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
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
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…
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.
“The time is always right to do what is right. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”Happy MLK Jr Day. These are two of my favorite MLK Jr. quotes. As I was out skiing today, I was thinking about how the outdoor community approaches climate change as a matter of protecting snow and outdoor recreation for future generations.It’s time to elevate the conversation. Snow is water and water is life. This is much bigger than skiing and protected public land. Climate change isn't a far away thing that only our children's children are going to have to deal with. It's here now and people are losing their homes and their lives. As privileged people who have the luxury of going outdoors to recreate, we have a moral responsibility to save our planet and all the people on it. It’s time to do everything we can. I hope you’ll join us for the #ClimateRally2020 in Denver on 1/31! See the link in my profile to RSVP.Photo: @marykmcintyre
