Kelsey Rex

ABOUT:

Kelsey's childhood and teenage years, growing up in small town Gorham, Maine were filled with fond memories of being a competitive Irish step dancer and distance runner. She attended Colorado State University as a Division 1 track and cross country student-athlete, and then served in the US Peace Corps in Malawi following graduation. Kelsey fell in love with the therapeutic aspects of climbing in early 2017, shortly after returning home from service in the US Peace Corps. She moved from Portland, Maine to North Conway, New Hampshire to pursue a life closer to the mountains, where she could climb and run every day, becoming especially fond of the beauty of winter climbing and the excitement of technical mountain running. La Sportiva products, especially La Sportiva boots, climbing shoes and trail running shoes, are an integral part of her everyday life, always found on her feet in all seasons.

Kelsey is an AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide and Certified Single Pitch Instructor, and works as a full-time rock and ice guide year-round in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. She serves as a member of the Mountain Rescue Service climbing team. When she’s not climbing or guiding, Kelsey enjoys spending time with friends, big days trail running in the White Mountains, unicycling, listening to musicals, reading and snuggling with her black cat, Taco. 

Q&A:

Who is your favorite climbing partner?

Anyone who is psyched, supportive, fun, willing to try hard and self-aware in the mountains. 

What is your go-to hype song?

Anything by Beyonce 

What was the first La Sportiva product you tried?

A pair of La Sportiva Nago climbing shoes 

Which charity/advocacy organizations do you support or belong to?

Kismet Rock Foundation, The Access Fund, Friends of the Ledges (our LCO)

What are your 5 proudest moments (athletic achievements or otherwise)?

Jun 2020 | Set the FKT for the popular Franconia Ridge Loop in the White Mountains (1:57)
Jul 2021 | Sent The Big Rip at Sundown Ledge 5.12a
Oct 2021 | Climbed The Prow on Washington Column in a day
Jan 2022 | Led all of the Black Dike 5.6 WI4-5 M3
Sep 2022 | Ran the White Mountain Hut Traverse Route (50 miles with over 15K vertical gain) in 15:30
Feb 2023 | Dropline WI5 and Out of Touch WI5
Apr 2023 | Two attempts on Mt. Huntington in Alaska via the West Face Couloir and Colton-Leach Route

What are your 3 favorite LaSpo Products?

TC Pros, Women's Nepal Cubes, Jackals

What is your Ape Index?

5'2" with a -3" ape index