BRITTA BRECHEEN
Strength, Adventure, and Joy in Motion.
Meet Britta Brecheen. Some friendships are built on belay lines and shared thermoses of coffee at the base of an icy crag. Brita and I go way back to our climbing days — before motherhood, before careers shifted, before life added its twists and turns. Spending time with her again reminded me just how powerful the Alaskan spirit really is.
Britta embodies resilience. After facing serious health challenges, she’s still moving forward — still chasing fresh air, still raising her incredible son, still finding strength in the wild. Though she wasn’t born here, Alaska claimed her heart back in 2004 and never let go. Out here, she says, she doesn’t have to conform to anything — she can simply be who she is.
These days, you’ll find Britta running trails at sunrise, flipping eggs like a pro, or climbing at Hatcher Pass with her trademark mix of grit and grace. Her advice to her younger self says it all: “Let other people’s shit roll off you. You do you.”
This is Britta #IAMALASKA
What are you excited about right now?
I'm excited to be moving forward. I've had a lot of health challenges in the last few years but I've got to keep moving forward.
How does the phrase “I AM ALASKA” resonate with you?
II was not born here but I chose it as my home in 2004, not knowing it would be the perfect fit. I've tried living many other places and while they have all been great, only Alaska is home. The people, the nature, the scenery is just so unique. And I can be who I am, I don't have to conform to anything.
Describe Alaska in three words.
Big Wild Life
What’s one thing about Alaska most people don’t know until they live here?
It's really easy to get in trouble or killed here. You have to take your ambition down a notch and don't get in over your head.
What’s your favorite SWOOP product?
Anything fleece!
Which SWOOP piece would you recommend to a friend first, and why?
The fleece overalls because what Alaskan women doesn't need them?!
What’s your proudest accomplishment?
My son. He's the light of my life (and the bane of my existence, haha). I didn't even know if I could get pregnant or carry a healthy baby, and he's perfect!
When life feels overwhelming, what helps you reset?
I get outside, the fresh air is what I need.
(Spread Your Wings Fleece Overalls w/ Dropseat)
(Forget-Me-Knot Tunic + Midnight Rose Insulated Pants)
Favorite morning ritual?
A guide 8 mile run
What’s a small daily joy you can’t live without?
Coffee (decaf these days)
What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?
Let other people's shit roll off you. Don't worry about their drama, you do you.
What’s something people are often surprised to learn about you?
When I start listing my health problems (stroke, cataracts, heart surgery, cancer etc)
If you had one free day in Alaska, where would you spend it?
Climbing either at Weiner Lake or Hatcher Pass.
(Spread Your Wings Fleece Overalls w/ Dropseat)
Rapid Fire:
Surprise skill: I flip my eggs
Coffee or tea? Coffee
Favorite Alaskan season? Fall
Song on repeat? Anything by Boombox
Who inspires you? All the baddass older women who are silently killing it!
Favorite local spot you always take visitors? Flattop
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