As a kid growing up in Vail, Colorado, Dr. Jon Kedrowski observed more than just beautiful scenery; he saw the adventures and challenges that the surrounding mountains held. “I was a skier first, but I would look at mountains and wonder ‘how can I climb up this mountain to ski down’,” shares Jon. “I loved to go out with friends and family, drive trailheads, hike the mountains, and climb peaks.” Jon took his passion to the next level during graduate school, seeking new places to climb whenever the opportunity arose.
With each climb, Jon gained valuable experience and developed a wide range of mountaineering skills. While working as a Climbing Ranger at Mount Rainier National Park, Jon took part in ranger patrols and added rescue techniques to his growing resume of knowledge and skills.
Each trip challenged Jon physically and mentally, but the takeaways from those experiences proved impactful in the ways he approached everyday life. “I think it makes life easier when you come back to the real world because little things that might get to you just don't bother you anymore,” he explains. “We all have one thing in life that can be daunting; it could be like dealing with a difficult child or coworker. If we choose to approach it with an open mind and change the thought process to realize you can enjoy seeing a problem solved, I think we'd all are better off.”
Jon wanted to introduce others to the concept of working to overcome challenges and the sense of accomplishment that brings. So, he began creating all-inclusive high-end mountaineering and wellness adventure trips. Through Dr. Jon's Adventures, he offers several recurring excursions, including trips to Mt. Everest in Nepal, Mt. Aconcagua in Argentina, and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Jon also specializes in customized excursions for groups that can be tailored to the group’s preferences and abilities.
Although Jon enjoys leading excursions all over the world, one location is a particular favorite. “I love bringing people to Nepal because we take them to the Everest base camp and they get to see Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. It's hard just to hike to the base camp, and then when you get there, you realize that the climbers have to stay there for a month and try to climb this mountain that's 12,000 feet higher than the base camp,” says Jon. “There is an excitement and nervousness at base camp. It’s a challenge because of the 50% oxygen in the atmosphere, so it's hard to breathe. And yet, the clients who spend the night there are so excited to be there and watch what was going on.”
In preparation for trips, Jon provides coaching to ensure that clients enjoy the experience, even when it is challenging. He also uses that preparation and client experiences to illustrate his philosophy in approaching life. “Sometimes you have to accept and embrace being uncomfortable on some level in order to push forward and achieve. That’s the epitome of what I call an Everest-ready mindset,” he explains. “The Everest-ready mindset means that you live a lifestyle that lends itself to, for example, being able to just get off the couch at any given time and go to Everest and climb it, no problem. Having that lifestyle allows me to be Everest-ready for the moment.”
Jon explains how that translates to other areas of life outside of physical readiness. “If you're working in a job or career that is tough, but you choose to embrace some of the hard things that come up in that career or in that space, you can end up loving them,” he says. “You take challenges in life, and you make them fun versus dreading them.”
Through the years, Jon’s approach to adventures has continued to grow and evolve. “When I was younger, my attitude was ‘I'm going to go out and climb this mountain or that mountain - Look at me, how great I am,’” he says. “That has changed to being a teacher and coach with humility versus bravado. I want to inspire my clients by helping them realize that we're doing this to challenge and push ourselves, but we're not conquering anything; we're living in the moment, doing our best, and hopefully reaching the summit if the mountain lets us.”
In addition to leading excursions, Jon is an author and motivational speaker who enjoys leading groups through shared experiences, which helps them better relate with the concepts he presents. For more information and to connect with Jon, visit jonkedrowski.com plus follow @drjonkedski and @drjonsadventures on social media.