STORIES – WHAT DOES STATE OF ELEVENATE MEAN?

WHAT'S ULLA GILOT'S STATE OF ELEVENATE?

Our friend Ulla grew up in the mountains, and at an early age, she moved from Belgium to Austria. With both her parents as certified ski instructors skiing became a part of her life from a young age.

She would often straight-line down the slopes as a child and started competing in Alpine skiing. At the age of 17, Ulla decided to pursue the Austrian ski instructor path and successfully completed the program in 2021, becoming the youngest female ever to be a state-certified ski instructor and ski guide.

As Ulla matured, she developed a profound appreciation for the beauty and power of the mountains. Now, she discovers her "State of Elevenate" when immersed in nature.

"There is a significant part of me that sees going into the mountains as a habit, given the privilege of having parents who introduced me to skiing when I could barely walk, carried me along mountain paths when my legs were too small, and demonstrated how mountains elevate us at a time when I couldn't fully comprehend it. However, every now and then, while being out there with friends, I am struck by how small and insignificant the mountains can make you feel, how grounding they are. They stop the loudness and chaos for a while. More importantly they teach you lessons that you don’t get to learn anywhere else. About yourself, your abilities to push your limits. About other people. About the undeniable force of nature, we’re surrounded by. I’m grateful for every minute I get to spend exploring. I’m looking forward to so many more adventures on skis, chasing that state of elevenate.”

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