Aimee Staudt | VP and director of development, Knapp Properties

Photos by Joe Crimmings
Story by Kathy A. Bolten 

Aimee Staudt had just turned 40 and wanted a challenge.

She picked mountain climbing.

“I wanted that sense of accomplishment and knowing that I’m able to do something physically that a lot of people wouldn’t even try,” said Staudt, 42, vice president and director of development at Knapp Properties, where she oversees real estate development and construction activities. 

The desire to do something challenging developed as Staudt transitioned from caring for babies and young children – she had three children within a four-year span – to parenting youngsters who didn’t need continuous attention and supervision.
Read her piece from LiftIowa here: http://bit.ly/2ZMqxEc

For several years “you’re taking care of other people and they are needing you 100% of the time,” she said. “All of your attention focuses on them, and you kind of forget about yourself.”

As Staudt’s children grew and became more self-sufficient, she said she began wondering “Where do I fit in?” The question led her to mountain climbing.

Her first climb was in 2017 when she and husband Ryan climbed Mount Elbert in Colorado. Mount Elbert has the Rocky Mountains’ highest summit at 14,400 feet above sea level and the second-highest summit in the 48 contiguous United States. (The highest is Mount Whitney in California.) 

Last summer the couple climbed Longs Peak (14,259 feet), and this month they are scaling two mountains in north-central Colorado adjacent to Loveland Pass, which has an elevation of 11,990 feet. The Staudts plan on climbing both mountains in one day.

Staudt’s first climb was “essentially was a hike,” she said. “There were parts that are pretty steep, but it’s not anything that you need to worry about falling off. … It was a good one to start with.”

Staudt and her husband start their mountain climbs early in the morning to ensure they get to the summit and back down before the sun sets. They also keep close watch for bad weather, particularly storms with lightning.   

Last summer’s hike was challenging and exhilarating, Staudt said. According to statistics from Rocky Mountain National Park, an average of 15,000 people annually attempt to climb Longs Peak, with just 47% reaching the summit.

“There are places on it where you are near vertical,” Staudt said. “That was the most challenging: You’re climbing and you’re using your whole body to climb. You’re just not walking, you’re pulling yourself up with your arms.”

Still, she said, she was thrilled when she and her husband reached the summit.

“There’s something great about standing at the top of a mountain and being the tallest thing,” she said. “You’re like, ‘There’s nothing out there that’s taller than me.’ ”

Staudt prepares for climbs by working out, including lifting weights and participating in trail races. It’s equally important to be mentally prepared for a climb, she said.  

Last year, Staudt said, her feet ached so badly she wanted to cry. She didn’t, she said, because she knew it wouldn’t improve her situation.

“You tell yourself you’re going to get through it, and when you do, you know you can get through a lot of other things.”