Chasing Adventure Across the World
- Ella Peters
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 24
Climbing the Grand Teton: A True Summer Adventure
In the summer of 2024, I took on one of the most exhilarating challenges of my life—climbing the Grand Teton via the Upper Exum Route. At the end of June, with snow still covering much of the route and the wind howling through the peaks, I set off on an unforgettable journey.
We started our ascent at 2:00 AM, headlamps cutting through the darkness as we navigated the technical terrain. The conditions were intense—snow-covered rock, freezing gusts, and long stretches of exposed climbing. After hours of pushing through, we reached the summit, greeted by breathtaking views of the Teton Range and beyond. The descent proved just as demanding, and by the time we returned home at 10:00 PM, exhaustion had fully set in. It was a wild adventure, one I would do again—though next time, I’d opt for a two-day ascent to truly soak in the experience.
Alaskan Adventures: From Powder to Grizzlies
Alaska has been a playground of extremes for me, from deep-winter ski missions to remote summer backpacking trips. In the winter, I chased powder dreams, skiing couloirs, launching off cliffs, and carving through some of the best snow I’ve ever experienced. Alaska’s backcountry is a skier’s paradise, offering endless opportunities for adrenaline-fueled descents.
But summer in Alaska brought an entirely different kind of thrill. On a remote backpacking trip, deep in the wilderness, I had a heart-pounding encounter with a grizzly bear. Miles from civilization, I came face to face with one of nature’s most powerful creatures. Every survival instinct kicked in as I carefully backed away, keeping my cool until the bear lost interest and moved on. That moment was terrifying but also a stark reminder of the wild, untamed beauty that Alaska offers.
Alpine Lakes: Beauty Earned the Hard Way
Some of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen weren’t easily accessible—they had to be earned. Hiking, climbing, and bushwhacking my way to pristine alpine lakes has been both a challenge and a reward.
The journey was never easy—scrambling up slippery rocks, pushing through thorny underbrush, crossing waterfalls and streams, all while carrying a massive backpack. But every cut, bruise, and sore muscle was worth it the moment I reached those crystal-clear waters, reflecting the jagged peaks above. The solitude and beauty of these hidden gems made every grueling step fade into the background.
Skiing Across the World
Skiing has taken me across the globe, from the heart of the Rockies to the remote mountains of New Zealand. Over 22 consecutive months, I chased winter, skiing everywhere from Colorado to Oregon, Wyoming to Alaska, Montana to California, and even across British Columbia.
Along the way, I competed in freeride competitions, ventured deep into the backcountry through glacial terrain, and tackled some of the steepest mountains I could find. One of the most surreal moments was skiing and surfing in the same day—shredding powder in the morning and catching waves by sunset.
This journey has been more than just skiing—it’s been about pushing limits, embracing adventure, and experiencing the raw beauty of mountains around the world.
From summiting the Grand Teton to skiing across continents, my adventures have shaped me in ways I never expected. The mountains continue to call, and I’ll keep answering, ready for whatever challenge comes next.
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