Mtnbabes
A page dedicated to recognizing one awesome mtnbabe per month!
Monthly Mtnbabes
Photos Clockwise (upper left to lower right:
Diadem Peak 3440m, Alberta, Canada
Tower of Babel 2360m, Alberta, Canada
Mt.Joffre 11,319', Albera, Canada
Mt.Fairview 2744m, Alberta, Canada
July 2014
Gen submitted 4 photos in the month of July and they were all from epic locations. She's summited fifteen new summits this year, and counting! She also picked up climbing (sport and trad) and backcountry skiing this year too! Basically this chick gets around and we thought she should be recognized for her radness.
What's the first mountain you've ever climbed?
I was 7 or 8, it was in eastern Quebec. It was an unnamed locally know as the "tower mountain", because of the TV transmission tower on top of it. My babysitter brought me there. All I wanted was to do was climb the tower to get even higher!
Why do you love the mountains?
They provide me peace. They ground me. They empower me. Being out in the mountains, away and above everything, looking out on a sea of mountain peaks all around me bring on a feeling of calm exhilaration. Climbing difficult terrain scrubs the mind of mundane thoughts and forces me to live in the moment. Constantly learning new skills to go even further gives me a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Being in those beautiful wild surroundings constantly remind me of how privileged I am to be healthy and fit, and to live in such a great spot on this world. And I never stop marveling at the rugged beauty of the nature that surrounds me.
Oh, and I keep kissing the summit cairns, in hopes that one might one day turn into a prince!
Favorite mountain snack?
Freshly cooked steak bit.
Personal mantra?
Tomorrow's peak is more important than today's. ( a reminder that safety is prime, and sometimes you just have to back down).
Photo: British Columbia, Canada
June 2014
We love this mtnbabe for her humility, generousity, and genuine heart. She's an orginal Alpha Wolf, but we wanted to give her a special shout out in June for always staying true to herself and finding personal happiness.
What's the first mountain you've ever climbed?
I probably climbed lots before I summited Sun God Mountain but it meant the most to me and still means the most.
Why do you love the mountains?
I think I’ve been asked this question a few times and I always seem to have a lame answer. To be quite honest I don’t know why I love them but when I see a beautiful mountain I can’t stop looking at it. I want to know what’s in every crevice and over every ridge. I want to know what it looks like from the top, bottom, bowl, everywhere.
Favorite mountain snack? Delicious cheese! Mmmmm!
Personal Mantra?
“Might as well…” as in “might as well summit that peak/swim in the alpine lake/take a Mtn Babes photo/take a nap in the meadow…”
Photo: Mt. Fairchild, CO, USA
May 2014
This mtnbabe has a really inspiring story. We don't want to ruin the surprise so we will wait until our friends at Mountain Obsession put up the full story of their inagural Miss Mountain Obsession.
What's the first mountain you've ever climbed?
The first mountain I climbed was Half Dome in Yosemite National Park with my dad and brother in 2010. Being novices, we had no idea what we were getting into, but I am glad we did it!
Why do you love the mountains? I love the liberating feeling of reaching a peak and seeing how big the world really is. It's inspiring and urges me to never stop exploring. I also love how at ease I am in the mountains. It is where I feel most at home and like myself. There is never a disappointing moment in the mountains!
Favorite mountain snack?
Dried salami!!
Personal Mantra?
"Always remember that you are stronger than you seem, braver than you believe, and stronger than you think"
April 2014
Anna-Banana one of our "Alpha Wolves" was injured for the month of April. This meant that as her fellow climbers headed out to the first dry rocks, crags, and cracks of Spring Anna had to sit back and simply rest. Athletes deal with injury in many ways: some can focus on the negative, while others use the time away to become mentality stronger and reassess how their role in the sport. Anna was definitely the latter and took the time to refocus, graduate school, start a Masters program and get stoked for what will hopefully be the best summer climbing season she's ever had!
What's the first mountain you've ever climbed?
Vermillion Peak, Kootenay National Park
Why do you love the mountains?
Freedom, hardship, endurance, accomplishment. You experience every single emotion you could name when you are in the mountains and it is so liberating.
Favorite mountain snack?
Beef jerky, cheese and mangos (not all combined of course).
Personal mantra?
Slay it.
Photo: Powell River, British Columbia, Canada
Photo: Sunshine Coast, British Columbia, Canada
March 2014
This MTNBABE is awesome. She has sent us photos from all corners of the world including Chile, Argentinca, and Canada! She is one-of-a-kind and we think she truly represents the essence of a real mountain lady.
What's the first mountain you've ever climbed?
According to my mom, my first climb was likely Bald Hill, Plainfield, Vermont, which is such a tiny hill it is barely google-able. According to the Plainfield town plan it is the site of three rare plants. That's pretty cool.
Why do you love the mountains?
I like how powerful they make me feel. How inspiring they are. How spending time in them can be whatever I want or need- an epic challenge or a chance to relax.
Favorite mountain snack?
ore of a backpacking meal staple- pancakes from scratch made by my best friend. Every single morning.
Personal mantra?
Life is good.
We found this poem that our Feburary Mtnbabe wrote to us a few years ago:
It’s the first light through the clouds.
Straining to surprise the lingering stars
What portrays this present better than its presence
Illumination guiding awareness of a forthcoming day
Anew
Uncaged
Vast
Opportunity ready for the taking.
The brave leading the charge.
Photo: Mt. Hooker Valley near Aoraki which means Cloud Piercer in Maori, New Zealand
February 2014
Why do we LOVE this mtnbabe? Well for starters she was one of our first supporters and second she has submited photos from Colorado to New Zealand and even Thailand! She's a world traveler and when she decided to move to New Zealand for a year we couldn't have been more inspired. She is currently residing in Australia and racticing her surfing skills .
What's the first mountain you've ever climbed?
Clock Tower, Ouray Colorado
Why do you love the mountains?
And I love the mountains because they give me breath, they expel all unkind thoughts and they humble and inspire me with their greatness.
Favorite mountain snack?
The T-BAR http://thetelluridebar.com/
Personal mantra?
Carpe Diem. Seize the day (day by day- my addition)
January 2014
26 days, 18 states, 5192 miles, and 5 mtnbabe shots. In October we received not just one rad mtnbabe shot from this chick but FIVE mtnbabe shots as she cruised across America on an amazing road trip!
What's the first mountain you've ever climbed?
Avery Peak, Colorado-2012
Why do you love the mountains?
I love the mountains because they are beautiful, complex, and hiking up a mountain is an exhilarating experience unlike any other.
Favorite mountain snack?
PB&J
Personal mantra?
"Accept the challenge; if something is challenging, it's likely worth doing."
Photo: Solo summit up Ajax Peak, Telluride, Colorado, USA