National Outdoor Leadership School - Index

National Outdoor Leadership School - brochure - Index

6
THE
Leader
DROPPING
ALUMNI PROFILE
TWONOLSGRADSDOMINATE
THE WORLD OF SKI MOUNTAINEERING
THROUGH DEDICATION AND DEVOTION
BY RILEY HOPEMAN, NOLS MARKETING ALL-STAR
T
here are accomplishments we hear of daily that cause us to pause in wonder. We experience
an unexplainable feeling when someone redefines extraordinary. This is one of those stories.
In making the ultimate commitment to both themselves and their sport, two of the world’s most
prolific ski mountaineers have transformed sacrifice into ultimate success.
Kit Deslauriers
Kit Deslauriers grew up in a world of outdoor enthusiasm.
She fondly recalls piling into her family’s Volkswagen
Rabbit to embark on extended camping
excursions throughout the United States.
“I remember one family vacation where we traveled
for five weeks and camped every night but one,” she says.
I WAS INTRODUCED TO DICK BASS, THE FIRST PERSON TO CLIMB THE SEVEN SUMMITS,
THE HIGH POINT OF EACH CONTINENT. AFTER RECEIVING A COPY OF HIS BOOK,
I THOUGHT, IF HE CLIMBED THEM, WHY CAN’T I CLIMB AND SKI THEM?”
Prior to beginning her high school career, her family
relocated from their northeastern home in Albany, New
York to Arizona. Here, Kit took up rock climbing and
other activities to further her outdoors skill set.
While pursuing her college degree in Arizona, Kit
stumbled upon an organization that changed her life:
NOLS. In the summer of 1991, Kit received a scholarship
and found herself on a Semester in Alaska.
“It never would have been possible for me to do
my course without that scholarship,” she says. “I
learned so much from my NOLS course.”
One of her most poignant moments was her selection
as the leader of her small group expedition.
Prior to their departure, an instructor asked Kit what
she needed to learn during this time.
“I needed to step back and learn from everyone
else,” said Kit. “I now know that the best leader is
often times the one who is not leading.”
IN3, 2,1
Upon graduation, she moved to Telluride, Colorado
where she was a member of San Miguel Search
and Rescue, an EMT and a professional ski patroller
at Telluride Ski Resort. In 1999, she married and
moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. During this time
skiing became her ultimate focus. In 2004 and 2005,
Kit won back-to-back titles at the Freeskiing World
Tour Women’s Championships. At the 2005 U.S.
Freeskiing Women’s Championships, she claimed the
top of the podium. At the celebration afterward, another
lofty goal materialized.
“I was introduced to Dick Bass, the first person to
climb the Seven Summits, the high point of each continent,”
recalls Kit. “After receiving a copy of his book,
I thought, if he climbed them, why can’t I climb and
ski them?”
By October 2006, Kit became the first person to
successfully climb and ski each of the Seven Summits.
She stresses that it had to be done in a style very much
true to herself.
“It was a long project and it was very important
to me that it stay personal,” she says. “In the end, the
universe came together for me and I am very proud of
my Seven Summits accomplishment.”
Presently, on top of becoming a new mom in December,
Kit is writing a book detailing that project
and has started a nonprofit called Pursue Balance. Offering
information, education and grants, Pursue Balance
helps individuals to achieve personal and
environmental balance.
Ted Mahon