Christopher Solomon

From Newsrooms to Mountain Peaks

Christopher Solomon’s career began at the Seattle Times, where he honed his investigative skills before transitioning to freelance journalism in 2002. His early work focused on Pacific Northwest environmental issues, including a groundbreaking series on old-growth forest management that influenced state conservation policies[1][5]. This foundation in rigorous reporting laid the groundwork for his evolution into one of America’s premier outdoor and environmental storytellers.

“The mountains reveal truths we spend our flatland lives trying to forget.”

Defining Works

• "A Terror Way Beyond Falling" (Outside Magazine)

This haunting profile of extreme skier Adam Roberts explores the intersection of mental health and risk-taking culture in alpine sports. Solomon spent eight months reconstructing Roberts’ final expedition through interviews with climbing partners and forensic analysis of avalanche patterns. The piece sparked industry-wide conversations about psychological screening for professional athletes while maintaining compassionate nuance[2][9].

• "Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf Scientist?" (New York Times)

Solomon’s deep dive into wolf conservation politics exposed how scientific consensus becomes collateral damage in cultural wars. Through FOIA requests and leaked correspondence, he revealed coordinated efforts to discredit researchers studying predator ecology. The article has been cited in three congressional hearings on wildlife management[9].

• "Bike Batman" (Outside Magazine)

This quirky investigation into Seattle’s bicycle theft epidemic blended true crime pacing with urban sociology. Solomon embedded with vigilante cyclists recovering stolen bikes, using GPS trackers to map theft patterns. The story’s data-driven approach led to improved police reporting protocols in six major cities[9].

Pitching Christopher Solomon

1. Climate Change Through Localized Impacts

Solomon prioritizes stories showing climate consequences through human-scale narratives rather than abstract data. His Colorado Avalanche Information Center study analysis[2] exemplifies this approach by linking warming trends to specific backcountry safety challenges. Effective pitches might explore how shifting migration patterns affect search-and-rescue operations or profile communities adapting outdoor traditions to new climate realities.

2. Technology’s Role in Wilderness Experiences

While skeptical of gadget-centric reporting, Solomon explores how tech reshapes our nature relationships. His coverage of Mountain Hub’s crowdsourced avalanche data[2] demonstrates interest in tools enhancing safety without diminishing wilderness essence. Pitches could examine AI-powered trail maintenance systems or ethical debates around satellite emergency devices.

3. Underrepresented Voices in Conservation

Recent work highlighting Indigenous fire management practices[9] reflects Solomon’s focus on marginalized environmental stewards. Successful pitches will identify communities developing innovative conservation models outside mainstream environmentalism, particularly those blending traditional knowledge with modern science.

Awards and Recognition

Seven-time Best American Anthology Selection
Solomon’s essays have been featured in The Best American Travel Writing, Sports Writing, and Science & Nature Writing – a rare triple-category achievement highlighting his interdisciplinary range. These selections place him among contemporaries like John McPhee and Cheryl Strayed[1][5].

2019 Alicia Patterson Foundation Fellowship
This prestigious grant supported his investigation into climate change impacts on North American alpine ecosystems, resulting in a five-part series that redefined high-elevation conservation priorities[5]. The fellowship is awarded to fewer than 10 journalists annually.