by Stephanie Maltarich
Why do you climb?
Maybe for the solitude, awe-inspiring views, friends, challenge and accomplishment? Here’s another reason to climb — KIDS.
Steph, right, and Fabiola on Ixta
After several years of exploring in the mountains, I decided it was time to climb for a reason other than myself. So, when a friend asked me if I wanted to participate in Summit for Someone, I responded with a “hell yes!” By signing up I pledged to raise $3,600 and participate in a guided climb of Mount Shasta in northern California all in the name of inner-city teens.
My Summit for Someone climb benefited Denver nonprofit Big City Mountaineers, whose mission is to enhance the lives of under-resourced teens through transformative outdoor experiences. Summit for Someone is the biggest fundraiser for BCM and is also the No. 1 mountaineering fundraiser in the country. SFS climbers scale some of North America’s marquee peaks each summer, pledging to raise between $2900 and $7500, funding wilderness backpacking trips for 300+ urban teens.
My love for the mountains began with a few light hikes outside of Boulder, which led to marching to the top of Colorado’s 14ers, then beginning rock climbing and then realizing my dream of summiting a 17,000-foot volcano in Mexico. I discovered being in the mountains made me feel alive.
Before I engaged in this love affair I was without a passion and a purpose, but desperately wanted both. My weekends were often spent drinking at house parties followed by long hungover days eating pizza and watching movies. My identity was muddled and my direction uncertain. And like many young girls and women, I hated my body, which often led to me hating my world. Finally when I did take that hike on the Royal Arch Trail, I knew my world was about to change. My identity slowly evolved from a sandal-wearing, bottled-water-toting “hiker” to a badass woman with an ice axe. I like myself now, I like my life and I like what I do. If the outdoors have been transformative in my own life, I feel I have a duty to provide the opportunity for at least one kid from the city to fall in love, too.
This year, Summit for Someone offers two unique women’s-only climbs on California’s Mount Shasta and Washington’s Mount Rainier. In my personal experience, being a part of an all-women’s team in the outdoors has been extremely empowering. Climbing for a cause while propelled by a group of motivated and passionate women will surely be the experience of a lifetime.
For information on Summit For Someone climbs, visit www.summitforsomeone.org or call Brendan at 303-271-9200, ext. 403.
