YOUR AD HERE »

Wild Perspectives returns to Snowmass

Staff report

Wild Perspectives, the series launched jointly by Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) and The Collective Snowmass in 2020, returns at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 31.

Wild Perspectives features accounts of world travel, adventure, and the natural world through visual media and storytelling. Events are free from 7-8 p.m. on select Tuesdays in January, February, and March at The Collective Hall in Snowmass Base Village. A $10 suggested donation to benefit ACES’ environmental-education programming. Seating is first-come, first-served, and patrons are encouraged to arrive early. Drinks and food will be available for purchase at Mawita.

“Our community is fortunate to have world-class adventurers and storytellers right in our backyard who are excited to share their experiences with all of us. This year’s lineup includes adventures from Antarctica, Corsica, Chile, and more,” said Chris Lane, CEO of ACES. “These personal accounts will leave you feeling inspired and compelled, curious about the places your own feet, skis, and belay ropes can take you, too.”



This winter’s topics:

Tuesday, Jan. 31 — “Perspectives from the Trail: The Miles that Counted Most,” with Challenge Aspen’s “Sole Mates” Marathon Team. Since 2003, the “Sole Mates” Marathon Team has competed in events in 12 different countries, across four continents and raised more than $1 million to support Challenge Aspen, a non-profit dedicated to creating possibilities for people with disabilities through year-round adaptive recreational programs and activities. Challenge Aspen’s programming encourages participation in activities that redefine limits, recognize abilities, and transfer newfound courage to everyday life; this team is rooted in the same ideals. Hear Katie Grange, Cara Haugan, Olivia Niosi, and Jason Hodge’s experiences training, traveling, and fundraising for Challenge Aspen and find out why it’s about more than just the miles. 




Tuesday, Feb. 7 — “Homecoming: Ski Mountaineering in the Chilean Andes,” with Aidan Goldie-Ahumada. Last summer, Aidan Goldie-Ahumada left the valley to gain a deep and authentic cultural understanding of his home country, Chile, through travel, environmental justice, and ski-mountaineering. On this month-long trip, he explored many corners of the country and found all types of snow conditions along the way. Join this Wild Perspective as he breaks down the details of his trip, the ecology of the Chilean Andes, and how to find snow in the Austral winter. Now in the Roaring Fork Valley, he’s a local physics teacher when not adventuring; he seeks opportunities to support his community through equitable and intentional education practices. 

Tuesday, Feb. 28 — “Corsets to Harnesses: A Reflection of Women’s Climbing History, from Adventures in Corsica and Beyond,” with Ruthie Brown and Kim Levin. Women started rock climbing in corsets and long skirts in the 1800s — all for the love of adventure. These courageous forerunners cleared the way for other women to follow. Join Ruthie Brown and Kim Levin, a pair of modern-day climbers, as they explore the serene beauty of remote places in Corsica and beyond. Learn a hint of fascinating Corsican culture and history while this duo climbs high above the Mediterranean Sea, challenging themselves to live in the focused moment of rock climbing. 

Tuesday, March 7 — “Penguins, Peaks & Off-Piste Skiing: Skiing the Antarctica Peninsula,” with Samantha (Sammy) Podhurst. Sammy Podhurst always thought the closest she would ever get to exploring the polar region of Antarctica would be through watching Planet Earth. Then, this past year, an opportunity was presented to go skiing in Antarctica. What she experienced was nothing short of spectacular, including curious penguins, breaching orcas, and wild landscapes. Join Podhurst as she takes us on her journey across the Drake Passage to skiing on the Antarctic Peninsula with birds wearing their finest apparel.