My Most Uncomfortable Moments In The Mountains

I ain’t gonna lie, it has happened to all of us. Forgetting a key piece of equipment, being on a big hut mission with a bunch of dudes while on your period, not speaking up when you should definitely speak up… So let’s talk about it.

I am human, you are human, we are not robots. Sometimes we all have those days where we start contemplating what the heck am I doing here? And you feel like everyone is looking at you like a rookie they regret bringing along…

Forgetting my skins on a very important mission with my dad (!)

In spring 2021, my dad and I planned to ride down the West face of Atwell mountain, here in Squamish. A very technical approach and even more technical descent. We had spent a good chunk of time planning that day and the night before I felt really nervous. I repacked my bag many times and kept thinking of what I needed and how to prepare myself the best for the mission.

We met up at the airport in the morning and a quick 8 minute flight later, we were at the base of Garibaldi mountain. The helicopter took off and we were alone. I open my bag and start looking for the skins for my splitboard. Just to find out they are definitely not there. It was really funny for a second. And then very embarrassing. But then we were just angry. Mostly my dad.

Long story short, that day took a lot more work than we had expected. A lot of bootpacking and in some moments, even sharing my dad’s skins. But since he was on skis, I had to attach one of his skins to one of my skis from the splitboard with a ski strap. And slide/pull technique my way forward. Not a fun experience. But like I said, it was funny after.

What did I learn?

To keep a list. My friend made me say all the things I usually need for a one day in the backcountry out loud, as she was writing them down. I put that on my fridge, and have always kept it as a reference.

BAÏST Gloves – Code: ALENKABaist

Not speaking my mind, where I should’ve definitely said SOMETHING!

This is a very long story and I would like to keep it as brief as possible.

A few years ago, I was on a multiday split-board mission down in South America. It was our last day of riding and we wanted to ski the couloir that we’d been side-eyeing for days. Spicy, tight… but there was something super attractive about it.

The approach took about 3 hours and if it wouldn’t go, we could always turn around and ride the way we came from. It was late in the spring and the sun was hot. Down in Patagonia, the sun hits strong. After a few good hours of hammering up a steep slope, we reached the top of the ridge and also the peak of the mountain. Looking down our couloir my first thought was “just leave it, this won’t go”

We spent a good 30 minutes discussing our options, the ways of riding it, the runout options, etc. Two of us from the group did not agree on riding it. One person kept staying very persistent. I was becoming very uncomfortable. Without hesitation, I voiced my concerns and that’s when everything went to sh**. I was accused of being “lame, and too conservative”.

Hurtful things started coming my way, comments like: “See, this is why the snowboard women category (referring to freeride competitions), doesn’t go anywhere! Because you guys are afraid of taking risks! You don’t push yourself and you don’t push the sport”.

I believe the word pu**y came out at some point, with the other person, also a guy, staying silent and looking at the ground throughout this whole conversation.

I had enough. I was so fed up. Nobody tells me that I can’t do something. It’s not a thing. And if they do, I will definitely go do just that. What they’re telling me I can’t do.

I dropped second into a line that I felt was way over my head, or anyone else’s level in our group. Angry, holding back my tears. Came to the bottom, cursing the day and everything that just happened. Wondering – WHY I couldn’t stand up for myself.

When that person dropped in, things went really bad really quickly. In seconds, he was slamming the rocky part of the side after catching an edge. And it was only 10 seconds later that I was taking off my splitboard to run up a very steep powdery slope, to help with the rescue, getting to my friend lying on the snow after his fall. A long day, turned into night, which turned into a big rescue mission due to broken bones and his inability to walk away from the line.

There’s so much to be learned from this situation but yet, for years I have debated even sharing the story publicly. Why? Probably because I felt embarrassed for not standing up for myself or being stronger at the moment. I hope whoever is reading this, can take something from the situation.

1. Speak up when you aren’t 100% comfortable
2. Call people out on their shit and don’t let anyone treat you the way they shouldn’t

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Being on my period while on a touring/sledding trip

This one is for the ladies, but fellas… listen closely.

Not really a specific “moment” in time, but more like an ongoing thing each season. Sometimes the plans and good conditions just line up with our cycles. And you just have to deal with it. 4 nights, 5 days. A hut full of guys, in the middle of nowhere.

Being on your period is sometimes extremely hard on us girls, even from the comfort of our own homes. Imagine being uncomfortable when you have access to a hot bath, medicinal teas, chocolate or heat pads… now take that into the backcountry setting – totally different story!

But part of being a mountain woman is having to do your best to adapt, in any setting.

How do I deal with it?

I track my period to the best of my knowledge, and if it really falls on the timing of a hut trip, I come prepared. Painkillers for cramps, right in my pocket (not in the first aid kit, because then you have to dig for them). Ginger, chamomile, or any kind of calming tea. I bring more food because my body craves more calories… Baby wipes and a water bottle 😉 Very easy to heat the water up on the jet boil and have a mini shower outside. I know, gross. But still… that’s the reality!

And also: Be vocal. It’s OK to say hey, everyone. I feel like going a little slower today because I don’t have a lot of energy. Or, “I’m really cramping up so I will sit this one out…”

COVER PHOTO & ARTICLE PHOTOS: AARON HAILEY @AARONHAILEY