The Mountaineers
Each week we bring you a personal story from a member of our community. For our profile this week we talked to...
Name: Steven Freygang, he/him
Hometown: Winter Park, FL
Member Since: 10 years
Occupation: Fundraising with GoFundMe/Classy
Favorite Activities: Trail running, skiing, hiking, swimming in really cold alpine lakes, and biking (mountain and commuting - I gave up my car a few years ago and commute by e-bike now. It’s awesome!)
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
My wife and I moved to Seattle in 2013 and I wanted a way to make friends doing something that I love – exploring outside!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
When I was fundraising for the Vital Ground Foundation, we co-hosted this amazing event called Ghost Bears with The Mountaineers. It was all about the reintroduction of grizzly bears into the North Cascades, which is actually quite close to becoming a reality.
WHY DO YOU LIKE GETTING OUTSIDE WITH US?
Being able to share the incredible outdoors that the PNW has to offer with really wonderful people.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE WITH PURPOSE MEAN TO YOU?
I’ve always been motivated to make the outdoors a more accessible and welcoming place for all. Growing up in Florida, it was hard to fit in at first when so many people who grew up in the PNW had spent their entire lives skiing, climbing, etc…, and I was just learning as an adult.
WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO DONATE TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to get outside and explore. To pursue adventures. The Mountaineers makes that possible for people who really couldn’t do it on their own.
WHAT IMPACT DO YOU HOPE TO HAVE IN OUR COMMUNITY THROUGH YOUR DONATIONS?
I’m always thinking about making things better for the next generation, much like the principles of Leave No Trace. I want The Mountaineers to continue growing and thriving so that future generations will have an even greater opportunity to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
LIGHTNING ROUND
What's your favorite close-to-home outdoor activity? Trail running
What's your 11th Essential? Bacon
Post-adventure meal of choice? Taco Time, with tots of course
What's next on your bucket list? The Wonderland Trail
If you could be adept at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Freediving
