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Basecamp Podcast Conversation with Alpinist Editor Katie Ives

Katie Ives is the editor-in-chief of Alpinist magazine, one of the world’s leading alpine climbing publications. In this Basecamp Podcast that was recorded at the 40th anniversary of the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, she catches up with Gripped editor and Basecamp host Brandon Pullan. Having worked together for the past five years, the two had lots to chat about, including the state of climbing media and literature, and working through the bankruptcy and relaunch of Alpinist magazine.

Bruce Kirkby, Katie Ives, Steve Swenson, Barry Blanchard and Bernadette McDonald. Photo Pat Morrow
Bruce Kirkby, Katie Ives, Steve Swenson, Barry Blanchard and Bernadette McDonald. Photo Pat Morrow

“Climbing and mountain literature have been the two passions of my life,” Ives said after taking over as editor of Alpinist in 2012. “Ever since I first joined Alpinist, I’ve felt a sense of vocation in trying to capture the rich diversity of stories and voices that represent our community. I’ve enjoyed the challenge of striving to meet our readers’ increasingly high standards, and I’m committed to preserving Alpinist as a reflection of the essence of climbing’s most profound and genuine experiences.”

Before graduating from Harvard University with a BA in Literature, Ives worked as a librarian for the mountaineering club. She then served in the Peace Corps in Mongolia and then completed an MFA at the Iowa Writer’s Workshop. She went on to study at the Banff Mountain Writing Program. In 2013, she was on a discussion panel for Encounters With the Extreme at the Banff Mountain Book Fest with Bruce Kirkby, Steve Swenson, Barry Blanchard and MC Bernadette McDonald. In 2015, she was part of the Alpinist Writing Seminar with a number of leading female climbers, for more see here.

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