Think Like An Explorer

Leading teams in unpredictable times
Cathy’s most popular presentation

Climber • Speaker • Author

The first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest from both sides

Just For The Love Of It kindle edition

Think Like An Explorer

Leading teams in unpredictable times
Cathy’s most popular presentation

Climber • Speaker
Author

The first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest from both sides

Climber • Speaker
Author

The first woman in the world to climb Mount Everest from both sides

Think Like An Explorer

Leading teams in unpredictable times
Cathy’s most popular presentation

What is coming up for 2025?

Being close to home in the Pyrenees means ski touring. Looking forward, I have a trip  to New Zealand south island, a wonderful adventure mix of sea kayaking, caving and canyoning. Spring will bring ski touring in the Alps, sea kayaking in Turkey and canyoning in the Balkans. Towards the end of the year I have a private trip down the Grand Canyon.

There is still plenty of space on the calendar for the serendipitous adventure, planned at short notice. And to accept speaking engagements, virtual and in-person. My first talk of 2025 – a new country to add to the 47 where I have already given paid speeches. Heading to Mauritius!

– Cathy

Cathy O'Dowd presenting a Webinar

Exploring the canyons of the world!

I’m just back from a brilliant trip to Utah, exploring the canyons of Zion National Park, Escalante and Capitol Reef. Definitely a place to go back to!

Now I’m busy with the final planning for two weeks canyoning in Ticino in Switzerland, the most famous concentration of canyons in Europe. From there I will be heading north with my car and my sea kayak, for a week paddling along the west coast of Sweden, followed by several weeks exploring the fjords of southern Norway.

– Cathy

Just For The Love Of It kindle edition

Latest Post

Ski Mountaineering in Kyrgyzstan

From 16 March to 6 April 2022 I joined two friends in exploring the Terskey Ala-Too, a mountain range in the Tian Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan. It stretches south and southeast of Lake Issyk-Kul, with the highest peak being Pic Karakol (5,216 m). What we found was very different from what we had planned. And included some of the riskiest avalanche terrain I have ever skied! But it also included some breathtaking powder descents. [...]

Recent & Upcoming Media

  • Deadly Everest obsession, by Sean Smith
  • Catie Friend - Chatting to a Friend podcast
  • Making Conversations Count, with Wendy Harris

Latest Post

Recent & Upcoming Media

  • Deadly Everest obsession, by Sean Smith
  • Catie Friend - Chatting to a Friend podcast
  • Making Conversations Count, with Wendy Harris