Backcountry Skier / Ski Mountaineer

Kellie Okonek

Kellie Okonek lives in Girdwood, Alaska, pretty much considers Alaska to be one one big ski area, and has a particular addiction to exploring the local Chugach and Kenai mountains. She loves watching the backcountry change throughout the winter, waiting for that perfect balance of weather, avalanche conditions, and partners to line up for amazing descents in beautiful places. Although addicted to Alaska, she is drawn to pursuing steep skiing around the globe, her quests taking her throughout Argentina and Chile and down to Antarctica. Armed with a minimalist travel philosophy, she spends summer walking, skiing, and biking through the wilderness with the use of packrafts to cross major rivers and cover long distances. To balance an overdose of play, she also manages to have a full time job as an engineer in Prudhoe Bay, Alaska.