My name is Izzy Lazarus, I’ve been living and learning in Vermont for the last four years, studying parks, recreation and tourism at the University of Vermont. I have been a climbing instructor in Vermont for three years through the UVM Outing Club and Petra Cliffs Mountaineering School and Climbing Center and I am instructor at the Colorado Outward Bound School. My passion is teaching in the outdoors, whether it is environmental or adventure education. Before I came to the Green Mountains, I was a city slicker and a hockey player. College opened up a world of outdoor adventures and opportunities for me that I only thought existed for an elite class of people or on a Google image. I’ve been fortunate enough to find myself passionate and excited about life. I find inspiration in my friends and family, who do what they love. My motivation to live each day to the fullest is sparked by my desire to always be growing and learning. As my climbing dreams grow, I am drawn to the bigger mountains, where I am totally dependent on my skills and my partner. Traveling to the Pacific Northwest will allow me to explore the big terrain of the North Cascade Mountains and Squamish, BC.

UPDATE:

Well since my trip that was supported by the FRF, it’s been a whirlwind of a year. That trip to the Cascades last summer had a big impact on me. My first time in the Cascades was four or five years ago when I went to NOLS for a 30-day course in the Olmypic Mountains. I fell in love with the mountains and the forest and at the end of my course I wasn’t sure when I would return to those ancient woods.  Last year’s expedition to the North Cascades was a confirmation of my love for that ecosystem and all of the possible adventures that exist there. I love living in Colorado, but there is something about the Pacific Northwest that draws me there, it is a place where I can go and test myself and see how much I have grown since beginning my life in the outdoors. Those three weeks of exploring the remote Picket Range, alpine climbing in Washington Pass and climbing some of the biggest rock routes of my life in Squamish,BC have left a permanent mark on my identity and I think about that trip often. So much of the impact of that trip came from being with Blair and Russell. We have a dynamic unlike anything I have experienced and I trust those boys with my life. There are a few people in this world who I sincerely feel that way about.

Looking to this year, well the Cascades are calling and I must go.  I have spent the last four years dialing in technical systems on rock, ice and snow. This year in particular I really fell in love with split-boarding and see ski mountaineering as the ultimate practice of everything I have been working to learn.

Three friends and I (all splitboarders) are taking a ~3 week trip to the PNW to attempt to climb and ski Mt. Rainer, Mt. Baker, Mt. Adams and Mt.Saint Helens (possible Mt. Shuksan if we are not totally burnt out).  Our trip is being partially funded by the Colorado Outward Bound School. Jack, Brennen and I are were all interns together three years ago so it will be pretty cool to celebrate how far we have comeas moutaiineers since joining the school.

Expedition style adventures are my favorite because you get into this mode where your whole life is the objective youre seeking. You can’t be distracted by your life back home nearly as much as on day tours and you get to share the incredible highs and lows with the same few people. You’re in it. That’s the simple way to put it I guess.