by Lynn Lau
Spending three days on Kulshan with a group of like-minded BIPOC folks was a true mountaintop experience like no other. It was refreshing and different from any other mountaineering experience I have had. Thanks to Alpine Ascents, this affinity climb will stick with me for a long time.
Once we started the ascent up Kulshan, the walls came down quickly. There was no need to put on a mask. Conversations and laughter flowed freely. Everyone showed up as their most authentic selves, and as someone who often struggles with imposter syndrome, what a gift that was. It was truly a welcoming space where everyone came with curiosity and was present, ready to engage, build community, and learn.
Learning about each of the BIPOC guides’ journeys, I was in awe of all they had accomplished in such a short amount of time. It was evident that it was not easy for them to get to where they are now. They had put in a lot of work to acquire their unique experiences and skills, and yet that never held them back from sharing their knowledge with us. They were generous and open to answering any and every type of question, whether about their personal experiences or technical skills. They defied gatekeeping, and that in itself was incredibly refreshing. They created a space that made us feel like we belonged there and wanted to pave the way for us if we were interested in stepping into it. Any feelings of inferiority I had when showing up to the trip quickly dissipated.
Ten years ago, I had a personal experience that inspired me to be a mountain guide. Over the years, that idea slowly turned into a faraway dream, and I started telling myself there were too many roadblocks, that I wasn’t good enough, and that it was out of reach. I couldn’t see a clear path, and perhaps it was also the lack of role models in my life or knowing others who look like me who had pursued this path. But these three days with these amazing BIPOC guides and equally like-minded peer crushers reminded me why I was interested in pursuing this path in the first place. The guides were a powerful reminder and living example that nothing is impossible. As role models, sharing their motivation was a helpful reminder of my own “why.”
I love the mountains, and I love getting to invite others into this space. I get energized seeing others’ eyes light up when we reach a viewpoint or the top of a peak, watching exhaustion be replaced with awe, a frown turning into a smile. I love getting to coach others and see them overcome all odds to reach their finish line after a season of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears. This affinity climb has invigorated me and given me the conviction to give back in the same way these guides did for us. Since returning, I have taken active steps toward working toward this goal.
I hope that in the same way Alpine Ascents, Mary Brown, and the guides Tammy, Jorge, and Esteban created this space and so generously shared their knowledge, experience, skills, and time with us, I can do the same for others. There is room in the mountains for all of us.
