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International Women’s Day is a chance to celebrate the experiences and achievements of women across all industries. For female athletes, it’s a moment to reflect on the mentors who have shaped their journeys, the lessons learned along the way, and how they hope to inspire the next generation. From personal challenges to moments of triumph, their stories showcase the dedication, passion, and resilience that drive them—on the trail, in competition, and beyond. We asked the women of the OR Athlete Team to reflect on the unique experiences that shaped who they are today, their influences and mentors, and how they approach "clocking in" every day. Sophia Rouches “When I see another woman hitting a big feature or jump, I can see myself doing it as well.” International Women's Day is important because it amplifies women's voices in sports and other male-dominated industries. In skiing, media coverage often leans heavily toward male athletes, and IWD provides a dedicated moment to shift the spotlight—celebrating women's incredible accomplishments in our sport. Representation matters. Seeing women showcased as powerful, capable athletes helps dismantle the societal barriers that so many of us face, not just in skiing but across all outdoor and professional spaces. Skiing with other women and learning from female mentors has given me so much confidence—both in myself and my skiing. Having the support of other women who believe in my abilities pushes me to perform at my best. There's something powerful about being in an environment where you're encouraged rather than feeling like you have to constantly prove yourself as the only woman in the group. I want to inspire the next generation of women in skiing to ski strong and not conform to the traditional boxes women have been placed in. The next generation of female skiers is already redefining what's possible, and I want to see that progression continue. By showing up, pushing boundaries, and demanding representation, we can create a future where female athletes are recognized as equals in the industry. Being a professional female skier can often feel like a paradox. For a long time, I was overly concerned with how women's skiing was perceived—listening to online criticism and feeling like I constantly had to prove my worth. Overcoming that mindset wasn't easy, but I found strength in the support of other women in the sport. Instead of skiing to validate my place in a male-dominated space, I shifted my focus to skiing for the challenge, for the joy of pushing my own limits. Knowing that I have a community of women who uplift and support me, regardless of success or failure, has allowed me to relieve some of the pressures I place on myself. I feel very grateful to be in the position of being a role model to others. It's allowed me to be very intentional about my actions and really stand firmly in my beliefs. I strive for my skiing and my presence in the industry to reflect my values—whether through pushing my limits, supporting others, or advocating for greater representation in the sport. Zoe Atkin “Inspiring the next generation of women skiers means so much to me. I want young girls to be excited to get into the halfpipe, or any part of the mountain, and be inspired to make their skiing their own.” Being a female action-sport athlete has its unique challenges. Having my older sister Isabel guide the way to excellence in skiing was so special for me growing up, as it broke the glass ceiling of what was possible for me. Forming my own community of friends and competitors in the outdoor industry has only furthered my admiration for female athletes— we are all strong, capable, and worthy of taking space in the outdoors. By pushing my own limits, I hope to show girls all over the globe what is possible, building their confidence and inspiring them to pursue their own paths. Kirsten Van Horne “I really enjoy the process of progressing on the bike, it’s quite a captivating feeling once things start to click and you see how far you’ve come.” International Women's Day is important because it shines a light on all the exceptional achievements that sometimes go unnoticed otherwise. There are stories upon stories that are worth hearing and learning from. I look forward to reading about epic things ladies have been doing, and it's great because it fuels the momentum and stoke for myself and others. It's even more special when you get to see your friends being acknowledged for their achievements––the people I surround myself with are of great value and deserve every bit of support! I have been lucky to have quite a few influential female role models within the outdoor community. The most impactful person is B.C.-based pro skier Leah Evans. I originally met Leah when I did my first week-long backpacking through an outdoor initiative youth group called GoWild. I was 15 at the time and one of a few girls on this trip, and Leah was one of the two guides. Her approach to acknowledging the space we were traveling in and her extensive skills in the backcountry were so admirable. Her calm presence while dealing with the group of very energetic and sometimes challenging teenagers was impressive, and I looked up to her attitude. She became a role model for me, and I looked forward to the backpacking trips with this group over the next two summers. Following these adventures, I also partook in two of her GirlsDoSki courses, which are women-led courses for all aspects of skiing for ladies in the sport or looking to get into it. It's a great community. The most defining moment was on a Glacier Travel Course as we walked along the skin track. I had been biking for a few years at this point and had been told by a few people that I should put effort into becoming pro. I was tentative with this idea, mostly because there was a possibility of failing. Once you put out into the world that you want to achieve something, it feels very scary to not live up to that. Leah's advice was very simple, essentially saying if you don't try, you'll never know. She compared her experience of becoming a pro skier to how I felt. I took this conversation to heart and started pursuing this dream. I hope to be a role model for the next generation and show that there aren't any limitations to what you can achieve. It has been really cool seeing the growth in the different biking disciplines. For example, when I first started riding at Gorge Road, the iconic Dirt Jump park in New Zealand, it was rare to ride with girls during the evenings there. It was pretty intimidating, so the group of girls would ride in the morning when the park was quiet. Flash forward a few years, and we have a good number of girls showing up most evenings and it's been great for visibility and inspiring other ladies to pick up a bike and try! Overall, I just want to bring visibility to the sport and be a friendly face to which girls can look up. Freeride mountain biking is epic! But when it started to blow up, it seemed like the industry was happy with keeping the group of female freeriders small and didn't see the need to create opportunities to make more space for up-and-coming girls. With the help of some legendary female athletes already in the sport, they created spaces that provided more opportunities for keen girls like myself. Being determined and asking questions is what helped me get into this sport properly. Being a good role model is not only being a talented athlete but also being a friendly, relatable face. When I think of people I look up to, a big part of why I think these people are exceptional is because of their characteristics and how they live their lives. I try to be a good role model by going out of my way to have positive interactions with people and have a good attitude. You never know who's watching and who might idolize you, so just try to put your best foot forward whenever possible. It's a privilege to be in this position as a strong female rider, and it's super special to embody the characteristics of someone I would've looked up to as a kid. Beth Rodden “I love being a woman in climbing…women use their heads more and don't muscle their way through things, which is so much more fun.” Honoring women and what they do for their community and sport is essential. Every day should be International Women's Day. My first and foremost mentor and role model was my mom. She is not a climber or an outdoor athlete. She showed me unconditional love, which everyone deserves, but sadly, not everyone gets. She always supported me in whatever endeavor I was interested in. Climbing is something she didn't know much about, but she saw that I loved it, and that was enough for her. Having someone you can depend on is instrumental––my mom was huge for that. As for other female climbers, I learned so much from a few women in the generation before me. I idolized them and their accomplishments. I derived inspiration from how they climbed, which projects they chose, and how they executed them. I learned how to dedicate myself to my passion and incorporate it as the main focus in my life. Without them paving the way, it would have just been a hobby for me. I hope that my small contributions to pushing the sport forward physically will inspire them to not be afraid to pursue their dreams, no matter how grand. But perhaps bigger than that, I hope my work pushing the boundaries of what is talked about and what is accepted regarding body image, gender inequality, etc., will help strengthen their already strong voices around those things and others. When I started climbing, the inequity in pay and inclusivity between men and women was vast. How women were treated and valued so much less than men was ever present in the climbing community. Slowly, however, generations have started to right that ship, both with quiet and loud acts. I never think of myself as a role model, but I try to live my life in a way that would have been helpful to my younger self. When I was growing up in climbing, there was so much pressure, criticism, objectification, etc., that trying to live more wholly and kindly is a small but important step. Georgia Astle “I feel so connected within the community of others who are also stuck in their passions for the same reasons. There are so many options and ways to make my passion my outlet and escape.” International Women's Day is another great reason to celebrate what the ladies have been up to lately in the sports world. The resilient and relentless girls who pioneered being the only girl to show up in a male-dominated space have resulted in what we see today––a huge movement of girls getting after it. They've taught me to stick to what I love and push for change. I want to make sure there is room in the growing phase of freeride mountain biking so that when girls are coming up, there are career paths and solid events with the athletes in mind. It took a few years to prove to my sponsors that women's freeride had value. But, I kept at it while continuing to ride in all the more popular disciplines before fully switching over from racing. I am drawn to athletes who are confident yet humble and gracious in their approach, which is how I try to carry myself. It also applies to life––be nice and be your friend's and colleague's cheerleaders!   >> Shop All Women

Some spend their whole lives searching for their roots—a place to connect, a place to call home. Others have always known. For Outdoor Research, the Pacific Northwest isn’t just where we’re from—it’s what created us. The jagged peaks, wild rivers, and endless forests don’t just inspire—they push us to be stronger, bolder, and more innovative. Our athletes know this feeling well. Skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, and alpinists are shaped by the landscapes they move through. The mountains challenge them. The storms harden them. The trails teach them. Being rooted is more than knowing where you come from—it’s about embracing the places that push you to grow. We asked our team to share the places and people that inspire them to pursue their passions. Their stories offer a glimpse into their world and the deep connections that keep them Rooted. Max Djenohan Being rooted in the PNW means being ready for whatever Mother Nature can throw your way. The PNW doesn't give it up easily—every summit, tour, climb, and access point to the wilderness requires work. You must be willing to put in the work necessary to see your aspirations come to fruition. Being a 4th generation Seattleite, I come from a long line of hardy folks built to endure the challenges of our rugged coasts and jagged peaks. The catalyst that reinforced my connection to the PNW and the Cascades was when I hiked the Washington section of the Pacific Crest Trail. 550 miles in 30 days, with no days off. This journey through the Cascade Crest was one of the most formative expeditions of my life and what set me on the path I am now on. The journey reinforced true accountability because nobody was going to put in miles for me. When it comes to the challenges of the PNW. I've become a product of my environment—indifferent to things I can't control (i.e., the weather), dedicated to what I can control (i.e., my objective), and the power to know the difference. It's not always sunshine and rainbows in the PNW when I have an objective, project, or line to ride. I need to be able to adapt, pivot, and or train for that objective until the opportunity arises to execute. The literal ups and downs of mountain climbing, skiing, and outdoor pursuits parallel that of life and sport. To get to the proverbial summit, you have to start at the bottom, overcoming obstacles to achieve whatever physical or metaphorical summit you're pursuing. To finally reach that summit or goal, just see that there's a sea of peaks and goals to continue to push for. You can't live on that summit—you have to go down. And it's up to you to push for another one. True growth comes from the journey, not the destination. Being rooted in my passion is being rooted in the outdoors. Throughout my journey, being able to come back to the basics of communing with nature at any level is what keeps me grounded. Beth Rodden I don't just view the Sierras as a place where I live and work—I view it as a place where I feel at home. A place where my senses are both heightened and inspired, yet so familiar, calming, and peaceful. It's knowing the smells, feels, and sights well but never tiring or lacking excitement. It has shaped where I am today by drawing me in, weaving through my goals and ambitions, and creating a bigger appreciation than just sport. The Sierras are where I can both slow down and speed up. I love seeing the sunrise, the sunset, and everything in between. Standing on the top of a climb, a peak—and seeing the intricate and complex systems that make the Sierras amazing is one of the best feelings. Seeing the birds catch the wind, the streams flow into the rivers, the talus below the cliffs—it always reminds me how much there is to explore. From boulders to alpine peaks, the vast expanse of opportunities and terrain forces me to adapt—bring out all my tricks and help. From storms to heat and easy to hard, the Sierras have it all and force me to be prepared. It keeps me grounded and reminds me that real growth, change and challenge don't happen overnight. It slows me down and humbles me. Passion isn't fleeting. It isn't counting likes or impressions, it's woven through me, it's the fabric of who I am. I want it to be with me for the long haul. It wakes me in the morning, sparks creativity, strengthens relationships, and surrounds everything I do. Being rooted in my passion reminds me that it can burn as brightly from when I started until I'm old and grey if I'm lucky. That's my guiding light, not some fleeting accomplishment, but I want to love it as much as the day I started until the end. Graham Zimmerman I fell in love with the mountains and learned to climb in the Cascades. In high school, I was on a rope team moving slowly up Glacier Peak when a skier passed by, moving effortlessly on a touring setup. That moment completely shifted my perspective—I saw what it meant to move efficiently and fluidly through the mountains, and it planted a seed for how I wanted to engage with these landscapes. Also, my first time ice climbing on the east side of the Cascades above the Methow Valley was a foundational moment that solidified my love for technical climbing and set me on the path I’ve followed ever since. Though I spent many years away, I moved to Bend a decade ago and now live in the rain shadow of the Oregon Cascades. This range offers incredible adventure in a relatively accessible package—certainly more accessible than the Pakistani Karakoram, where much of my career has been focused. The climbing here is excellent, as is the ski mountaineering and rock climbing. Now, as we start a family, I’m finding even more meaning in investing time and energy into these mountains. Big mountain climbing requires adaptability—constantly assessing conditions, adjusting strategies, and making decisions in unpredictable environments. The Cascades offer that same kind of challenge but on a smaller scale. I’ve always seen them as an ideal training ground for the larger alpine objectives I’ve pursued in places like the Karakoram. The constantly shifting weather, technical terrain, and remote feel make this range an incredible place to develop mountain sense. Climbing—the activity and the community around it—has been foundational for me. It’s how I’ve come to understand challenge, connection, and purpose. No matter the highs or lows, returning to the mountains and the people who share this passion always brings me back to center. The mountains teach patience, resilience, and the ability to stay present in the face of uncertainty. They’ve given me a framework for approaching challenges, not just in climbing but in all aspects of life. Georgia Astle Growing up with the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia as my playground made me feel comfortable in otherwise uncomfortable and rugged terrain. Being a little grommet dressed in hand-me-down ski gear, just barely warm and dry enough to make it through a day of ski school. Climbing up burly technical rooty trails in bike camp on my mom’s borrowed bike that weighed more than I did. Although tough in the moment, these memories ultimately shaped my headspace and love for pushing a little further during a race or being able to withstand some mountain weather in the backcountry. My dad and I would go up Peak Chair at Whistler and look for new pockets and rideable zones on the ride back out. He would mark the successes in his GPS, and when we would get cliffed out or come across too big of a creek crossing we’d end up hiking out the way we came until jumping back on the ski out. My favourite tree zones are a mix of huge Douglas Firs, Yellow Cedars, and Pines, and lower down, you get into the second and third-growth saplings––you have to find a decent exit before getting caught deciduous and poplar bashing. Mountain biking in the Coastal Mountains is really more valley biking. Our terrain is so rugged and trees so dense that it takes a solid push to get into the alpine when the ideal trail building is lower down. The granite rock and endless roots have made me appreciate chunky technical riding. Learning to adapt and do what you can with the given elements is a pretty spot-on approach to riding bikes and life in general. Be as prepared as you can and ready to pivot plans, but don’t let the uncontrollable factors ruin your day! I feel so connected within the community of others who are also stuck in their passions for the same reasons. I can go out for a social ride for fun, a solo ride to feel recharged, or a training ride. There are so many options and ways to make my passion my outlet and escape. Tom van Steenbergen Being rooted in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia means connecting to nature in a way that constantly inspires and challenges me. The rugged mountains and endless trails have shaped my career in a unique way. Every season brings new opportunities to push myself. Whether it’s building new features in the perfect spring conditions or pushing my limits on the trails in the summer. The unpredictable weather and rugged landscape of the Okanagan demand adaptability. One day, you’re battling intense heat on a dusty trail, and the next, a storm rolls in, turning the path into mud. Learning to embrace those shifts and adjust on the fly has made me a more resilient athlete and a more flexible person overall. A defining moment for me was filming for my X Games Real MTB video in November. We had no choice but to battle the winter elements, pushing through freezing temperatures and unpredictable conditions to get the shots we needed. It was tough, but the struggle made us stronger, and it reinforced my connection to the Okanagan. That experience reminded me how much this landscape shapes who I am. The outdoors constantly reminds me that growth comes from discomfort. Pushing through exhaustion or finding calm when things don’t go as planned mirrors life’s challenges. Nature has taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding struggle but moving through it. To be rooted in my passion means staying connected to everything I’ve overcome to get here. It’s about remembering the lowest moments, knowing I made it through, and coming out stronger than ever. I remind myself every day to keep doing the things that brought me to this point — staying focused, putting in the work, and never losing sight of why I started in the first place. Zoe Atkin Growing up in the Wasatch has shaped my whole life, including how I approach my sport. Skiing isn’t just how I exemplify my competitiveness, push my limits, and win medals. Skiing is my lifestyle. My passion for skiing is fueled by living in the mountains, surrounded by their might every day, inspiring me to reach for greater heights every day. When I moved to Utah from the East Coast, I was confronted with a community that lived life outdoors. Smiling faces in the sun, families casually walking up mountains the size of which I’d never seen before. Just being able to live outside and find joy in nature exemplifies my connection to this place. The mountains are constantly changing. Skiing in places like the Rockies, the Wasatch, or the Sierra forces me to adapt, whether adjusting my approach to a halfpipe run based on snow conditions or mentally staying sharp when visibility is low. The inherent unpredictability of the mountains has made me more adaptable, teaching me to embrace uncertainty and focus on what I can control. Nature humbles you, forces patience, and reminds you that progress isn’t always linear. The mountains have taught me that setbacks, whether from injury or tough competition days, are just part of the process. You learn to ride the highs with gratitude and push through the lows, knowing that conditions—both literal and metaphorical—will shift again. Being rooted in my passion means staying connected to why I started and why I continue. It’s easy to get caught up in competition results or external pressures. At the end of the day, skiing is something I love because of the feelings—the freedom, the creativity, the connection to the mountains. I stay grounded by surrounding myself with people who remind me of that, taking moments to appreciate where I am, and remembering that every challenge is just another step in the journey. Ian Provo The mountains and deserts of Utah have been my playground since the day my Pop and I pulled up our roots in Connecticut and re-settled in one of the greatest adventure venues on the planet. As a thirteen-year-old boy, I could have never imagined how this landscape would become my foundation for a life and career in the outdoors. Looking back two decades, the influence it has had is undeniable. Firmly established in Utah now, I have the confidence and aspirations to branch out and experience other parts of the world, planting little seeds wherever I go in hopes that new roots will take hold. When my brothers and I first arrived in Utah, our Pop wasted no time taking us on a road trip around the state to get familiar with our new home. Our eyes had never seen such wild terrain before. Touring from one mind-boggling spot to the next, catching glimpses of places that would one day become obsessions. From scalding summer heat waves and drought in the desert to unfathomable snowstorms and winter seasons that can produce a thousand inches of snowfall in the alpine, there is no question that Utah is a dynamic and highly unpredictable region. Perfect for developing a variety of skills and a sense of adaptability needed for exploring distant lands. Growing up in the outdoors has given me so much - everything from the most sacred, uplifting, and euphoric moments to the bone-crushing experiences of injury, survival, and the loss of friends. It's a life of extremes, no doubt. Because of those experiences, both good and bad, I feel resilient in any challenge I face. If I find myself getting soft, I need only think back to past hardships or triumphs in the outdoors to find inspiration to go harder. While skiing was my original outdoor passion from a very young age, my love of sliding on snow branched out into many different paths and pursuits as I got older. It opened my eyes to other avenues where I could experience the same levels of exploration, creativity, and sense of freedom. Sophia Rouches Born and raised in the PNW, the Cascade Mountains have deeply shaped my skiing. The snow might be heavier than other mountain ranges, but that allows it to stick to the craggy mountains, forming pillow stacks and skiable steep faces. I learned early on that to ski in Washington, you have to have strong legs and be prepared for some "Cascade Concrete," but I really think that's what allows the terrain to be some of the best in the world. I'll never forget the first time I slept in the snow. I was 16 and had barely been backpacking, let alone camped on a glacier. I took my mom's touring skis and the fly of my parents' tent, then toured up the Muir Snowfield on Rainier for the night. Alone, I spent the afternoon staring up at Mt. Rainier, listening to seracs crash, and watching the massive hanging glaciers. That was the moment I began to grasp the power of these mountains and the vastness of the Cascades. I was enamored with the skiable terrain I could see and knew I could spend the rest of my life exploring this range and still only scratch the surface. The mountains always have unruly weather, but the PNW really has some of the worst. I learned early on that 33 degrees and raining can be both demoralizing and dangerous—but when the temperature drops just a few degrees, it can lead to some of the best ski days. I've embraced the "you don't know till you go" mentality, which has meant plenty of rain-soaked runs and failed missions, but it's also taught me resilience and to make the best out of the cards you're dealt. The mountains have taught me a lot over the years. I remember being 15, standing on top of Mt. Hood after a long climb. At the time, it was the hardest physical feat I had ever accomplished––something I laugh at now because all the climbs up Hood since have felt like a walk in the park. But that experience taught me how much farther you can push your body past what you think is possible. Mental resilience is constantly tested in the mountains, and learning to push through the physical without letting your mind take over has shaped me in every aspect of my life. Every time I've been sad, scared, or lost the joy of being in the mountains, I lean into what does make me happy––skiing. I feel most rooted in my passion when skiing around my home mountain with friends, hitting side hits, messing around, and not thinking about the external pressures of being a pro athlete. Neil Provo The Wasatch Mountains have shaped me into who I am today. Growing up here, I always stared out past the resort boundaries, dreaming of the untracked runs and the possibilities that awaited. The Wasatch are known for its steep, technical terrain and a notoriously variable snowpack with persistent weak layers that require patience and respect. They always keep me on my toes and have given me the perfect testing grounds to build the skills I need to explore the greater ranges on this planet. I'm continually evolving my knowledge to progress and ride more pow! Cutting a snowboard in half to make my first splitboard completely changed my path and perspective out there. It opened up the doors to so many opportunities. The first splitboards were developed here in the Wasatch, and as a youngster, it only made sense to follow in the footsteps and skin tracks of those early pioneers. Long, hard days in the mountains have taught me so much about who I am and what I can overcome. You never really know what you are capable of until you put yourself to the test. For me, being outdoors forces me to adapt, push beyond my comfort zone, and think critically to achieve the best outcome. The way I interact with mountains is the same approach I try to apply to my everyday life––finding joy around every corner, embracing uncertainty, and respecting my environment and surroundings. Snowboarding has always been my biggest passion. Creativity, freedom, adventure, and the pure joy of carving through fresh snow. It's a way to connect with nature's rhythm, keep my blood pumping, and always keep me searching for more. No matter where I go or where my journey takes me, my love for snowboarding in the mountains will always be there! Bas van Steenbergen Moving to British Columbia as a teenager from Holland and being in Okanagan resembled a dream for me. I would never have become the athlete I am today without moving to the mountains of interior B.C. I’m constantly reminded, and my connection here is reinforced when I am out digging, riding, or just enjoying this beautiful place I get to call home. Having spent most of my career chasing races and results, it’s so important to have all these different elements as a training ground and prepare for anything. It’s not really an option to sit inside while the conditions are less than ideal. Living in the mountains and overcoming challenges, whether big or small, is a day-to-day thing. The more time I spend outdoors, whether riding or dealing with home life in the mountains, the more I learn to adapt to whatever comes my way. Even though I will be forever grateful to be doing what I do on a daily basis, dealing with the highs and lows is probably the hardest thing in sports. Being rooted in the sport of mountain biking means I get to do what I love every single day, and I still love doing it. It’s my childhood dream to be rooted in this sport. Damon Iwanaga Living in Lake Tahoe has given me the chance to be reborn. I was raised in a small town and moved up north to Lake Tahoe, where I was freed from the city and able to explore the mountains. The amazing community and vast riding enabled me to find mountain biking and much more. I realized how much opportunity I had in the palm of my hands was when I first moved here. My roommates and I were able to snowboard right out my back door in the winter and hop on our bikes in the summer. Thankfully, we have amazing weather in the Tahoe area most of the time. But every day isn't a bluebird day. Those rough days are the days you find yourself creating those lifelong memories. The rainy days provide wet dirt, and the snowy days and giving free refills are what produce amazing turns and big smiles. It shows you that sometimes you just have to push through a little grit to find that sunshine on a stormy day. I find that I can't take anything for granted. When you live in such a beautiful place, it's very easy to forget how lucky I am to live where I do. On my way to work, there is a small glimpse of Lake Tahoe, and I like to use it as a little reminder that I am so fortunate to live here and that things could always be worse.   Micah Evangelista Being rooted in the Pacific Northwest means so much to me. I was born and raised in the small town of Glacier at the foot of Mt. Baker, nestled in a remote corner of the North Cascades. The foothills of the mountain range quite literally rise from the backyard of my childhood home. Highway 542 traces the snaking body of the Nooksack River, fed by the glaciers of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan. These iconic land features and the quaint, underdeveloped town I was raised in symbolize so much for me today. It has taught me about patience, gratitude, and connection. It also has given me a unique approach to skiing and traveling within the mountains. The record-breaking snowfall, complex ski terrain, and relatively consistent snowpack provide an unrivaled experience as a skier. The surrounding coniferous forests create a cathedral of old-growth trees that make it all too easy to get lost in. I have felt an inescapable pull toward the area my entire life, and no matter where I go, a large part of me will remain rooted in this place. There isn't a single moment that defines my connection to this part of the Pacific Northwest. Instead, it's all of the unique and magical qualities of this environment that continuously build my connection to it. In my youth, I spent countless ski days at Mt. Baker with my brother Mattias, and that very much shaped my deep love for skiing, which I have today. Exploring the vast network of trails on my mountain bike has also shaped the way I appreciate and interact with the land. I try to appreciate every minute I can envelop myself in this area's natural beauty. The weather of the Pacific Northwest can be a fickle beast. Temperatures hover around 30-32 degrees for much of the winter and can provide challenges, with snow often turning to rain. As our climate changes and temperatures continuously rise, I worry about the future state of this area for skiing. Even the slightest increase in average temperature could completely change our snowfall and glacial formations. Historically, the deep, heavy snow has created very strong skiers and snowboarders. I grew up having to navigate amongst the "Cascade Concrete," and I'm grateful for the way that has shaped my ski style and overall strength as a rider. I hope future generations will appreciate Mt. Baker's mashed potatoes in the same way I have been able to. My connection to the outdoors has shaped me in just about every way. The environment and the sports within it have guided my relationships with others and myself. In times of stress and adversity, I find the outdoors to be a guiding and calming presence. It gives me perspective and a way to remain grounded in who I am and what I believe in. Being outdoors allows me to disconnect from the "self" and appreciate being a part of something immensely bigger. There is something really beautiful in that interconnectedness. Being rooted in my passion means being grateful for every second I can spend time doing the activities I love. It's easy to get distracted by all the external factors within these sports. Whether it be pressures being reinforced by the industry or my own personal expectations and goals with creating a video project or doing photo shoots. Sometimes, it can feel like serious work, but when I take a step back and look at the world I'm existing in, I don't think it gets much better than this. Living with that appreciation makes every day in the mountains feel special. There will be injuries, setbacks, challenges, and failures along the way. I'm trying to use all of those experiences as new knowledge and appreciation to make my future as a skier and human being even better.