We had the good fortune of connecting with Eli Ellis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eli, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Adventuring in the mountains is all about risk management. I’m always riding the line of pushing myself hard, but not so hard that I can’t get out of a dangerous situation. I like to air on the side of caution since I want to be highlining, climbing and snowboarding into my 70s. This means I constantly back off an objective due to weather risks, avalanche danger, questionable anchors etc. At the same time, to push my sports to the level I have you have to take some risk, I just try and make sure that these risks are manageable and I feel like I can still safely complete my objective.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
MY work is a variety of things. I perform, teach, make videos, and establish new highlines and tricks. I have always been a performer, and I love sharing my passion for highlining, so performing and teaching have always come naturally and I enjoy it immensely. As of late my main focus has been in alpine establishment. The alpine is a challenging and difficult environment, and it has taken years of training and experience to begin to feel comfortable up high. I think the key there has been skill development, and not being afraid of failure. Being successful in the mountains means listening to them, and backing down when it is appropriate.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love taking my friends into the Flatirons or Eldorado canyon for some adventurous climbing. In the winter I like to follow the snow, and have some favorite spots I take friends too. Depending on the season our time would be split between climbing in the front range, skiing in Rocky Mountain National Park, and highlining in Boulder canyon. Moe’s Bagels and Deli Zone are probably my go to breakfast joints, and I really like La Choza for lunch/dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people that I owe my success to, starting with my parents. They have always been supportive of me pushing myself in the mountains, even when it makes them uncomfortable. They have helped me with gear investments, international travel, and have come support my performances aswell. All the friends I have gotten to adventure with have also been pivotal in my journey. Highlining is a team sport, so everyone I have highlined with has been very important. Finally there is my loving girlfriend, Lauren. She supports me so much and I wouldn’t be able to do what I do without her.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gmeliellis/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-ellis-950091213/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gmeliellis/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeW37eRUEyShczDk-izG3TQ

Image Credits
Taylor VanAllen

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