Amy David

Growing up in Pinedale, Wyoming, at the base of the Wind River Mountains, and currently based in Stanley, Idaho, Amy has always been immersed in nature and has a deep love for the outdoors. She also have a lot of down jackets having lived in those two places, considering Pinedale and Stanley are two of the coldest places in the country. Amy is happiest when she's in the mountains, whether she's skiing down steep couloirs, snowmobiling through deep snow, pedaling her bike through an epic landscape, jumping into high alpine lakes, snuggled up with a cup of coffee in her sleeping bag, or watching the sunset while playing with her dog.

Her passion for the mountains started at an early age through lots of skiing and horseback pack trips with her wild-west family, who homesteaded outside the Wyoming Range. She remembers being dragged around at high speeds behind her grandpa's snowmobile on a plastic sled back then, which might explain her thrill-seeking career choices.

Professionally, she's a big mountain and backcountry skier and snowmobiler. Additionally, she's an outdoor educator, teaching avalanche safety/education, intro to backcountry skiing, and she's been a backpacking guide for over 10 years. While on year-round outdoor adventures, she enjoys documenting the people and places around her through photography, film, and writing. In 2014, she graduated from Westminster College with a degree in Psychology of Communication and a minor in Outdoor Education and Leadership. She's happy to say that she uses that education in both her personal and professional life. She also says that she spends time outside both to play and to be still.

Who do you look up to? Any personal or professional heroes?

I look up to people who make time to do what they love.

Where's your fav vacation spot?

Nicaragua is my newest favorite! I was there recently with my sister, and that place really has it all. We mountain biked through the jungle, SUP’d on the ocean, saw baby turtles journey to sea for the first time, rode horses at sunset on the beach, did yoga in a treetop canopy, and ate delicious farm to table food. Plus, all of the local people we met were so welcoming and genuine. I would go again in a heartbeat!

If you were to have one superpower what would it be and why?

I would want to be able to teleport. That way, I could chase snow storms by day, ski all the lines I want, and still be back home to feed and give my dog (Mango) some love in the evening.

Favorite adventure beverage?

Whether I'm backcountry skiing in the winter or guiding backpacking trips in the summer, I've got to have a hot cup of coffee to start my day.

What are three Chums items on your must-pack gear list?

I take my Storm Rolltop Duffle with me on lots my adventures, skiing, snowmobiling, rafting, paddle boarding—you name it. This bag keeps my stuff dry without fail. I also love the Beaded Cord retainer; it helps me hang on to my sunnies and looks good doing it. The trekker is also my go-to for shorter trail runs and hikes in the summer. It's lightweight and allows me to bring just enough to finish my run feeling good.

BONUS QUESTION: just 'cause we’re curious

Is a hotdog a sandwich?

A hotdog is a hotdog. It’s deserves its own category.

 

@amyjanedavid