Recently I participated in the Second Annual Climb for a Cause hosted by The Front Climbing Club in Salt Lake City, which is a benefit for the amazing grassroots organization Benefit El Salvador, whose mission is to “support established medical clinics in rural El Salvador as they strive to provide both adequate clinical care and health education to their communities.”

Every climber, no matter how long you have been climbing, knows what it is like to have a nemesis. That one route or boulder problem that you just can’t seem to finish for some reason, usually that reason being more mental than physical. Quite often, you have worked out every move and just can’t for the life of you, seem to connect the dots. Rarely is it even the hardest thing numerically speaking you’ve ever done, and often it surprises your climbing buddies who can’t believe you haven’t put the thing to rest.

Winter continues to be sparse on snowfall here in Utah, causing freeskiing events to be postponed till later in the season. The prayers for snow are ongoing, but the fun on and off the slopes continue. I am making the most of all my downtime off the daily freeskiing routines and enjoying every minute of it. I would never say I take my lifestyle for granted, but I feel so fortunate to be able to live in the mountains and surround myself with the activities, sports, and people that I do. It is truly what makes me...