OnwardUP Connectors

OnwardUP Connectors are a group of local heroes that inspire us by how their work nurtures a safer and more inclusive, diverse, environmentally responsible and aware outdoor community. They support our mission in creating connections that enable elevated outdoor experiences.

Welcome to our ‘Meet our Connectors’ series; a 6 month social media series dedicated to highlighting one of our OnwardUP Connectors per month! 

Name: Sarah Hueniken
Location: Canmore, AB
 
Why do you love it living where you do?
We are sooo fortunate in Canmore. We have access to amazing rock climbing in the summer- some of which I can leave from my house to walk to, and world class ice and mixed climbing all around us. We also have rivers to paddle, x-country trails to bike, nordic center and good ski hills nearby. There’s also a great community here. I feel super fortunate to have a great group of like minded men and women here that share my passions.
 
Favourite place within walking distance of your house?
I am super close to Cougar Creek so from here I can walk to a bunch of crags on Grotto Mountain. Both great rock climbing crags like Echo or Coliseum and also drytool crags like Eldo and Alcatraz!
 
Activity of choice?
Climb. Anything, any season…I love that we have variety here. A good solid ice and mixed season and some of the best temperatures in North America for summer rock climbing.
 
How did you get into Climbing?
University sparked the curiosity for climbing after a post school road trip and it was all over after that. I just kept following my path through various work opportunities – OB, NOLS and eventually the ACMG to make it a career in my life.
 
Share a Highlight from last year?
Last year I had a challenging but wonderful trip to Helmcken with Ines Papert. A dream to climb with her in a place that I really love and create our own line as best we could in the warm temps!
 
What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?
I guess my Petzl Sirocco Helmet. I don’t climb anything without this helmet- both ice and sport. I honestly feel naked in the gym without it! ha ha..its so light and comfortable I’d have to ask myself why I wouldn’t put it on?
 
How cold is too cold?
Nostril hair freezing…eyeball squeaking…frozen snotsicles…more then 7 upper layer zippers…those are usually pretty good indicators that you might be pushing it past a normal comfort zone…

A book / podcast / recommendation?

 

I wish. I suck at both. Somehow I really enjoy a lot of quiet time!

 

One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?

I learned the hard way that we don’t control everything. I mean, I always knew that, but when you really learn it the hard way…you wish other people also knew it as intimately as you do. If everyone understood how little they truly controlled, then we could better support the highs and lows for what they are – people doing their best and sometimes its got amazing outcomes and other times it doesn’t go as planned.

 

Name a non-profit in your community that is doing amazing work?

Well, I’m going to give a big shout out to the Mountain Muskox…because I know how hard this crew works, so many volunteers and volunteer hours to provide free support for those that need it after a loss or trauma in the mountains. These people have huge hearts and feel like family to me.

 
What is value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values?
OnwardUP supports not just “athletes” but ambassadors of the sport that are trying to spread the word in different ways. It is not about crushing as much as it is about supporting…supporting the greater community and that’s how our values align. I have huge gratitude for all the support OnwardUP has provided me with Petzl gear…but mostly with endless and true friendship!!
 
Any upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?
Well, I’m off to 3 ice fests this year; Ouray, Michigan and Festiglace and have applied to compete in Festiglace – fingers crossed for a healthy body and lots of psyche and spending time with other stoked ice climbers around North America.

Learn more about Sarah Hueniken

ACMG Alpine Guide
W: https://sarahhueniken.com/
E: [email protected]