Caroline Gleich Announced As Keynote Speaker for 2025 Annual Wilderness Risk Management Conference
The 32nd Annual Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC), presented by the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Outward Bound USA, and the Student Conservation Association (SCA), has announced that professional ski mountaineer, endurance athlete, and environmental activist, Caroline Gleich will be the keynote speaker at the annual event, being held September 30-October 2, 2025, in Portland, Maine. The renowned conference brings outdoor professionals, educators, guides, and risk managers together to address challenges, share current practices, and enhance safety and risk management in wilderness settings.
The core objective of the Wilderness Risk Management Conference (WRMC) is to offer an outstanding educational experience to help industry professionals and the community mitigate the risks inherent in exploring, working, teaching, and recreating in wild places. The WRMC, held annually and now in its 32nd year, is held in collaboration with NOLS, Outward Bound USA, and the SCA.
Caroline is a professional ski mountaineer, endurance athlete, and environmental activist who currently resides in Park City, Utah. She’s climbed and skied some of the biggest mountains in the world, including Mt. Vinson, the highest peak in Antarctica, and Cho Oyu, the sixth highest peak in the world. In 2019, she successfully summited Everest/Chomolungma, six weeks after fully tearing her ACL. She was the first woman to ski all 90 lines in “The Chuting Gallery,” a steep skiing guidebook to her home mountain range, the Wasatch. Caroline has testified to the House and Senate about how climate change is impacting mountain environments and works with a variety of local and national nonprofit organizations to advocate for clean air and climate action. Caroline continues to merge sport and activism to inspire people to get outside, live a healthy, active lifestyle, and protect the places we love to play. https://carolinegleich.com/
As the keynote speaker, Gleich will explore the lessons learned from tackling the world’s highest peaks and how they apply to leadership, risk management, and resilience. In the keynote address, titled “High Altitude Leadership: Stories from the Summits,” she will share experiences such as managing life-threatening high-altitude pulmonary edema on Cho Oyu and tearing her ACL weeks before her Everest ascent. These experiences underscore the importance of assessing risks, striking a balance between ambition and safety, and knowing when to adjust strategies. Gleich connects these insights to her run for U.S. Senate in Utah, demonstrating how perseverance, preparation, and purpose are essential in overcoming challenges.
“Caroline’s keynote comes at a critical time,” stated Stuart Slay, WRMC Steering Committee Chair. “The current social and political climate is directly affecting key aspects of outdoor and wilderness programming, including land management, conservation programs, inclusion efforts, and weather forecasting. We are thrilled to have Caroline join this year’s WRMC to share her timely perspective, informed by her experience as an athlete, activist, and political leader.”
In addition to Gleich’s keynote address, the WMRC will feature various workshops, presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. Attendees will have the chance to learn from industry experts, participate in interactive sessions, and gain valuable insights into risk management strategies.
Registration is open for this year’s WRMC and is open to the public.
WRMC INFORMATION | HERE
WRMC REGISTRATION | HERE
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