Mount Everest looms behind Ellen Miller, who is one of just four women in the world to have summitted the peak from both the North and South approaches.
Ellen and some Vail friends smile easily in Nepal at 18,500 feet.
Ellen with her little Sherpa friend Tashi. Tashi attends the primary school Ellen is building in the Everest region of Nepal.
Those who know her are likely to refer to Ellen Miller as the nicest person in the world. The 48-year-old has lived in Vail for 15 years. She coaches athletes of all levels, including national racing teams. She is a regular competitor herself. Rarely does a week go by that you won't catch her doing some form of race or other, be it a local mountain bike race or a marathon up a 14,000-foot peak. Her long list of achievements includes her status as the only North American woman to have summitted Mt. Everest from both the North and South approaches.
Read about her thoughts on Vail below and visit her Website here.
Q: What do you feel sets this area and community apart from any other place?
A: I love the altitude - high enough for effective, hard training, low enough
to recover - and the sheer beauty of Vail. I particularly value the
athletic community here. There are world-class athletes throughout our
town, but they are so incredibly humble, polite and gracious.
Q: What is your proudest achievement?
A: Being named "Sportswoman of Colorado 2002." There are SO many amazing female athletes in Colorado, that it was a very special and meaningful honor for me to be selected.
Q: What do you view as your role in this valley? How do you contribute to the area's character?
A: As well as enjoying welcoming visitors to our home/resort, I view my role as that of a humble community member. Goodwill ambassador? That's the magic of Vail....there are many extraordinary people here in the Valley. They don't tout their achievements, as a matter of fact, you would never really know much about them because they are so down-to-earth and friendly. My favorite thing to do is to be supportive of the younger female athletes here in the Vail Valley...and through coaching, helping them to achieve their dreams, whether it's finishing their first 5K race or climbing Mt.Everest.
Q: Do you have any rule to live by?
A: Life is too serious to take seriously, so never forget how to play!
Q: Anything you've chanted during one of your Everest ascents or on a trail
when the going gets tough?
A: Focus, focus, focus!!!
What is Plum 98? It’s a collection of 98 individuals (a nice, round number) who have etched a mark in the Vail community with positive energy and vision. Be it in the realm of art, recreation or politics, we at Plum want to recognize these local stars for their encouragement and inspiration. To meet more Plum 98ers, click here.
Video
Ellen Miller, former Colorado Sportswoman of the Year and the first North American woman to climb Mt. Everest twice, talks to Plum about life in the Valley, her work and her passion for the outdoors.
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