Introducing Salomon Ambassador: Danielle Lister

Dani was born and raised in a remote northern part of Canada called the Yukon, and she continues to call this remarkable place home today. She is driven to explore the north off the beaten path through backcountry skiing, paddling rivers, and hiking mountains. Whether it's winter camping in -30 degree temperatures or spending the weekend living amongst the glaciers, Dani embraces the rough and rugged lifestyle the Yukon provides. These adventures bring her to wild and remote places that inspire her to document, capture, and share her unique experiences.

SALOMON: Can you give us a glimpse into who you are?

Danielle Lister: Hey! I'm Dani and I'm a lifestyle and adventure creator born and raised in the Yukon. I love doing all sorts of sports, really whatever gets me outside whether it's backcountry skiing or paddling rivers. I'm inspired to share the adventures I go on and our northern way of life.

S: Can you tell us what your experience was like growing up in the Yukon?

DL: All I'd ever known growing up was what life was like in the north which I just assumed was "normal". Now I can look back at and realize things really weren't normal at all. In the winters I was used to having just a couple hours of light at its darkest and in the summer I was used to it always being light out. Everyone's cars have plugins, not because they're electric but because we literally have little heaters in them to keep them warm so that they'll start in winter. Our small town didn't have much so the outdoors was our playground. We used to build elaborate sled hills and snow forts in our backyards. There is very much a "make do" attitude where you learn to appreciate all seasons and the challenges that come with it. People are very lifestyle driven here which I think is really healthy. They value being part of a community.

S: You were born in the Yukon but then went to Toronto for school. How did your time in Toronto shape your perspective on outdoor adventures, and what ultimately led you back to your roots in the Yukon?

DL: I think living in Toronto was a very important lesson for me. For those who may not know, Toronto is the biggest city in Canada, the school I attended had over double the amount of people that live in the Yukon. Having lived in the Yukon my whole life I wanted to experience life in a city. At first it was fun but I very quickly began to feel lost there. Despite the amount of people who live there I felt incredibly lonely and also really missed the mountains. It made me realize how lucky and special it was to be from the Yukon, to be a part of a community and to have nature right at your doorstep. Eventually the pandemic happened which forced me to move back home. I haven't wanted to leave since. I still love to travel but I know that the Yukon will always be my home.

S: What aspects of Yukon's landscape and culture do you find most inspiring, and how do they influence your adventures?

DL: I'm inspired by so much when it comes to the Yukon. One of the most unique parts of our landscape is the light throughout the different seasons. In the summers we have sunsets that last hours and in the winter the sun barely gets higher than the horizon. I think that mixed with our dramatic landscapes always creates something interesting which I love capturing. Our culture and community really inspires me. Yukoners are a special breed of people, they're rugged, strong, creative, passionate and caring people. I find I meet so many people here with unique stories or that have done extraordinary things. I think to live in the north you have to be a little bit crazy so it attracts those kinds of people, which I love. We also have a very rich indigenous culture with the 14 First Nations. I was born and raised on the traditional territory of the Kwanlin Dün First Nation and the Ta'an Kwäch’än Council. Each one of them has their own unique stories, culture and art. Their values are woven into how we think and respect the land, wildlife and people here which I've been lucky to grow up immersed in.

S: Your photos of the stunning Yukon landscape and your activities in it are always captivating. What got you into photography and what made you pursue it more seriously/professionally?

DL: Growing up my dad was a hobbyist photographer which meant I was always around cameras both in front and behind them. He was really great about letting me use his gear and l would run around the house or yard learning how to take photos and getting the settings. Eventually I got my own camera gear and it's just always been a way of being creative and expressing something I'm passionate about. I grew up at a time before social media really took off so photography wasn't a career that was supported or seen as an "actual job" so I always told myself that it would stay a passion. For whatever reason I always attracted work or opportunities centered around photography. I have been doing freelance work since I was about 17. Eventually an opportunity came up to apply for the program called "Canon Futures" by Canon Canada. The night before the applications ended I quickly threw together a portfolio not expecting to get in. Sure enough I got in and this ended up being a pivotal moment for me. I finally got to meet people who were working in the industry and see that it is a real career. I told myself I would always regret never trying and just went for it, I haven't looked back since. I truly think this is what I'm meant to be doing and I'm so grateful for all the help and mentorship I've had along the way.

S: Is "getting the shot" a factor when it comes to deciding what your next adventure will be or where you'll travel to next? If so, how does it play a role? If not, explain your strategy for preparing for a trip.

DL: I'm actually not a fan of the "getting the shot" mentality because when it comes to outdoor/adventure photography it can often become very transactional which I don't think is how we should be approaching nature. For me, it's about going on an experience that inspires me and trying to capture moments and feelings that can tell the story. It's important to leave room to actually experience it. There's obviously still intention there to capture but for me it happens in a more authentic way and also leaves room to notice details that you might've overlooked if you were very set on a specific image.

S: Beyond the physical challenges, how do you believe outdoor adventures contribute to personal growth and well-being?

DL: I think it's made me mentally stronger. It takes resilience and tenacity to go out on adventures, especially in the environments I'm in. Knowing that my mind and body is capable of doing those things also makes me feel more capable in other aspects of my life. I also feel like it allows me to take a break from "normal" life and gives me space to think and reflect on things. If you've ever sat on top of a mountain it really does make your problems feel small in comparison.

S: How do you stay inspired and motivated to continue finding new adventures and experiences to share with your audience?

DL: Everytime I explore somewhere I always notice other mountains, rivers or areas I would like to go back and explore deeply. The Yukon is massive and my goal is to be able to look at a map and be able to feel like I've seen it all. I visit some of my favourite places almost every year and it doesn't get old for me because with nature everything is changing, you never know what type of conditions you'll get. It's also the people you go with that can make it feel like a totally new experience.

S: Lastly, for those planning a trip to the Yukon, what is the one place to visit and what essential item is a must-have in their bag?

DL: If you visit the Yukon I think you have to go visit Kluane National Park and Reserve, the landscape there just feels bigger than everything else in the Yukon. There's mountains, glaciers, rivers, lakes, wildlife and a really fascinating history. I feel like I've only scratched the surface of what can be explored there. If you visit you have to carry bear spray (which applies for all of the Yukon int the summer), I don't leave my house without it.

Follow @danimarielister and @salomon on Instagram for more insights