Higher Love

Kit DesLauriers is a world-class athlete—sponsored by the outdoor-apparel company The North Face, as well as Dynastar, Smith Sport Optics, Dynafit, and others—but also wife, mother, and woman on a mission to serve the planet by raising awareness of climate change and working to preserve and protect the wild habitats that still exist. In her self-appointed role of “planetary park ranger,” she's an ambassador for 1% for the Planet, member of Protect Our Winters Riders Alliance, and board member for the American Alpine Club and Keep Yellowstone Nuclear Free. Trained as a Wilderness First Responder and holding a Level Three Avalanche Certification, Kit approaches the mountain environment with great respect. If an observer thinks she is an "adrenaline junkie," Kit explains, "it's actually a lot more about risk management because I just love being out there." In 2014, Kit made her third expedition to the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. While climbing and skiing the two highest mountains in the remote Brooks Range, she collected scientific GPS data and measurements that were used to answer the geographic question, "What is the highest mountain in the US arctic?" For this recent merging of adventure and science, as well as for her ongoing career achievements, Kit was been named one of National Geographic's 2015 Adventurers of the Year. She lives in Teton Village, WY, with her husband Rob and their two young daughters.