Hotelplan UK – parent company of Inghams, Explore Worldwide, Santa's Lapland and Inntravel – will support Inghams' own modern day adventurer Elise Wortley as she sets off on an ambitious expedition to climb Mont Blanc. 

Elise will retrace the 1838 ascent of Mont Blanc 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, she will undertake the climb dressed in period-authentic 19th-century clothing.

Her outfit will include a replica of Henriette's 12kg wool outfit, complete with knickerbockers, hobnail boots and a large bonnet, to demonstrate how difficult Henriette's journey really was, and how clothing was yet another barrier women faced on top of societal pressures of the time.  

This is the latest expedition in Elise's wider Woman with Altitude community project that has previously seen her retrace the journeys of six 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. Elise started the project after suffering from severe anxiety, finding inspiration and healing in these women's stories and spending time in nature. She aims to show that adventure is not about conquering or winning, but about connection to people and the natural world.  

Elise explains: "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. I hope that this project can inspire people to pursue any path they choose, beyond just the adventure and outdoor space." 

Joe Ponte, CEO of Hotelplan UK comments: “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.”

Watch a preview of Elise's adventure here. Her journey can also be followed on Instagram and the Woman with Altitude website.