The Mountaineers
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...
Name Wally Estenson
Member Since November 2023
Hometown Minneapolis, MN
Occupation Strategy and Operations
Favorite Activities Biking (mountain, road, gravel, bikepacking), skiing (resort and backcountry), camping, hiking, and mountaineering!
10 ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS:
WHAT FIRST BROUGHT YOU TO THE MOUNTAINEERS?
I moved to Seattle in the spring of 2023 and shortly after joined friends on a Mt. Hood climb. That experience got me really interested in delving further into the world of mountaineering, and I wanted to improve my knowledge and skills to do so. A friend was going through the Basic Alpine Climbing course at the time and recommended I check it out. I applied and got into the program that fall!
WHY DO YOU LIKE GETTING OUTSIDE WITH US?
The Mountaineers community has been so welcoming. It's been great to make new friends with similar interests and a desire to learn how to recreate safely in the mountains. Lots of rad people in this organization!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE MOUNTAINEERS MEMORY?
I just finished up the Basic Alpine Climbing course with the Everett Branch. The snow two field trip on Mount Baker was an awesome weekend, including summiting Sherman Peak!
WHO/WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
I'm lucky to have a lot of people in my life who inspire me - from family to fellow Mountaineers members. But being in the mountains offers a truly valued change in perspective from problems of daily life, inspiring introspection and connection to the natural world.
WHAT DOES ADVENTURE MEAN TO YOU?
Adventure to me is doing novel, difficult things - stepping outside of my comfort zone and embracing uncertainty. Adventure is about fostering resilience, adaptability, and lifelong learning.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Sunrise or sunset? Sunrise
What's your 11th Essential? Sour Scandinavian Swimmers from Trader Joe's
What's your happy place? A sunny, warm summer day on a mountain top or alpine lake... or fresh tracks on a powder day
Post-adventure meal of choice? Chipotle
If you could be a rockstar at any outdoor activity overnight, what would it be? Skiing - big mountain, freeride, and ski mountaineering
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers come in all shapes and sizes, varying widely in age, outdoor experience, and length of time involved in The Mountaineers. Part of what makes our community so unique is the broad diversity of our membership, and we hope these weekly features highlight who we are and why our community plays an important part in feeling belonging in the outdoors. We are always seeking self-nominations for our Mountaineer of the Week, and we invite you to share your story. Trust us, we want to hear from you!
Want to nominate a friend? Email Bayley Stejer to make a recommendation.
