Author: Caroline

Follow me on Instagram @carolinegleich

It's not always easy to stay active and get outside while I’m hyper-focused on a work project (like planning this climate rally right now). I know I need to get a little fresh air and vitamin D (especially since I struggle with Seasonal Affective Depression), but I don’t always have time to go for a backcountry ski tour or have the energy to get up before dawn to ski and then put in a full day of work at the computer.⁣⁣That’s why I've always wanted to learn how to skate ski. It’s low impact, it looks like so much fun and there’s a place to do it seven minutes from my house. Like running, it’s an efficient way to train and log a good workout in an hour or less. For me, I always choose to be on snow, however I can, because to me, there’s no better feeling in the world than gliding on skis.⁣⁣I got outfitted with my first skate ski set up thanks to @backcountry, and I went for the first time yesterday! It was humbling and refreshing to be a beginner skier again. It made my muscles work in new ways and it pushed me out of my comfort zone.⁣⁣That’s one of the things I love most about the world of skiing and snow – it turns out, there are many ways to move through the mountains on skis and there’s always a new aspect of the sport to explore.⁣⁣I struggled, I overheated, and I was very thirsty in less than an hour of skate skiing. It’s a whole new world to explore of layering and hydration! ⁣⁣I have a lot more to learn, but it was a good start! Head to my stories to watch the action and check out some of the gear that I used. And use code CAROLINE15 for 15% off your first purchase on backcountry.com. #sponsored

Follow me on Instagram @carolinegleich

In my happy place this morning. ⁣⁣It’s never easy to get up for sunrise, but moments like these (plus fun times with friends) make it all worth it. See my story for more from today. ⁣⁣@patagonia_snow @lekiusa @clifbar @gopro

Follow me on Instagram @carolinegleich

I’m stoked to announce a new partnership with @elanskis! They are one of the longest standing ski brands in the world, having been in business for 75 years. They are the last company to fully produce skis in the Alps. And their headquarters in Slovenia, against the backdrop of the Julian Alps, is one of the most beautiful places in the world and an inspiring backdrop for ski creation and innovation. Their long term goal to lessen their environmental footprint aligns with my activism. I’m excited about bringing my decade and a half of experience in the snow sports industry to the table to see what we can create and what mountains we can climb and ski together. See the link in my bio to read more! #alwaysgoodtimes #wstudio Photo: @leecohen_pics

Follow me on Instagram @carolinegleich

I’m learning that it’s OK to be terrified of failure and do something anyway.⁣⁣I’ve been so inspired by the brave leadership of the youth climate activists who started a global movement of civil disobedience on Fridays.⁣⁣Seeing the fires in Australia and other major consequences of climate change has led me to question my own climate activism and how I can do more to engage my industry and community. Over the holidays, I had a lightbulb moment. I realized the Outdoor Retailer tradeshow, one of the largest gatherings of the outdoor industry in North America, was taking place on a Friday. How about organizing a climate rally on January 31, the final day of the show, to mobilize my industry, support the leadership of the youth activists, and rally for climate action?⁣⁣I called my friend @katieboue to get her opinion. She’s been a longtime buddy in activism with me – we’re marched and lobbied together and she’s very good at environmental messaging.⁣⁣She loved the idea and agreed to work on it together. I applied for a rally permit at the Colorado Capitol that afternoon. I wasn’t sure I’d get the permit, but on December 31, my birthday, the permit was approved.⁣⁣Now, the pit in my stomach started to grow. I’ve done some hard things in my life. How much harder could this be?⁣⁣Turns out, planning a mass demonstration is hard and scary, like climbing a big mountain. I’m pushing way past my comfort zone and I’m terrified I’m going to be a failure. But I’m doing it anyway.⁣⁣I’ve sent over hundreds of emails to non-profits, youth activists, brands and government. I’m coordinating speakers. My mind keeps telling me I’m going to fail as my imposter syndrome rages on.⁣⁣Then I ask myself, so what if I do? So what if only ten people march? The important thing is that we show up and speak up. ⁣⁣I believe in the power of our community and I’m so grateful for your support. I can’t wait to see your lovely faces in Denver on January 31 at the #ClimateRally2020. For those of you who can’t make it, we will be launching a toolkit with the @outdooradvocacy project. Stay tuned for more…

Follow me on Instagram @carolinegleich

The upside of coming back from an injury is that I am so grateful for every single day I get to ski.⁣⁣Next Tuesday, 1/28, I’ll be at @neptunemountaineering in Boulder, CO sharing more about my injury and climbing Everest/Chomolungma without an ACL. ⁣⁣Check out the link in my bio to purchase a ticket.