Meet Stef

Hi, I’m Stef


I have been working at Alpenglow for the past four years, and my role here is continuously evolving. Currently, you’ll experience my hand through our books, community events and website! I am invigorated by being outdoors with our community and learning new things. You’ll often see me chasing the Alpenglow crew on adventures, laughing after falling in an attempt at learning something new, and saying, “Can you believe we live here?!” My newest adventure, and biggest joy, is being a mom and teaching my daughter all that has been passed on to me — and, maybe more aptly, learning from her. 

My Story:


I grew up in Laguna Beach, where both the importance of family and the significance of connecting with the environment were ingrained in me at an early age. I spent my free days at the beach and in the ocean feeling the presence and peace of mind that comes with being immersed in Mother Nature. Combine that with my parents’ passion for adventuring, which led us on many family trips to Tahoe — we were lucky to have the best of both worlds, and opportunities to explore and play in the mountains. I followed my older siblings around attempting to prove I could hang with the big kids, which meant quickly figuring out how to push myself outdoors.


I went on to play college soccer on the East Coast at Tufts University, where I majored in Sociology. During my time in Boston, I worked at the Boston Public Market, and enjoyed exploring the historic city. It was an experience I cherish, but one that also solidified which coast I wanted to live on. I made my way back to LA to work at a start-up and begin my career. Unfortunately, I still wasn’t quite satisfied. Three years of trying to make LA work helped me to understand what I was missing — presence of community and the opportunity to contribute to a collective group, accessible adventure, and being somewhere I could breathe.


Enter Tahoe. I packed up my car and road tripped up the coast, camping along the way, until I made it to the mountains. In just arriving, I felt more myself. I was able to get my foot in the door with part time work at Alpenglow, while supplementing it with much other part time work. I was biding my time until I could make it a full time job. This was a family and I felt so grateful to have landed somewhere that embodied everything I was searching for. When Brendan, Jeff, and Tracy took me climbing for the first time, and Jeff started giving me rap directions mainly before, but also quite a bit after I was over the ledge, I knew that I wouldn’t be leaving this place. 

“Can you believe we live here?!”

- Stef Pyatt

My Top Three:

Hoka Mafate Speed 4 Running Shoes


In my opinion, this trail runner offers the perfect blend of cushion and sensitivity. The lightweight foam provides both protection and responsiveness, as it is distributed evenly throughout the midsole. This culminates in a shoe that is less rockered, while still responsive, and allows you to feel the trail underfoot. Combine that with a Vibram sole and you have got a shoe that meets your needs on any given terrain. This has been the trail running shoe for me for 4+ years and I don’t see it changing anytime soon. 


Camelbak Ultra Belt 17oz


The running belt has my heart. It is minimalist, versatile, comfortable, snug fitting, and - big plus - doesn’t rub or irritate your skin. Before trying out this piece of gear, I was concerned that it would “bounce” when it was filled with everything I wanted to bring on 10+ mile run — water, snacks, car keys, chapstick, dog essentials, and maybe a light layer. That is not at all the case. The snug fit and even distribution of storage keeps things stable while on the move. This belt has the added benefit of a zippered pocket for anything that you don’t want to lose. 

BeFree Water Filtration System .6L


As someone who always airs on the side of “carry extra just in case water”, this product gives me access to water without having to carry extra liters. It is lightweight and rolls up to fit anywhere you need it to. It can act as a water vessel itself or you can use it to filter into other bottles as needed, and it filters fast. You can use it for just about any activity — running, hiking, or backpacking, paddle boarding, etc.

Three more picks!

Grid 1.0 Foam Roller


This simple tool is one of the most accessible and effective forms of self care either pre or post exercise. Whether you use it to warm up, cool down, or as injury recovery it’s a perfect way to give back to your body and ensure that you will be able to play outside for as long as possible. This pattern of foam on the roller is designed to mimic a sports massage, and it achieves that goal. It’s hollow design makes it very lightweight, and easy to grab and bring along wherever you might need it! 

Julbo Aerolite Glasses


I didn’t know how confidence inspiring these glasses would be until my first use.The Reactiv lenses adjust to the light available meaning they transition from almost clear in shaded areas, to dark in sunny, bright areas. This benefits anyone on the move as you don’t have to constantly take your glasses on and off or guess at the terrain below. They are also lightweight with an anatomical fit, so you barely feel like you are wearing glasses at all. 

Natrapel Picaridin Tick & Insect Repellent Pump Spray 1oz


I wish I didn’t need to pick this product, but I am one of the lucky ones who attracts ALL of the mosquitoes. Which means if you are out adventuring with me, I will be your very own mosquito repellent. And, this Natrapel repellent will help me! This size fits perfectly into my running belt, and the Picaridin, while still a chemical repellent, is both effective and more gentle than the well known DEET.

All My Picks

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