I love climbing....

and I am so fortunate to be able to live my dream of participating in climbing at an Olympic Games this winter in Sochi, Russia.

I am Jen Olson from Canmore, AB, Canada. I work as an ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide and I climb rocks and ice all over the world. I have been competing in ice climbing competitions since 2007, but I first climbed at the World Cup ice climbing competitions in 2012.

I grew up in Calgary, AB and received a teaching degree from the University of Calgary, but I quickly found out that I most enjoy teaching outdoors by working for Outward Bound, and so I continued down a path of becoming an internationally certified mountain guida. I am one of 8 women in Canada who hold this certification.

I have worked extensively throughout Western Canada, but also in the European Alps and New Zealand. Being a mountain guide is rewarding, but the work is physical and mostly very seasonal. Its very difficult to sustain a steady income year round. Its also very challenging to train for competition climbing during the guiding seasons.

I have been chosen to represent Canada in the cultural event of ice climbing at the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, Russia. 

Now I just need to train and raise money so that I can represent Canada, North America, women and the sport of ice climbing on the world stage!

What I Need & What You Get

I need to purchase airfares. I would like to attend five of the world cups along with competing at the Olympics, as well as 2 North American competitions. The travel schedule looks like this:

• Bozeman, Montana                         December 13-15, 2013
• Ouray, Colorado                             January 10-12, 2014
• Busteni, Romania                           January 16-18, 2014
• Saas Fee, Switzerland                   January 24-25, 2014
• Champagny en Vanoise, France   Jan.31- Feb.1, 2014
  
• Rabenstein, Italy                             February 7-9, 2014
• Sochi, Russia                                 February 13-23, 2014
• Ufa, Russia                                     February 28, 2014   

The airfare will be a minimum of $12 000 and I am also open to receiving air points! I will pay for all my accommodation and food while travelling. Plus, I am training full-time from now until game time, so all support is greatly appreciated to help me bridge this time of not working so that I can be at my best in competition.

All of the rewards have a personal touch, either handmade or time spent with me. I gave several slideshows this year and always recieved very positive feedback from the audiences.

The Impact

I was able to fundraise and compete at three world cup competitions last season. I connect with many teens and adults who want to follow their dreams and I also help people learn how to climb all over the world. So many of these folks claim that this has changed or greatly enhanced their life!

You will help me to live my dream which in turn will help others to realize theirs!

Other Ways You Can Help

Please share this link with your friends and family -- thank you for taking the time to read and learn more about my mission to represent Canada in the sport of ice climbing.

THANK YOU to my generous clothing, footwear and gear sponsors:

MEC, La Sportiva, Petzl and Blurr: