LOWA Boots, a leader in handcrafted outdoor footwear with more than 100 years of alpine heritage, is stepping up its commitment to fostering equity for women in mountaineering with the launch of an expanded partnership with the Summit Scholarship Foundation. As the Foundation’s apex partner, LOWA will help fund expeditions and training opportunities, opening doors for women to pursue their mountain ambitions, culminating in the flagship “LOWA Matterhorn Adventure” with professional alpinist Ines Papert. Applications for the 2026 program open December 15, 2025 for women around the world.
“Mountaineering has long been dominated by men, but that’s changing,” said Sunny Stroeer, founder of the Summit Scholarship Foundation. “Through this partnership with LOWA, we’re creating access and community for women who want to push their limits and find confidence in the mountains.”
Founded by Stroeer, an endurance athlete and entrepreneur who has set speed records on Aconcagua and was the first woman to ski the 1,000-mile Iditarod Trail Invitational, the Summit Scholarship Foundation specifically provides funding, mentorship, and training to women seeking transformative outdoor experiences.
As part of this initiative LOWA will underwrite multiple annual scholarships that include everything from introductory mountaineering courses to guided expeditions on some of the world’s most iconic peaks. Past destinations have included Island Peak in Nepal, Kilimanjaro, Mount Baker, the Cordillera Blanca, and Australia’s Snowy Mountains and since its founding in 2019, the Foundation has awarded more than $175,000 in scholarships to women worldwide.
The LOWA Matterhorn Adventure
The highlight of the 2026 program is the LOWA Matterhorn Adventure, a guided ascent of one of the Alps’ most legendary peaks. Accompanied by Ines Papert, and benefitting from the mentorship of renowned climbers Gerlinde Kaltenbrunner and Alix von Melle, the expedition embodies the mission of the Summit Scholarship Foundation: to build confidence, community, and opportunity for women in high-altitude mountaineering.
How to Apply
Applications open December 15, 2025, and close January 31, 2026. Selection will take place in February, with recipients announced near International Women’s Day, March 8, 2026. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
For full details and application information, visit www.summitscholarship.org.
About LOWA Boots
With over 100 years of hand-crafted European heritage, LOWA Boots is a globally respected footwear brand located in Jetzendorf, in Upper Bavaria. Since 1923, LOWA has created premium outdoor boots and shoes featuring beautiful silhouettes, best-in-class quality, and proprietary technology. Its designers adeptly navigate the outdoor performance, trail running, lifestyle, and tactical categories, always nurturing brand integrity. LOWA is one of the only footwear brands to receive ISO 9001 status for the highest quality construction and process standards. LOWA certified tactical boots are also made to comply with the European Union’s PPE standards. For more information, visit www.lowaboots.com.
