Today, you might see Caroline Gleich testifying in front of Congress about how rising global temperatures are affecting snowpack in the Western U.S. Tomorrow, maybe you’ll see her crossing the finish line of an ultramarathon. The next day, if you think you can keep up (psst, you probably can’t), you could catch a glimpse of her making a first descent of a steep line in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. It’s all in a week’s work for the professional athlete and committed environmental justice advocate who’s dedicated her personal and professional life to the outdoors.

Wherever she is, one thing is sure: she’ll have a smile on her face. The happiness she derives from her outdoor pursuits radiates. Our recent interview with Caroline was as wide-ranging as her career and list of accolades. Here are just a few highlights.

Want to hear more from Caroline? Join our virtual Park Bench Chat on March 31st when Caroline will be speaking with TPL Health Director Dr. Pooja Tandon, author Florence Williams, and psychotherapist Patricia Hasbach on the mental health benefits of the outdoors. Register here. 

On becoming a mountaineer …

Growing up in Minnesota, whether you want to or not, you have to embrace winter and winter sports. It’s a big part of the culture there. Even though my parents aren’t hardcore skiers, they were determined to make sure we all knew how to ski. It’s in our Scandanavian roots. My grandfather was a champion ski jumper here at the local hill.

We went out West once or twice a year. We would drive all night. I had three brothers, and my dad would always have this competition for which kid was the most aggressive, and they’d be crowned “the animal” and get “animal status.” For me, growing up as a young girl with three brothers, a young woman who went to Catholic school where I had to wear a skirt and was always told to stay in your seat and be quiet … the mountains gave me a place where I could be wild and free. I just felt a sense of personal power.

On finding community …

Skiing was the time when I got my parents undivided attention. The sense of belonging with family was so important. When you’re in the mountains, you’re dependent on your partners and families in a different way.

On prioritizing outdoor time in a time-starved culture …

You have to calendar time with your family. Book the trip. Make that deposit. Protect that time on your calendar. Take your dreams and make them into a tangible goal.

On bringing more people to the outdoors and winter sports, as she does through on-snow mentorship relationships and friendships …

We really need skiing and the outdoors to look more like the demographics of America. It’s one thing to read about racism to try to learn to be an ally, but [it’s another] to really cultivate relationships and to center those relationships, to listen and learn and to support somebody’s goals in a one-on-one setting.

On getting comfortable being uncomfortable …

A lot of times when you’re trying something new, you can be a little hesitant or lean back. But in skiing, you really have to charge forward. You have to be aggressive. You have to throw yourself down the fall line. It seems counterintuitive.

On letting the mountains and your intuition lead …

We pride ourselves on going into the worst weather to get the best snow, but the mountain always takes the lead. When I was 15, my half-brother was killed in an avalanche. It’s always been my ethos to come home with all my fingers, toes, and nose, and never put myself or others at risk. The mountain will be there. You can always go back. It has taught me the importance of communication with partners. Making decisions together. It’s important to speak up and listen to your intuition. There are a lot of studies that show having a woman on your team in the mountains, you’re less likely to end up in an avalanche, if she feels empowered to speak up.

On being responsible stewards of our outdoor playgrounds and ecosystems …

Our mountain environments—especially at higher attitudes—are changing at a greater rate than the rest of the world. It’s February 7, and it’s raining in Park City at 7,000 feet. I can feel it in my bones. This is what the climate scientists have been predicting. If you love snow, you have a duty to try to protect it. And if you have privilege, you have a responsibility to act.

On her next big adventure …

I’m going to Papua New Guinea to climb the highest peak in Oceana. But I’m also looking forward to doing more things and exploring public lands close to home. My dog’s trying to climb 100 unique peaks. We’re currently at 45.

You could have a lifetime of adventures in the Wasatch Mountains. Whether I have an hour or a whole day, I have places on my list.

On the beauty of little adventures …

It’s vital to my mental and physical wellbeing. I call it running, but sometimes I just walk. Just go out the door. If you can’t find a bigger period of time, just take a “snack break.” If you can just take 10 or 15 minutes to go around the block, those snack breaks are really helpful.

Our consumeristic, capitalistic culture can make it really complicated to get outside. Our industry tries to overcomplicate sometimes. We have the skills inside to thrive outside. You don’t need a membership. You don’t need fancy gear. Put on a pair of shoes and take a walk.