These women traveled different paths some climbing the traditional corporate ladder, some zigzagging upwards by jumping between companies, some by starting and running their own businesses.

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Gaston, who entered the sport from a traditional alpine skiing background, trains up to 14 hours per week, climbing an average of 25, 000 vertical feet (Northeast ski resorts typically offer between 1, 000-2, 000 vertical feet).

WSJ: Ski Mountaineering: Now They're Racing Up the Hill

They range from grandfathers with traditional flowing sarongs hanging over their bare feet to teenagers clad in polo shirts and trainers, all climbing the 5, 000-odd stone steps that are illuminated by electric lights throughout the night, a glowing white line spiralling up the mountain and marking the way to the top.

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