My Recipe for Success on Slippery Slopes
It’s mid-April and I’m in Alaska. I’ve left home with mountains of ski gear crammed into my Endless Road Luggage for what has seemed until now, an endless journey. Months and years of preparation, of training, and anticipating this: my last of three full exams, the AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide Exam, to achieve IFMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide Certification.
As an Athlete and Guide, Marmot has supported me with the best product on the market since the early ‘90’s. This year, Marmot and the AMGA honored me with a full scholarship for this exam. I am stoked, supported, fueled and ready. My recipe is set up for success.
Combine ingredients: nine candidates, three examiners, 8 days, the Chugach and Talkeetna Mountains, bad weather, intense wind and heinous snow conditions. Mix one stressful day into the next as myself and the other candidates grapple to come up with and pull off good ski mountaineering objectives. Bake on high for two weeks after it’s all over to get the final results and voile’!
Angela Hawse, IFMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide. One of only 7 women in the U.S. to achieve the international standard and license in guiding!
Behind the scenes, secret weapon ingredients that no doubt were key, everyday: Randonnee Pants… Gore-Tex® Pro-Shell® bibs… full waterproof zip made for crucial ventilation… bomber protection from wind, rain and blowing snow. Skylight Jacket… tried, true and tested favorite… 3-Layer Gore-Tex® XCR® stretch… light and packable… nice bright orange color for bad visibility. Next years Backcountry 30 Ski Mountaineering Pack… awesome, well-designed features and comfortable when carrying a full guide pack. Underneath… mid-weight base-layer top… silk-weight bottom. In-between… Dri-Clime Jacket. Over it all for warmth when needed… the Baffin Jacket. Key secret weapons for the overnighter on the glacier: Atom Sleeping Bag… the Sundance Jacket for added warmth.
Thank you Marmot for your endless support and enthusiasm for my endeavors! Marmot for Life!
Angela Hawse Guides the Tetons. Photo: Ace Kvale
Watch this movie featuring the 2010 AMGA Ski Mountaineering Exam shot and edited by Angela:
Learn more about Angela at http://marmotpro.com and http://alpinist007.com.
