Ambassador Profile: Courtney Wilson

An avid hiker, skier, and explorer, Belong Ambassador Courtney Wilson is always ready for an adventure. Happiest in wilderness, Courtney has built her life around her love and spirit for the great outdoors.

Name: Courtney Wilson

Facebook: Courtney WIlson

Born: Albany, NY

Started my sport: I first started skiing when I was just four years old at my small hometown ski area, Beartown. What really attracted me to skiing that young, was the community centered around the sport. I competed on the ski team for many years, which developed my skill as well as my passion for the outdoors. I didn’t realize it then, being so young, but those years were so instrumental to who I’ve become today.

Superhero: Hands down I would be Thor, or at least a female version of him. I’ve always been a fan of ancient mythologies and let's be honest, he’s pretty bad-a$$.

My favorite place in the world: My absolute favorite place in the world is Fish Creek Pond Campground. I’ve camped there every year since I was born and my family has created so many memories there. What I love the most about it is that no matter how much my life changes from year to year, Fish Creek is still the same place every time I go back. From the country store to the atmosphere of the campground; it will forever have a special place in my heart.

My perfect day: My perfect day would take place during the winter. I’d love to wake up in a cabin somewhere off the ski slopes, head out for the day in the backcountry to find the best powder turns, then retreat back next to the fire with a book in my hands. I’ve always been a simple girl, never really needing much, just a cozy cabin in the middle of the woods.

Accomplishment: I’m most proud of my experience hiking. I’ve been on over 160 hikes, summiting 107 different peaks, and it’s shaped me into who I am today. Most of these climbs have been solo, which has taught me more than I could’ve ever imagined both about myself and the wilderness. All of the hikes have been within the past four years, and in such a short period of time it has transformed my life.  

Top 5 hikes: 

• Jay Mountain (Adirondack Park

• Whiteface & Esther Mountains (Adirondack Park)

• Baxter Mountain (Adirondack Park)

• Killington Mountain (Green Mountains)
  
  
• Cadillac Mountain (Acadia National Park

What does it mean to follow my passion and find where I belong: To me, to truly follow your passions means waking up everyday and thinking about how you’re going to chase after what you love next. May people tell me that I’m so lucky to be able to adventure the way I do, but really I feel that if you want something bad enough you can make it happen. It might mean waking up at 4am in the morning to catch some turns or summit a peak before work, but if it means that much to you it wouldn’t matter. I take any chance I get to be outside, even if it means camping overnight in my backyard just to immerse myself in the outdoors. Finding where you belong is all about honing in to what makes you truly happy. I think the key word here is “truly.” Many of us get stuck in the rhythms of life that can drag our mental state down. Realizing what life means to you, pursuing your happiness daily in what you love is the key. Make your passion your paycheck and have no excuses otherwise.

You can follow Courtney on Instagram here!