How Dave Watson Navigates Relationships and Fatherhood as an Everest Mountain Guide
There are some stellar photos of the alpine facets of Dave’s life: a handful of Everest summits, two decades of ski patrol, the first ski descent of the Bottleneck Couloir on K2…
But, more than anything else, Dave is a rad dad.
After growing up in Connecticut and learning to ski at age 9, Dave found himself drawn to the mysterious call of the Himalaya. Since his scrappier start, he’s built a career in the mountains and forged deep relationships that fuel him to share extraordinary places with others.
Of course, a high-altitude life can come with high trade-offs.
We talk about...
A career in the mountains
Knowing your current work isn’t sustainable for a whole life
Going to the Himalaya for the first time with 2 months' notice
Ways that Everest tourism may change in the near future
Finding more accessible ways to get into high adventure
Western expeditions in the Himalayan culture
The perception of overcrowding on Everest
Staying in the industry after your body doesn’t want you to climb anymore
The physical demands of seasonal mountain work
Impactful relationships
Getting into mountaineering through friends
The privilege of providing a once-in-a-lifetime (for many) experience
Mountain culture with women and making intentional decisions in the backcountry
Parenthood and partnership as a mountain athlete
Talking about risk and sport with kids
When your kids want to pursue the same passions you do vs. ones you don't know much about
When your work is difficult for your loved ones and not seeing them for months at a time
Risk management
Getting caught in an avalanche on Mt. Hood and what he thought about when sliding in the avalanche
Death: it’s coming for everyone, and it’s easiest for the person going
Stacking the odds in your favor
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