The Mountaineers
Each week we bring you a personal story from one of our members. For our member profile this week we talked to...
Name Parshwa Shah
Hometown Mumbai, India
Member Since October 2024
Occupation Software
Favorite Activities Climbing, hiking, snowboarding, and photography
10 Essential Questions:
What first brought you to The Mountaineers?
I've been an avid hiker ever since I moved to Seattle in 2020. I attempted my first volcano (Mt. Baker) in 2023 with guides and after that trip, I knew I wanted to gain the technical skills to explore mountains like that safely and independently. I discovered The Mountaineers Basic Climbing course and decided to apply.
My experience in Basic was wonderful. I was so impressed by the depth of knowledge from all the instructors and volunteers, and fortunate to participate in many incredible climbs exploring the Cascades. We are so lucky to live in the Puget Sound, and The Mountaineers provides an amazing platform to connect with new friends, find climbing partners, and explore our unique geography. I hope to give back in the coming years as a volunteer and help empower more people to experience the beauty of our state.
Why do you like getting outside with us?
For me, it's the unique blend of genuine community and continuous learning. I feel completely at home with The Mountaineers; everyone is so welcoming and warm. I've been on several climbing trips this year, and I have genuinely learned something new from the climb leaders on every trip. Beyond the technical skills, it's always refreshing to connect with people and hear their stories while we're enjoying the beautiful outdoors. That creates a powerful sense of community and belonging, which in turn makes the entire learning experience richer.
What's your favorite Mountaineers memory?
Singing “Hot To Go!” by Chappell Roan at the summit of Ruth Mountain in June 2025. Everyone knew the lyrics to the song.
Who/What inspires you?
My biggest inspiration comes from the people within the local PNW climbing community, particularly the long-time volunteers at The Mountaineers. I am constantly blown away when I meet individuals who have been dedicated members for over a decade, some of whom have been climbing since the 90s. Their sustained fitness, deep wealth of skills, and commitment to the community are incredibly motivating.
What does adventure mean to you?
To me, adventure is defined by the moment of new learning or the act of pushing beyond my known comfort zone. True adventure involves that internal dialogue when you’re in the thick of it cautiously asking, "Why am I doing this again?" But the magic happens immediately afterward when the doubt is instantly replaced by, "Let's do this again!" The sense of accomplishment leaves me with a lasting smile.
I believe you can find adventure in any aspect of life. It’s anything new you choose to learn or experience: exploring a new area at work, trying an unfamiliar cuisine, or, in the mountains, tackling a new range, trying a different sport, or acquiring the skills to safely navigate hazards. Pursuing these new adventures is deeply fulfilling.
Lightning round
Sunrise or sunset? Sunset
Smile or game face? Smile
What’s your 11th essential? My camera
What's your happy place? My happy place is definitely a high-altitude, high-sugar reward: eating sugary treats atop any Cascadian summit on a clear day.
Post-adventure meal of choice? Pizza
NOMINATE YOURSELF FOR MOUNTAINEER OF THE WEEK
Mountaineers come in all shapes and sizes, varying widely in age, outdoor experience, and length of time involved in The Mountaineers. Part of what makes our community so unique is the broad diversity of our membership, and we hope these weekly features highlight who we are and why our community plays an important part in feeling belonging in the outdoors. We are always seeking self-nominations for our Mountaineer of the Week, and we invite you to share your story. Trust us, we want to hear from you!
Want to nominate a friend? Email Bayley Stejer to make a recommendation.
This article originally appeared in our 2026: Issue 2 of Mountaineer magazine. To view the original article in magazine form and read more stories from our publication, visit our magazine archive.
