On a Sunny Morning in Revelstoke, with Greg Hill

Greg Hill is a Canadian professional backcountry skier and an environmental advocate. After more than 25 years exploring mountains all over the world and seeing the effects of climate change first-hand, he decided to radically transform the way he approaches mountains. Hill sold his F-350 and snowmobile, no longer heli-guides, travels to all his mountain adventures in an electric car, and has climbed 40 mountains (and counting) without the use of fossil fuels.

As an ambassador for POW Canada (a non-profit organization that advocates for policy solutions to climate change), he’s working to inspire and educate people about how to have a positive impact on the environment.

Your most cherished childhood memory of being in nature. 
I grew up in Sutton in Québec’s Eastern Townships. Our closest neighbour was around one kilometre away, so my entire childhood was in nature. I have so many memories of moments in the woods.

The knowledge or skill you would most like to acquire.
The art of being subtle. I am usually very blatant, and if I could be more understanding and subtle, it might be better for those around me.

Your “Green Gap.”
e.g.: I compost, but I take 20-minute showers.
I aim for progress, not perfection. Although I try not to fly for my own adventures, I still think my kids should be shown some of the amazing places in this world.

Your greatest paradox.
How to adventure in nature without destroying it.

Something you think should disappear from the planet.
Plastic, but it needs to be replaced by something just as amazing, only compostable.

An issue you are concerned about in your neighbourhood, your city, or your country.
Food security. We have all become too dependant on food sources that are very far away.

A photographer or a visual artist who inspires you.
My great friend Bruno Long, or eye_b_long on Instagram.

A key ingredient for building a sustainable future.
Adaptability and the willingness to make sacrifices for the future.

What step are you working up the courage to take?
To finally truly commit to a book I am writing, though I have not written anything for it in four years.

In which little corner of the natural world are you most invested?
I live in Revelstoke, BC, and am enamoured by the community here. I would like to help this town be the best, most sustainable town possible.

What are you trying to protect?
The future for my children.

What experience in nature reminded you of your mortality?
Almost dying in a large avalanche in Pakistan. It truly brought to light the risk in adventure.