Magda Blakeson
At the time situated in Longyearbyn, Svalbard, but Magda is originally from Vermont, USA. She is a skilled outdoor leader with long experience from a great variety of outdoor and nature activities. She has even spent several months at a time living on a glacier.
Even though Magda is educated with Bachelor degrees in both Kinesiology and Psychology, life in the outdoors is what intrigues her. She has a lot of High Altitude experience, and even has a Master's degree in Sport performance optimization- including physiology and effects of High Altitude. Among the places she har visited is Gokyo Ri, Renjo La pass, Everest Base camp and Island Peak in Nepal, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Quilatoa and Andes in Peru. Norway - and not least Svalbard is in many ways far away from these destinations, but still spot on for her adventures way of living life, and valuable outdoor experience both private and professional. When she is not guiding, Magda strives to do as much as she can of her favourite activities, such as skijouring, skiing in general, dogsledding, running, climbing, mountain biking, packrafting, and yes - anything uphill. Magda is also exprienced when it comes to first aid, and is educated as a NOLS First Responder. Last but not least she is trained as a kayak instructor, certified trough The Norwegian Canoe Association (NPF).
Where did you grow up?
Vermont, USA.
Where do you call home at the moment?
Longyearbyn, Svalbard.
Activities
Skijouring, skiing, dogsledding, running, climbing, mountain biking, packraft, anything uphill.
When did you join the Norrøna family?
2022
Which Norrøna product is your favorite at the moment?
The Trollveggen down800 Hood jacket - warm, puffy, cozy
What do you always bring in your backpack?
Swedish chocolate!
What do you do in your daily life to reduce your CO2 footprint?
Bike and run as much as possible for errands (helps to have a husky that pulls), buy second hand clothing and equipment, buy foods with minimal packaging, take the train.
What is your favorite place in the world?
Norris Glacier in Juneau, Alaska.
What kind of advice would you give a 10 year old version of yourself?
Keep launching yourself off things- it seems like most of the time you land on your feet.
What is your hobbies/what do you like spending the time on outside work and the outdoor activities?
Family & friends, ceramics and carving designs into clay tiles, volunteering and working with teenagers, soccer, photography, anything with animals.
What is your hidden talent?
Cake decoration!
If you could choose a super power, what would it be and why?
Presence - like that of a dog. Because we would live less in our heads and fully experience life just as it is.