Emily Tidwell is a Skier, Adventurer, Photographer, based in Reno, Nevada. Growing up in Southern Minnesota, Emily found her love for skiing on 400 ft vert. Moving to Northern Minnesota and joining the ski team only fueled her love for skiing. Her first powder day was at Jackson Hole ( Minnesota doesn’t exactly get “powder days” and she never looked back. That passion eventually landed her on the west coast, floating around in search of the best terrain, best snow, and the most fun she could find. As a teenager, Emily dreamed of becoming a Ski Photographer. Now, Emily travels the world in pursuit of her dream. She has been published internationally and worked with major brands. 

Where do you live and what’s your day job? I live in Reno, Nevada and I am an action sports photographer, filmmaker, and co-owner of the production company 218. I am also the Captain of the Creative Alliance at Protect Our Winters.

What are three words your best friends would use to describe you? Creative, Curious, Hard-loving, 

What are 3 passions you have outside of work? Homemade Meals, Long Drives, Learning (I’m a lifelong learner)

Doughnuts or Bagels? Ummmmm, so I’m kinda a glutton if I actually eat breakfast, so better make it a bakers dozen of doughnuts. Maple glazed and plain cake, please.

Something not many people know or would expect about you? I raised and tagged Monarch butterflies when I was a little girl! 

Biggest “send it” moment—on the mountain or in life? Going freelance is still the biggest “send it” moment I’ve ever done. I had maybe a grand in my bank account, no way to pay next month’s rent, and no clue how to actually network myself and get paid. It’s been the biggest and best challenge of my life and I’ve loved it!

Who’s someone that has inspired you to get after it in the mountains? There’s a photo I saw of Christian Pondella’s in a Powder Magazine photo gallery when I was a teenager. He was hanging by an ice axe in a couloir, looking down at the skiers picking their way up to him. I remembered thinking “he’s got his camera in one hand, and his life tethered to a pick in the other. THAT IS INSANE. I wanna do that.

I have definitely not done that, nor am I sure I will at this point in my career but it sticks out in my mind as one of those “aha” moments in my life. 

What’s one piece of gear you swear by? Merino base layers! There’s nothing worse than layering wrong and getting cold while you’re sweating in the backcountry. I love my Evie Raglan and Jane Leggings from Wild Rye.

What do you do when you're not skiing/riding/biking? Recently, I’ve gotten really into bouldering but when I’m not at the climbing gym, you’ll find me trail running around the foothills of Reno. 

How do you help build community in the outdoors? I find myself building community through the work I do with Protect Our Winters. 175 million Americans step out their front doors each year to experience the outdoors. These people are backcountry skiers, mountain bikers, hikers, and even those who enjoy gardening. No matter which way we recreate outside, that time matters. It connects us with nature, improves our mental health, and builds experiences we’ll never forget. At POW, each of those individuals is important in our mission to protect clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for all, and I love connecting and storytelling with these people. It’s allowed me to build an incredible and diverse community, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful. 

How do you encourage more women to step into outdoor spaces? It’s really important to show support and meet each other where we are. Mountain biking and bouldering have been two very intimidating sports that I’ve launched myself into in my 30s. The greatest support I’ve received in stepping into these worlds has been through the women who simply met me where I was. They heard my uncertainties, understood my comfort levels, and accepted me at the place I was at. They built my confidence through their understanding and have ultimately become my biggest pushers in my progression. I feel comfortable asking them questions, telling them my fears, and pushing past them. That’s how I meet others as well. If it’s skiing, or photography, or even bouldering, I’m there to meet them with a smile, say it’s gonna be okay, and take it as we go together. That's how we can really lift each other up. 

Why Wild Rye? It’s not just the product; it’s the people. It’s the way they care about their community. What they stand for, and it’s always a source of pride when I tell people I get to be a part of this badass community of strong women from all walks of life. The fact that the gear is incredible? Massive, massive bonus.

Follow Emily's Adventures @emily_tidwell_photo