[1][5][3] Ramsden was awarded the Piolet d'Or five times for alpine-style first ascents of extreme high-altitude routes in the Himalayas:[6] 2003, 2013 and 2016 with Mick Fowler (they were the first British winners of the award).

[8] Ramsden is notably media and publicity-shy (no social media presence and minimal sponsors),[7][9] and in 2023 was described by the Financial Times as "The most decorated mountaineer ever (and why you’ve never heard of him)".

It's the only ethical way to climb big mountains, and to be honest any other way is simply cheating.

"[10] Ramsden feels the Piolet awards suit the British style of climbing,[7] saying: "Small teams, exploration, alpine style... that's exactly what the Piolets d'Or aim to promote, and that's how we learn to climb".

[1][3] Like his long-term climbing partner Mick Fowler, Ramsden is not a professional climber and is self-employed as a full-time occupational hygienist through his service company, 'Integral HSE'.