Breaking Trail: Interviewing Alpenglow Expeditions’ Outdoor Representation Scholarship Recipients

In 2024, Alpenglow Expeditions proudly awarded the Outdoor Representation Scholarship to two recipients, Gabriel and Jennah. Both took AIARE 1 Avalanche Courses and share their thoughts on the scholarship, backcountry skiing, and accessibility and representation in the outdoors in an interview below:

1. Tell us about yourself and how you view your journey up to getting out with Alpenglow Expeditions.

Gabriel:

I’m 27, live in South Lake Tahoe, and was born and raised in the Bay Area in a Guatemalan family. I’m the first person in my family born in the U.S. Growing up, we faced a lot of economic instability, so we moved around frequently between the Bay Area, Southern California, and even Guatemala for a while. I eventually ended up at Chico State, where I got into the outdoors.

I have a degree in psychology and decided I wanted to combine psych and recreation, so I pursued outdoor guiding jobs. I worked a season at Alyeska in winter 2021, which introduced me to downhill skiing. That opened up the world of the mountains for me. I moved to Tahoe to ski, raft guide, and work at REI, which led me to Alpenglow Expeditions after a friend, Jen Callahan [an Alpenglow Expeditions guide], told me about the scholarship opportunity.

My family’s support has been a huge factor in my journey. My mom had me at 16 and worked incredibly hard to provide opportunities for me. When I told them I’d live in a Subaru in Alaska to follow my passion, they thought I was crazy, but they trusted me.

Jennah:

I’m originally from El Paso, Texas, and was raised there by my grandparents, who are originally from Mexico and only speak Spanish. Growing up in a low-income household, I didn’t have much exposure to outdoor recreation beyond riding my bike and playing soccer.

I went to the University of Texas at San Antonio for college, and after graduating, I wanted to leave Texas, so I moved to Salt Lake City. I fell in love with outdoor recreation, like rock climbing and eventually skiing. I didn’t start skiing until 2020, but by the end of 2023, I began backcountry skiing. My husband was already doing tours and encouraged me to try it.

2. What inspired you to apply for this scholarship?

Gabriel:

I wanted to apply for this scholarship to have my voice heard and represent people who might not have the same opportunities I’ve had. One of my main inspirations was the desire to deepen my connection with natural spaces, especially in winter environments. I wanted to explore the mountains around Tahoe with my ski partners and foster a sense of community through shared experiences in these spaces.

This scholarship felt like an opportunity to build my skills as an outdoorsperson and help represent others who come from similar backgrounds. I hope that by being in this space and gaining these skills, I can inspire others to see themselves here too.

Jennah:

I saw the scholarship on Instagram, and it immediately resonated with me. One of the things holding me back from feeling comfortable in the backcountry was my lack of avalanche safety knowledge. This scholarship offered the chance to get professional guidance, which I knew would help me feel more confident in the backcountry.

3. How do you envision utilizing the skills and knowledge gained through the Alpenglow Expeditions Outdoor Representation Scholarship to contribute to the outdoor community?

Gabriel:

Learning the AIARE framework and observing how guides like Tim Mincey and Bob Newcomb conduct themselves was inspiring. Their methodical approach to risk assessment and communication has influenced how I think about organizing and executing trips, whether in skiing, rafting, or bikepacking.

This training has given me the confidence to plan trips with friends or in a professional setting, ensuring I make informed decisions and keep everyone safe. The skills I’ve gained extend beyond skiing and apply to all outdoor pursuits.

Jennah:

I want to refresh my knowledge around avalanche safety and rescue before the next season. Practicing rescues and going on more backcountry tours around Salt Lake City are top priorities. My goal is to develop solid plans for every trip and ensure the safety of my partners.

4. What do you believe are the most pressing issues regarding representation and diversity within the outdoor community?

Gabriel:

The barriers to entry, especially socioeconomic ones, are significant. Coming from a Hispanic background, outdoor recreation wasn’t a part of my childhood because our resources were focused on survival and education. Moving to a predominantly white town like South Lake Tahoe, I’ve seen the privilege that allows some families to access outdoor sports generationally.

It’s not just about race; it’s about resources. Families who’ve recently immigrated often don’t have the multigenerational wealth to support recreational pursuits. I was lucky to find this space as an adult by being a ski bum, but without that, I would’ve been priced out.

Jennah:

Accessibility, exposure, and cost are the biggest challenges. Growing up, I didn’t have anyone around me who was involved in mountain sports. If I had, I might have started climbing or skiing much earlier.

The cost of gear, apparel, and passes makes outdoor recreation inaccessible for many underserved communities. To make the industry more inclusive, we need initiatives that help people try these activities. Sometimes, all it takes is someone willing to introduce them to the outdoors.

5. What do you hope to accomplish long term through your involvement in the outdoor industry?

Gabriel:

I want to gain enough experience to become comfortable and confident in natural spaces, whether on small trips or big expeditions. My goal is to grow my interpersonal and risk assessment skills and eventually share the outdoors with people from diverse backgrounds.

In 10 years, I hope to have further education, training, and experiences that allow me to mentor others. I want to help people find a connection to nature, just as I have, and show them the mental and emotional benefits of being present in these spaces.

Jennah:

I’d love to mentor younger girls and help them experience the outdoors. Programs like Explore Austin, which provides mentorship and outdoor experiences for kids, inspire me.

There are resources out there; it’s just about building connections. I hope to work with resorts and organizations to provide underserved communities with opportunities to try skiing or climbing. My long-term goal is to make the outdoors more inclusive and accessible.

Interested to apply or refer a friend? Click HERE to access our application form!