CAROLYN HIGHLAND

Photo: Joe Connolly @chugachpeaksphotography

I’ve been writing in a journal since I was seven, and skiing since I was eight.

Writing things down to process my experience of the world, and to connect with others has always felt natural and necessary. In addition to keeping a journal for 26 years, I got a Bachelor’s in creative nonfiction writing from Northwestern University, and have been publishing essays since 2013.

Growing up in Maine, I competed as a nordic and alpine ski racer, but it wasn’t until after college that I realized I could combine my love of going uphill and downhill into one sport. Backcountry skiing is the thing on this planet that makes me feel the most like myself.

Skiing, writing, and teaching all allow me to be creative in different ways–choosing how to safely and enjoyably travel across snowy terrain; describing experiences in vivid, inventive language that resonates; and finding ways to engage my students in challenging, memorable ways.

I’ve spent my adult life skiing, writing, teaching, and leading trips in Colorado, Tahoe, and now Alaska. It’s such a privilege to get to explore the mountains and I’m honored to do it as a FOW!