It all started on an Alaskan glacier, where U.C. Santa Cruz students Eric Reynolds and Dave Huntley bonded over a love of climbing and a shared outsider mentality. Named after Marmots, the screeching ground squirrels found gallivanting the high alpines of the West, the Marmot Outdoor Club was born. This “club” was a loose and welcoming collective for oddball mountain misfits that didn’t quite fit in any one box, but shared a love of the outdoors. Joining was simple: Bag a peak with a fellow member, and you’re in–for life. No invitation required, anyone was welcome.
