vailsymposium

Michael Wirth is a professional ski mountaineer and ultra runner. Inspired by a childhood spent in the Elk Mountains of Colorado, his adventurous spirit has led to accomplishments including the fastest known time (FKT) of the Elks Traverse; climbing and skiing all fifty-two 13,000’ and seven 14,000’ peaks in the Elk Range in 61 days (documented in the forthcoming film, “52/13”); the course record for the Telluride Mountain Run and climbing and skiing 31 of the 50 Classic Ski Descents of North America in a single season.

“As an athlete, I find the most reward in stepping off the beaten path and finding lines that are rarely traveled or never have seen foot or ski prints,”  Wirth says. “Additionally, I also prioritize efficient movement in the mountains. For me, this means traveling light and quick going for technical fastest known times and linking up multiple ski descents in longer efforts. Ultimately, it all stems from a desire to be amongst the mountains day in and day out.”