Everything You Wanted to Know about Ski Mountaineering pt. 2

Skiing a volcano is daunting but does it have to be? Have you ever thought, "There must be a better way to get down from the summit of a mountain?".

Well, the answer is...Ski Mountaineering. With the skills to grab the summit while making the descent faster, skiing also makes the type 2 fun even more fun!

Join us on February 29th at Ascent Outdoors to talk with local guide Cal Smith about ski mountaineering in the PNW.

You'll hear from first-hand experience climbing the volcanos of Washington and have the opportunity to ask any question you could imagine about ski mountaineering.

SPEAKER BIO

Cal’ Smith is Indigenous to the Lower-Cowlitz and Yakama Tribal nations surrounding Takhoma (Mt. Rainier). His people have been in the mountains since time immemorial and continue to hold space in the mountains in numerous and diverse ways. His introduction to the outdoors was through track and cross country in high school in his hometown, Yakima, WA, which evolved to trail running in college. Pursuing more trails in Washington, Cal’ began mountaineering upon entering college at the University of Washington. There, he got a B.A. in American Indian Studies, focusing on tribal law and the ecology of the PNW. Nurtured and refined in the academic setting, he found confidence and community in his Native American identity. Once connecting the alpine landscapes where he guides and recreates Cal’s perspective of what these places and activities have to offer transformed. Driven by ethics instilled by tribal elders, Cal’ works redirect the narrative of what it means for Native Americans to be in the outdoors in the 21st century. Throughout this journey, Cal’s priority has grown from conquering mountains to facilitating education, guiding, and recreation in contexts of what these activities stand to gain from a Native American cultural resurgence. While Cal’ is not pursuing mountain activities, he is hunting for the best mocha, cafe to loiter in, concerts to boogy at, or movie to drool over.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

2201 15th Ave W, 2201 15th Avenue West, Seattle, United States