Leadership Expeditions Guide

Inés Dussaillant is a glaciologist, mountaineer, and expedition leader who combines scientific research with extensive experience in remote mountain environments. She has been part of the Vertical team for more than 15 years, contributing to leadership expeditions, outdoor education programs, and experiential learning initiatives throughout Chile and internationally.

As part of Leadership Expeditions and Vertical’s programs, Inés brings a unique perspective at the intersection of science, exploration, and leadership development. Her work helps participants better understand the relationship between people, nature, climate, and decision-making in complex environments while fostering resilience, adaptability, and teamwork through outdoor experiences.

Inés holds a Ph.D. in Glaciology obtained in France, specializing in glacier monitoring through both field observations and satellite imagery. She currently works with the World Glacier Monitoring Service (WGMS) in Zurich, Switzerland, contributing to global efforts to understand glacier change, climate dynamics, and the relationship between glaciers and freshwater systems around the world.

Alongside her scientific career, Inés has spent more than 15 years developing advanced skills in mountaineering, alpine climbing, backcountry skiing, and big-wall climbing. Her passion for exploration has taken her to remote mountain regions across the Andes, Patagonia, Tierra del Fuego, the Southern Patagonia Ice Field, the European Alps, Siberia, East Africa, and the Himalayas.

Her mountaineering achievements include the first ascent of Mount Aguilera in Southern Patagonia, first ascents of several previously unclimbed peaks in the Southern Ice Field, and the first ascent of the North Tower of Cochrane in the Aysén Region. These expeditions have established her as one of Chile’s leading female alpinists and explorers.

Bridging science, conservation, and adventure, Inés is also a member of Patagonia’s Key-Pro Community, where she contributes as an explorer, environmental advocate, and ambassador for responsible engagement with wild places.

Through her work in both science and mountaineering, Inés demonstrates how curiosity, perseverance, and exploration can inspire a deeper understanding of the natural world and strengthen leadership in environments defined by uncertainty and change.