Greg Hill’s quest to live life to the fullest
Greg Hill’s upcoming memoir, I Could Die at Any Moment, releases Tuesday, October 1!
Life's fragility is front and center in Greg Hill’s gripping memoir, I Could Die at Any Moment. This poignant and deeply personal story navigates the precarious balance between risk and reward, offering profound insights into the choices we make and the lives we lead. Greg opens up about hardcore life-altering decisions, survival as a reality he faces daily, and the gratitude he has for still being alive after experiencing everything from avalanches to world records. It's a must-read for those who dare to live life on the edge.
Click here to purchase a copy of I Could Die at Any Moment.
Here’s an intimate conversation with Greg about his journey and writing experience.
The title is quite striking. Can you explain how you chose it and what it signifies about your experiences and mindset?
Life is short and fleeting, so we need to make the most of it. The cover juxtaposes the title with the awesomeness of life.
Throughout your skiing career, you’ve faced numerous life-threatening situations. How did these experiences shape your perspective on life and death?
When you celebrate someone›s 23rd birthday, then witness the avalanche that kills them days later . . . or when you watch the light flit from someone›s eyes as they die, you realize that our time here is short. We need to make the most of it.
What role has fear played in your adventures, and how have you learned to manage or harness it?
Fear is essential in living a risky life; it is what keeps us questioning, keeps us sharp, and ideally keeps us alive. Fear keeps my head on a swivel, physically and mentally. I need to always be vigilant to adventure, and fear keeps me that way. I do not let it debilitate me. I breathe into it, understand its reasonings, and then have the answers to negate it.
How do you balance the pursuit of extreme adventure with the inherent risks involved? Has this balance changed over time?
The thrill of adventure became a drug that drove me forever, always wanting the next hit, the next thrill. A deep need for this built within me, to where I was almost always searching for the edge, tasting its sweet flavor. For a long while, I felt indestructible . . . and then I almost died in Pakistan. This was a huge awakening to where my mindset was, and to the fragility of life. Healing and coming back from that was a huge change in my life. There was a big shift in my risk tolerance. I tried to continue in the thread of where I was before the accident, but the reality is that I know and knew how close I was to dying, and I want to hang on even more. I do still take lots of risks, but they are far more calculated and balanced with input from great partners.
What lessons from your skiing adventures have translated into other areas of your life?
Learning self-confidence, and gaining belief in myself definitely came through skiing and getting good at something. Taking courses and making myself the best partner for my team allowed me and my teams to do great things. We empowered each other to learn and progress so we as a team could progress even more.
Do you think your experiences have had a lasting impact on your family and friends? How do they view your pursuit of extreme skiing?
Most of my friends are adventure friends, people that I can trust and count on for anything. We have had each other›s lives in our hands and know the weight of this responsibility. My family has grown to accept that I need and am fueled by adventure. They understand that without it, I would not be the Greg they know.
What legacy do you hope to leave in the world of skiing and adventure sports, both through your memoir and your career?
This is a tough one. I want people to spend time searching out their true selves, taking time to really understand what they want from this brief life we have. Risky adventures are not for everyone, but searching and finding your path should be everyone›s goal in life. As for skiing, I hope people get inspired to dig deep and push themselves, to search for new challenges and shred down mountain sides, while also being environmentally-conscious and caring for the world and each other.
Looking back on your career and life, how do you view the risks you’ve taken? Do you have any regrets or things you’d do differently?
I love that I chose the path less traveled, it has rewarded me in so many different ways. Obviously there is lots I would do differently, but I can truly say I make the most of my life. I accept all the decisions I’ve made in my life, and I’m happy with where I am now.