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Name: Ali Gingras aka "Ali Gee"
Birthdate: June 5th, 1990
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My sense of adventure was originally fueled by our family road trips growing up. By the time I left my parents house in Wisconsin in 2009 I had seen more of the U.S. than a lot of people will in their lifetime. When I was 17 I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a chronic illness of the central nervous system, and was told I would be sick and in pain the rest of my life. It gave me a perspective on life that I might not have ever had, but it definitely didn't stop me.
There's not a doubt in my mind that I would still be an adrenaline junkie. What can I say? If I'm not somewhere between exhilarated and terrified I'm bored to death. But what my diagnosis did give me is compassion, humility, and respect for life. I could stare at the same mountain range for the next 60 years and still die because I saw a sunrise so beautiful it took my breath away.
There's not a doubt in my mind that I would still be an adrenaline junkie. What can I say? If I'm not somewhere between exhilarated and terrified I'm bored to death. But what my diagnosis did give me is compassion, humility, and respect for life. I could stare at the same mountain range for the next 60 years and still die because I saw a sunrise so beautiful it took my breath away.
My favorite activities include everything from climbing mountains, to fishing, to taking pictures, but the two activities I am most passionate about are dirtbiking and skiing. I have been obsessively fascinated with dirtbikes most of my life, it's something I can't really explain. Being able to travel with speed and ease to remote destinations is maybe what's most appealing. I was a snowboarder in Wisconsin, and I didn't truly discover skiing until I moved here. There's nothing quite like traveling at highway speeds down a mountain in complete control. It's remarkable how two pieces of fiberglass can turn an average person into a superhero.
I'm now carrying close to a 4.0gpa in my 3rd year at CMC for my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I have now completed my Avalanche Safety Level II Certification and enjoy learning everything and anything about the backcountry in the summer and winter. I'm a student member of the Summit Chamber of Commerce and have plans to one day own my own business. I also have future plans to travel the world. I love sharing my adventures, and I am thankful this blog is capturing a small, yet pivotal moment in my life. The ability to exercise my mind, body, and spirit all in one day, everyday, has allowed me to take control of my illness. I'm happy, I'm healthy, I'm thriving, and I owe every bit of that to my supportive parents and CMC. Without them, I have no idea where I would be.
I'm now carrying close to a 4.0gpa in my 3rd year at CMC for my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. I have now completed my Avalanche Safety Level II Certification and enjoy learning everything and anything about the backcountry in the summer and winter. I'm a student member of the Summit Chamber of Commerce and have plans to one day own my own business. I also have future plans to travel the world. I love sharing my adventures, and I am thankful this blog is capturing a small, yet pivotal moment in my life. The ability to exercise my mind, body, and spirit all in one day, everyday, has allowed me to take control of my illness. I'm happy, I'm healthy, I'm thriving, and I owe every bit of that to my supportive parents and CMC. Without them, I have no idea where I would be.
"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'WOW, what a ride!'" --Unknown
