Sometimes belief in ourselves comes from within. But the people around us can build us up just as much. For Caite Zeliff and Morgan McGlashon, 10 years of friendship has shown them the importance of partnership
Caite and Morgan met 10 years ago, just after Caite had moved to Jackson, WY. Morgan grew up in Jackson, and the two immediately connected. Though they grew up in different corners of the country (Caite is from New Hampshire) their paths felt similar—they had both ski raced since they were young, as well as growing up with strong single moms. They started skiing together more and more, even traveling to Hakuba, Japan, to compete in the Freeride World Qualifier event in 2016. Caite eventually moved away from the Tetons, but the two stayed close while they used their skiing to progress in different ways. For Caite that meant filming freeride skiing, and for Morgan, that meant honing her skills as a mountain guide.
Caite and Morgan celebrate another big descent in the Tordrillo Mountains. The crew got dropped into some of the best conditions they could have hoped for, with stable pow and plenty of high pressure days. Photo: Emily Sullivan
In “My Ride or Die,” Caite and Morgan head into Alaska’s Tordrillo Mountains for a 10-day snow camping trip in April, putting each of their skills to the test in terrain far bigger than the Tetons.
Caite, who has filmed in Alaska for years, was used to charging down massive lines in Alaska. But approaching them under her own power was new for her. Morgan would straddle two roles, guiding Caite, but also skiing together as friends. The trip was a culmination of 10 years of growth together, and the 17-minute film celebrates what it means to show up for each other as friends in the mountains—whether that looks like words of encouragement in a steep, rocky couloir, or painting your nails on a down day at camp.
“I think one of the reasons Morgan and I are drawn to each other is because we are both pretty full throttle women,” says Caite in the film.
Watching them rip fast turns down 3,000-foot couloirs, “full throttle” couldn’t be more accurate.
Caite (left) and Morgan (right) tour from their basecamp in the Tordrillos. On this trip, Morgan balanced the role of skiing with her best friend, while also working as a guide. Photo: Emily Sullivan
Caite doing what she does best. Ripping high speed turns in big terrain. Photo: Emily Sullivan
For a deeper dive on Caite Zeliff’s history and approach to the mountains, read her feature profile, Caite Zeliff’s Superpower, in TSKJ 19.2, written by Emily Sullivan.