Meet Kylie Bearse // Meteorologist, FOX31 Denver
Whether she’s forecasting Colorado’s unpredictable weather (at 4:30 a.m. without any caffeine?!) or mapping out her next hiking adventure with her pup, Brewster, Kylie brings a mix of passion and precision to everything she does.
As the weekday morning meteorologist for FOX31 Denver and founder of Colorado hiking resource, Approachable Outdoors, she’s built a career on helping people navigate what’s ahead. We caught up to talk about weather highs and lows, early mornings, and the things that keep her grounded.
Tell us who you are in just a few words or sentences.
I’m the weekday morning Meteorologist with FOX31 in Denver from 4:30am-11:00am. I’m also the founder of Approachable Outdoors, a hiking resource website aimed at taking the intimidation out of getting out on the trails. I’m ‘outdoorsy-light’ with a love for hiking, skiing and then ending up on a patio at the end of the day with my pup, Brewster—a little heeler mix from a reservation in New Mexico.
Has meteorology always been on your radar (pun intended)?
It wasn’t on my radar! In college the only way to get practice on air was to be on the sports show, and sports is not my area of expertise. Instead, I decided to do “ski weather reports” since I was at University of Colorado (CU) Boulder, which landed me my first job doing weekend weather in Idaho. I ended up falling in love with Meteorology and going back to school for it a year later.
With your first show airing at 4:30am, what does your morning routine look like? Are there any rituals that help you get ‘in the zone’?
I wake up as late as I possibly can, using every spare minute for extra sleep. It’s a quick shower and glance at the forecast, then I do my hair and makeup at work. One thing that surprises everyone is that I don’t drink coffee—’ll have a green tea every now and then, but I rarely have caffeine.
Being a woman on TV with a sizable online following inevitably comes with it’s own unique challenges. What’s your advice for dealing with criticism (and beyond) from strangers? How do you block out the noise?
Early in my career, a mean comment or email would devastate me and I’d give it so much of my time, energy, and tears. After a few years in the business, my perspective changed. I started to think: who would take time out of their day to send something so negative? I realized that you’d have to be pretty unhappy with yourself to send these types of messages.
I always respond kindly, not knowing what the other person on the other end is dealing with. It doesn’t make it OK, but it’s typically more about them than it is me. Also, there’s rarely something you can say that would surprise me—I’ve had every part of my body criticized, and I’ve learned to be okay with who I am. It took a while, but it’s a much healthier way of living.
What’s one memorable story or moment from your time reporting?
I spent 11 hours on a frozen Lake Superior in -30 degree temps for my ‘network debut’ that never happened! After hiking a mile in microspikes and hauling camera gear over ice to cover the Apostle Island Ice Caves in far northern Wisconsin, all of our footage was accidentally deleted. We hiked back out and shot it again, but unfortunately at that point CBS This Morning decided not to take our live shot. Our efforts and frost bite ended up being all for nothing. At the time I was so disappointed, but now I can laugh looking back.
What does success look like to you today? How has that changed over time?
Success used to be defined by getting to a particular role or market or time slot. Now success is about what happens when I walk out of the studio. It’s making sure I have a positive impact whether by sharing weather adventures around our state, helping nonprofits with fundraising, or just connecting with people on a daily basis. One thing that hasn’t changed is making sure to nail the forecast, which can be challenging in Colorado!
Your career has taken you to several states, but you’re back in Colorado! What do you love most about Denver and the surrounding areas?
I fell in love with Colorado when I came for my tour of CU, and my love has only grown. It took eight years of moving around for news before I was able to make it back. I literally spent every trip to Denver in my 20s meeting with News Directors asking for feedback, and waiting for opportunities to open up until there was a spot for me.
I love that there are endless adventures within minutes or hours of the city. You could disappear into the mountains for a few weeks or take a quick weekend trip that feels like a true vacation. It’s hard to pick favorites, but Steamboat, Crested Butte and Ouray are always at the top of the list!
In 2020 you created Approachable Outdoors, a hiking resource website for outdoor lovers, out of your own love for hiking. What have you gained from it, and how has it evolved?
During COVID I hiked all the time, and people always inquired about where I was going, asking questions and for advice—so I started blogging about it. I never expected it to grow into the incredible community it is today. We’ve had multiple sold-out fundraisers, hosted hikes and trips, and have inspired countless people to get outside no matter their skill level. It was a tiny passion project that’s grown into something I’m incredibly proud of. Also, we have some big things coming this year that I’m really excited about…
Besides hiking, where might we find you (and Brewster) on a day off?
We love a good patio! I’ve found almost all the dog-friendly spots around Denver, so we love to bop around. Since I wake up so early for work, we’re usually out for happy hour.
What’s something you’re currently learning (or unlearning) in your career?
I’m always trying to find new ways to reach people with the weather forecast. The world of local news is always evolving, and lately I’ve been focusing on how to reach people on social media with reputable weather information.
The world feels chaotic as ever. What’s something that helps you feel grounded and brings you back to yourself?
Unsurprisingly, the outdoors! Whether it’s hiking or skiing, nothing brings me more peace than being out in nature and unplugging. I feel like a better person after some fresh air and time on a mountain or at the beach. It’s even better when I can bring Brewster along for the adventure.
What are you reading, watching, and/or listening to right now?
I’m a huge fan of audiobooks and have had a great streak of fiction lately. Gone Before Goodbye, The Heir Apparent, and Spectacular Things were a few of my last listens I loved. Since I’m on the news for six hours every day, I try to keep it light in my time off work.
What’s one thing your community might not know about you?
I have a theatre background! I grew up in community theatre and was briefly a theatre major in college. My favorite role was the Wicked Witch in the Wizard of Oz. I wasn’t anywhere near talented enough to pursue it, but now I love going to all the Broadway shows as they come through DCPA.
Learn more about Kylie: Instagram | TikTok | Approachable Outdoors
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