Kit, Liberty Belle

Welcome to Belladventures!

Hello Gals!!

Well, I can't believe that I have entered the blogosphere!! However, in this day, it seems that computers are how we stay connected. I started this project because I want to get the word out about the outings that I have been instigating. My goal with this blog is to bring women of all ages and skill levels together for fun and camaraderie.

I have worked in the guiding world since 1995, first climbed Rainier at 17 (I have since climbed 70+ times-lost count), and am one of very few females-heck, very few peoples... to attain AMGA ski mountaineering guide certification. I have also just been granted ACMG equivalency as a full ski guide in Canada-first ever! Well, this means that there is a LOT of powder in my future:)- and lots in yours if you choose to ski with me! I note these milestones here, not so much to toot my own horn, but to express my dedication to serious fun!

What have I learned from these miles in the field? I have learned that the mountains are incredible teachers (just when you think you are the queen of the world, you step on a banana peel!) I have learned that the best times in my life have stemmed from the camaraderie I have experienced in these settings. I have learned that my favorite people tend to be the ones I meet in the outdoors, and the relationships I cultivate there are some of the most meaningful.

Why not jump in? The outdoors are beautiful AND you get tons of fresh air and exercise- what could be better!

There just aren't that many all-girl trips out there and I must admit, well -the dynamic is different. The idea is to provide quality instruction and skill building- so you can confidently recreate with whomever you choose- male or female.

Stay tuned for a schedule of ski touring, rock climbing, yoga posing shenannigans.....

Hope you can join me! Ciao Bellas!



Thursday, February 25, 2010

 
 
 
 
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diamonds are a girl's best friend- nc heli access ski touring

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Saturday, February 20, 2010

Girls Trip Revelstoke!



Just finished a super fun girls trip to Revelstoke! We Skied Revelstoke Mountain resort, completed an Intro touring session on the backside, went Cat Skiing at K3 in the monashees! On Tuesday and Wednesday, I hooked up with Anna and Kim from Whitefish for some companion rescue training at Rogers pass. All in all - great gals and great fun! check out this link for the photos!

http://picasaweb.google.com/Toko.Keller/GirlsTripReve
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Friday, February 12, 2010

Moot Point. Tele vs. AT

Come on people! The debate about whether AT or Tele is more virtuous is soo eighties!!! Get over it. “Free the heel free the mind”, “Randonee – French for can’t tele”, “training heels”, “fix the heel fix the problem” These are all such judgmental slogans. Do we really care this much? How about making pure joy the measure of virtue? Whoever has the most fun wins!!

Whether you enjoy the enhanced face shots from dropping a knee or the satisfaction of sticking the pedal hop on a 50 degree slope in your AT gear- or enjoying the effortless float of the untracked through the larches…all are worthy. Why do we need to fight for coolness factor??? Are we riding for our own fulfillment or to compete with others?

I took my ski mountaineering exam in Valdez with the most talented Telemark skier I have ever seen; Eric Henderson. He had zero limitations, up or down. I also know many professional ACMG/AMGA guides who prefer AT gear for the more technical ski mountaineering application. With the advent of the new free pivot toe pieces on Tele gear there is no longer the greater advantage on the up track for AT skiers. The ever evolving technology of AT gear means that it is just as light as Tele (check out the Dynafit Manaslu!) Skill, fitness, attitude and cajones define how far you take any method. Limitations, plusses/minuses- all are purely personal. Do what makes YOU happy. Do not judge others for a different viewpoint or approach!

Follow your bliss and your preferred glisse! Encourage others- promote joy not competition. You just look like a petulant victim when back biting another form of snow riding expression. Lets shift the focus from performance to joy! Now get out there and make some turns!!

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life is good when you travel with great friends!

the element road trip to kimberly bc- toko helping with new pup rosie rose!!
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My Hero, Sarah Yancey.


Sarah Yancey should be profiled in the Title Nine Catalogue.

Her Bio would say something like:

Mother of Alden 2, Grace 5, and recently Rosie the Great Pyranees puppy- 11 weeks. Sarah works as a backcountry hut operator. In her spare time she trains her pup to ride in helicopters, plays the cello, and makes first descents of unreal couliors. Oh and by the way- she can traverse a large table(circumnavigate) without touching her feet to the floor!!! These photos are of a first descent off of Porcupine Ridge that we named "Mother's Milk" in honor of Sarah! Go Go Snow Girl!


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Girls gone skiing- boulder hut purcells

Hello All!

Check out the wonderful photos from the Boulder hut outside of Kimberly. Dear friends operate the hut. Lets make plans for next year!!!

anne

http://picasaweb.google.com/Toko.Keller/BoulderHut2010#

sorry- you might need to cut and past the address to get it to work. I am a computer rookie!!
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