OnwardUP Connectors
OnwardUP Connectors are a group of local heroes that inspire us! They support our mission in creating connections that enable elevated outdoor experiences.
Welcome to our ‘Meet our Connectors’ series; a multi-week social media series dedicated to highlighting one of our OnwardUP Connectors every few weeks!
Name: Eric Carter
Location: Squamish, BC
Why do you love it living where you do?
Mountains meet ocean. We have the full spectrum here. How could it be better?
Favourite place within walking distance of your house?
The Squamish River is just out our door. It’s amazing for paddling, running, swimming and watching animals. Haru is one of the hidden gem restaurants in town, just down the block.
Activity of choice?
Skiing! I’m partial to any flavour of skiing from nordic to lift served but ski touring for steep, technical lines in good powder in wild places is my specific jam.
How did you get into skiing?
I moved from competitive ski mountaineering (aged out really) to more adventure skiing. I’ve been a competitive athlete all my life so racing on the World Cup was my dream. Seeing all the other terrain that was available to me with my skillset though was what propelled me towards other types of skiing.
I moved from competitive ski mountaineering (aged out really) to more adventure skiing. I’ve been a competitive athlete all my life so racing on the World Cup was my dream. Seeing all the other terrain that was available to me with my skillset though was what propelled me towards other types of skiing.
A Highlight from last year?
A spring expedition into the Waddington Range with Paul G, Marcus W, and Mark S to ski two massive 1800m couloirs in deep pow. It was a culmination of skill, training, and execution for me. Certainly a highlight of my career.
A spring expedition into the Waddington Range with Paul G, Marcus W, and Mark S to ski two massive 1800m couloirs in deep pow. It was a culmination of skill, training, and execution for me. Certainly a highlight of my career.
I also worked with some awesome Squamish folks to create a film alongside my Arc’teryx teammate Tom Peiffer. The film has just been released on YouTube!
What’s one piece of Petzl gear that is always in your backpack and why?
Hmm… Most common in my pack is probably the Fly Harness and RAD line for glacier travel and descents. My favourite pieces might be the Gully ice tool and Irvis Hybrid crampons because of the satisfying thunk they give. I’ve also always got my Hestra Ergo Active gloves with me while skiing!
Hmm… Most common in my pack is probably the Fly Harness and RAD line for glacier travel and descents. My favourite pieces might be the Gully ice tool and Irvis Hybrid crampons because of the satisfying thunk they give. I’ve also always got my Hestra Ergo Active gloves with me while skiing!
How cold is too cold?
Anything east of Roger’s Pass!
Book / podcast / recommendations?
I’m mostly in the Scandinavian mystery/detective thriller genre for books these days. No one specific but it’s a hell of a way to take up time in a tent, crushing through page-turners on the kindle!
I’m mostly in the Scandinavian mystery/detective thriller genre for books these days. No one specific but it’s a hell of a way to take up time in a tent, crushing through page-turners on the kindle!
One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?
Well… I’m still learning patience. It’s come slowly but still get caught up by it. Certainly one of the most useful mountain skills out there that we could ALL work on!
Well… I’m still learning patience. It’s come slowly but still get caught up by it. Certainly one of the most useful mountain skills out there that we could ALL work on!
Name a non-profit in your community that is doing amazing work/or that you’re affiliated with?
I’m certainly partial to the Squamish Access Society and SORCA for their efforts to preserve public land and build infrastructure for climbing, running, and cycling. Without these organizations, our sports wouldn’t be what they are today and we certainly wouldn’t have the incredible local resources that we do!
I’m certainly partial to the Squamish Access Society and SORCA for their efforts to preserve public land and build infrastructure for climbing, running, and cycling. Without these organizations, our sports wouldn’t be what they are today and we certainly wouldn’t have the incredible local resources that we do!
A value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values?
I think Education & Experiences certainly speaks most to my attitude in the mountains. I want to get to the raddest places and have the most interesting experiences but I also thing that sharing that with others and encouraging education is the best way to do it. In mountain sports, I don’t think anyone’s positive experiences take away from any other person’s experience. It’s not a competition with winners and losers. By sharing knowledge, we can all improve!
I think Education & Experiences certainly speaks most to my attitude in the mountains. I want to get to the raddest places and have the most interesting experiences but I also thing that sharing that with others and encouraging education is the best way to do it. In mountain sports, I don’t think anyone’s positive experiences take away from any other person’s experience. It’s not a competition with winners and losers. By sharing knowledge, we can all improve!
Upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?
Hoping to get back into the Waddington Range this spring for a big ski mountaineering expedition. We’ll see what pans out!
