2017 was an inspiring year for outdoor enthusiasts.
Not all of us are aiming for world records or fame, but we can all be inspired by the dedication and drive it takes for athletes to give it their all. Here are a few of our favorite athletic accomplishments in the outdoors this year.
Alex Honnold
You can’t mention inspiration without talking Alex Honnold. This record-breaking rock climber pushed the limits of the sport this year. His free solo (ropeless climbing) of Yosemite's El Capitan will go down in climbing history. He scaled the 3,000’ face in a little under four hours. His contribution to the climbing community, as well as his positive attitude keep us all reaching upward.
Caroline Gleich
If there’s one lady who knows how to shred the powder it’s professional ski mountaineer Caroline Gleich. She set out on a mission to ski all of Utah’s toughest peaks, a feat only completed by three other people. Her journey through the Utah steeps are documented in her latest film, Follow Through. When she isn’t on the mountain, Carline is an advocate for conservation.
Christian Thomas
At nine years old, Christian Thomas, or Buddy Backpacker, is the youngest person to ever complete the Triple Crown of hiking. The Triple Crown is a thru hiking challenge where hikers aim to complete the Appalachian Trail (2,200 miles), the Pacific Crest Trail (2,650 miles) and the Continental Divide Trail (3,100 miles). This past fall, Christian completed the Continental Divide Trail, making him the youngest thru-hiker to complete all three.
We believe in pushing the boundaries of outdoor sports. Each of these athletes inspired us to hike a little further, ski a little harder, and reach for that next big hold. Here's to our own big accomplishments in 2018!