my passion, but my family is my foundation.“
ML: Historically in mountaineering and exploration, there have been multiple parties or people trying to achieve the same objectives, “racing” to the poles or for first ascents. In your quest for the True Grand Slam, do you have any contact or relationship with other women who are pursuing similar goals?
Nikol: I know many strong and inspiring women in mountaineering and I don’t see it as a competition, even when goals may align. It’s a deeply personal journey for each climber and we support each other in achieving our goals.
And while I do recognize that it has historically been a male-dominated field, it’s inspiring to see more women making history on the world’s highest peaks, proving their strength and resilience on incredibly demanding climbs. There are still disparities in recognition and resources, but every ascent by a woman helps to break new ground.
ML: How is climbing a huge mountain different than journeying to the South Pole?
Nikol: Climbing a mountain and trekking to the South Pole are both extreme endeavors, but they present vastly different challenges. High-altitude mountaineering requires adapting to rapid changes in altitude, battling unpredictable weather, and overcoming the risks of altitude sickness. The terrain is steep, often technical, and can involve rockfalls, avalanches, and crevasses.
By contrast, a South Pole expedition takes place on a vast, flat, icy landscape, where extreme cold, relentless winds, and whiteout conditions are the biggest challenges. While altitude isn’t a factor, the brutal cold and isolation demand incredible endurance and survival skills to withstand incredibly cold temperatures.
Mountaineering tests strength, technical skill, and acclimatization, while a polar journey is more about stamina, strategic energy conservation, and resilience in frigid conditions. Despite their differences, both pursuits demand physical endurance, mental toughness, and unwavering determination. Each requires meticulous planning, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to unpredictable situations. In both cases, nature is in control, and success depends on how well you prepare and react to the challenges presented.
ML: You are known for giving back and recently partnered with Mission Assistance in Kenya to provide sports equipment for kids. Talk about some of your charitable endeavours to support children.
Nikol: I have always believed in the power of sports to shape a child’s future. Through my charitable efforts, I help children discover their potential, develop discipline, and build something meaningful for themselves. Sports teach resilience, focus, and self-confidence—qualities that extend far beyond the field or the mountains. By providing opportunities for young athletes, I hope to give them the tools to grow, dream bigger, and push beyond their limits.
ML: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to young people who look at you and think, “Hey, I might want to do that too?” Or have other large goals and dreams?
Nikol: If you have a dream—whether it’s climbing mountains or pursuing another challenge—believe in yourself and take that first step. Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Set meaningful goals, stay focused, and push through obstacles. Every small step gets you closer to your goal, and every challenge you face is an opportunity for growth. Impossible is just a mindset—break past it.
UPDATE, June 17, 2025: When we published this story, Nikol was at Camp 3 on Kanchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft) in Nepal waiting for a summit push. She gained the summit on May 18th and, not one to sit on her laurels, shifted her focus to Denali, the final of her Seven Summits mountains. We’re excited to report that on June 6, 2025 Nikol summited Denali amidst, in her words, “Challenging weather, wild winds, and bone-chilling temperatures that felt like -50ºC.”
Congratulations Nikol!
Everyone can all follow Nikol’s adventures and quest to complete the True Explorers Grand Slam at her Instagram @nikolkovalchukofficial
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