Katie Keeley
Photo credits - Photo by Nelson Klein. A very talented climber and photographer. Check out his website at: www.nelsonklein.com to see more of his awesome work or follow him on Instagram: @_nelsonklein
Grew up: The Peak District
Lives: Currently back in the peaks after living abroad for a few years.
Fave colour: All the many different shades of green!
Fave mountain snack: I love making my own trail mix with some sort of nut, seed, berry, and chocolate combo.
What do you love most about working outdoors?
I love being outside and in nature as much as possible and exploring beautiful parts of the world. I enjoy being the interface between people and the environment; helping them to learn about it, to explore and respect it and to develop their own skills and self confidence at the same time.
What inspired you to work in the outdoors?
I realised that being in nature and the mountains in particular was where I was the happiest and felt the most alive. It had such a huge impact on my life and well being and I wanted to share this experience with others. After doing my ML and meeting other inspiring instructors who convinced me it was possible, I thought I would go for it!
What’s the most valuable lesson you have learnt?
How to pee in a harness on a hanging belay 😉
What's your proudest moment?
When ever I help someone to achieve their goal, however big or small that is, and seeing how happy that makes them and how surprised they are at their own ability. When you see someone realise that their world just got a whole lot bigger. That always makes me proud 😊
What's tough about your job?
The long rainy days when you have nowhere to dry out kit. Having to stay continuously energised and enthusiastic on a long expedition to keep up the moral of your team, even if you are actually feeling pretty down or tired yourself that day. It can also be quite lonely having such a transient lifestyle and working all over the world.
What advice would you give the next generation of female mountain guides?
Surround yourself with great female role models and get involved in the mountaineering community as much as you can. There is so much going on now in terms of clubs and mentors and women becoming more visible in the outdoors. I think it’s a great time for aspiring female mountain professionals to get into the industry, to push boundaries and show people what is possible!
Name a fact about yourself not many people know (that you're happy to share).
I may have a tattoo on my right bum cheek… Remnants of a misspent youth. Can’t tell you what of though 😉
about katie:
Katie is originally from the peak district and spent several years living in the Dolomites and Austria where she was first introduced to the world of mountaineering, ski touring and alpine climbing.
Since then these passions have taken her on adventurous journeys all over the world, fostered some incredible friendships and lead to her now becoming an Aspirant International Mountain Leader and Mountaineering Instructor. She currently works as an expedition leader, outdoor instructor and languages teacher.