Backpacking 101: How to Find Your Bearings in the Wild

Named after the Father of the National Parks, The John Muir Trail holds a special place in every West Coast hiker’s heart. But what lies beyond the iconic footpath? The journey from Yosemite Valley to Mt. Whitney is packed with spectacular sights to see and things to do. But, if you only focus on following the trail, you’ll miss out on gorgeous unmapped trails, secret campsites, swims in alpine lakes, 12,000-foot peaks, and some of the most spectacular panoramas in the Sierra Nevada. This FREE WEBINAR, led by backpacking pioneer Christopher Casado, will be your gateway to this untouched paradise. Chris has spent years uncovering the hidden gems of this region. He’s stoked to share his years of exploration, revealing these handcrafted routes for the truly adventurous. Forget following the masses – this is your chance to be a trailblazer. The next great American backpacking adventure awaits!

Yosemite National Park is a hiker’s paradise. Spanning over 1,200 miles of California’s Sierra Nevada, the park is a granite wonderland sculpted by glaciers, teeming with cascading waterfalls, ancient sequoia groves, and legendary landmarks like Half Dome & El Cap. Yosemite boasts an incredible variety of hiking trails for all skill levels. But with towering falls, epic panoramas, and historical highlights behind every bend, how do you make the most of your hike? If you want to learn how to maximize your time in Yosemite, tune in to our FREE WEBINAR hosted by Scott Gehrman, a seasoned local guide with almost 30 years of experience! Scott will teach you about Yosemite’s history, from the Ahwahnechee people who first called it home to iconic figures like John Muir, but he’ll also share essential info for your own adventure. Learn about the best trails and must-see hidden gems, and pick up insider tips for a Yosemite experience you’ll never forget!

Been itching to break free from the ordinary and finally set out into the world? While traveling may seem a bit daunting, especially solo, the rewards are immense. It’s not just about discovering unknown places—it’s also about your own discovery, about finding out what you’re made of, and stepping out of your comfort zone! We have Pille Mitt joining us for this webinar, a yoga teacher that’s traveled around the world, and ultimately settled in Norway’s charming town of Molde. Pille is here to share her journey and why she chose Molde as her home and as the base for a hiking & yoga adventure. It boasts typical Norwegian scenery, terrific activity options, and it’s just perfect for a serene retreat. Deep fjords, rugged mountains, jaw-dropping panoramas, powerful waterfalls, and lush valleys. Views plucked straight out of a postcard and as peaceful as it gets. If you’re ready to take on a new challenge, tune in to our FREE WEBINAR to learn about the power of travel and outdoor adventures from Pille Mitt! You’ll be looking up flights in no time!

Always wanted to hike in the Mont Blanc area, but never knew where to start? From the TMB to the Haute Route, Mont Blanc is home to some of the greatest trails in Europe, topping the bucket lists of hiking enthusiasts worldwide. However, with dozens of huts, hundreds of itinerary options, and miles upon miles of overlapping trails, it’s easy to lose your footing around Western Europe’s tallest peak. Want to learn everything there is to know about hiking in the Mont Blanc area? Tune in to our FREE Q&A SESSION hosted by International Mountain Leader Emma Jack! Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned trekker, Emma’s 70+ TMB hikes and extensive knowledge of the area make her the perfect guide to answer all your burning questions. Packing, choosing treks that match your skill level, finding the right season, avoiding the crowds — Emma has a ton of inside info she’s stoked to share with you! Don’t miss this opportunity to plan your dream Alpine adventure with the guidance of a true expert.

Are you a backpacker with strong endurance and a love for adventure? Or, are you thinking of becoming one? You’ll rarely find a challenge as inspirational as this. The High Sierra to Mt. Whitney trek is a 75-mile journey across Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, which tests limits and rewards with breathtaking views, diverse ecosystems, and the non-technical summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest peak in the Lower 48. This adventure is about more than just reaching the peak — it’s about pushing your limits, elevating your hiker’s skillset, and gaining confidence in the wilderness. Want to learn more about this spectacular backpacking challenge and how you can take part? Tune in to our FREE WEBINAR. In an hour-long session, Christopher Casado, a local expert with over 25 years of experience backpacking Mt. Whitney, will tell you all you need to know before you embark on this spectacular journey. From pre-trip essentials like gear selection and fitness training to valuable knowledge about acclimatization, navigating unpredictable weather, and ensuring your food stays safe from bears, Christopher will get you prepped for the challenge of a lifetime.

They don’t call it The Land of Ice and Fire for nothing—Iceland has forever lived with volcanic and glacial activity. That’s what makes it one of the most unique and spectacular places on Earth. With its otherworldly landscapes, being in Iceland will feel like being on another planet. It’s one of the hottest destinations right now for outdoor adventurers, but with all the information online, organizing holidays there can get overwhelming. That’s why we’ll have local guides joining us for a FREE Q&A SESSION, where you’ll get to ask them anything you’ve ever wanted to know about traveling to Iceland. They’ll talk about the best time and areas to visit, what kind of accommodation, weather, and gear you can expect, as well as how to plan and prepare for your adventure in Iceland. Another thing your guides will address are minor and major eruptions which have been occurring every few years since the island was formed. They’ll talk about what life is like with these natural phenomena and why the recent eruptions have not affected air travel or any other services. And most importantly, our local guides will take away any concerns you might have about traveling to and being in Iceland. Looking to visit this marvel of a country, regardless if it’s in a couple of months or a couple of years? Make sure to tune in.

Sometimes, a hike is more than just a hike – it’s a journey of self-discovery and connection! The Women’s Mont Blanc Hiking Highlights tour was crafted by women, for women, with a focus on community, immersion, and pushing personal limits. Based out of a cozy 4-star hotel, hikers embark on daily walks along the most scenic trails in the Mont Blanc area, with visits to Mer de Glace, Rifugio Bonatti, Aiguille du Midi, and other landmark destinations. Every day is an adventure, but also an opportunity — to explore new cultures & cuisines, bond with awesome women, and forge life-long friendships. Want to learn more about this epic, empowering adventure? Tune in to our FREE WEBINAR, hosted by locally-based hiking guide Marta Gil Sopena! You’ll learn about all the best day hikes in the Chamonix-Mont-Blanc area, how to plan and prep for the adventure, the sights you’ll see and the people you’ll meet and, most importantly, how a simple hike can change a life. By the end, you’ll know why the strongest bonds are forged on the trails.

Half Dome is one of the most famous summits in the world. Described by John Muir as “the most sublime feature of all”, the mountain rises 4,800 ft above Yosemite Valley, offering stunning panoramas that have inspired countless artists, writers, and photographers. The hike to the top is not for the faint of heart, though. While the first ascent in 1875 involved drilling holes and using a rope ladder, a reliable cable system made the climb much more accessible today. However, it still requires preparation and plenty of respect for the mountain — the immense elevation gain, heavy exposure, and fickle weather could make your trek go south in a heartbeat. Want to know what it takes to safely reach the roof of Yosemite? Tune in to our FREE WEBINAR. Expert guide Jesse Dunlap will teach you everything you need to know before your Half Dome hike. From choosing the season and getting your permit to handling the heat and the elements, his tips will skyrocket your chances for a successful, and enjoyable, summit.

Hundreds of guides lead hiking trips on Mont Blanc. But when National Geographic guide Bine Žalohar does it, he does it in style. Bine’s luxury Mont Blanc hiking trip elevates the experience of hiking Western Europe’s tallest mountain to a whole different level. Based out of a luxury 5-star hotel, he takes his clients on daily trips along less-trodden trails, allowing them to experience the history, heritage, and soaring landscapes of Mont Blanc free from the crowds. Time off the trails is spent sampling Italian Gelato, savoring authentic Swiss fondue, and sipping on Alpenglow cocktails, and enjoying the hotel’s rich spa facilities. It’s an adventure that stimulates all the senses! Want to learn more about Bine’s bucket-list trip? Tune in to this FREE WEBINAR! Learn about the rich and rowdy history of Mont Blanc, how to see as much of the mountain in as little time, and how a dash of hedonism can push a great hike even further.

Matterhorn is the most recognizable mountain in the world, and climbing it is every alpine adventurer’s dream. However, if you set your sights solely on the summit, you’re likely to miss the beauty that surrounds it. The best way to experience the mythical mountain in all its glory is to hike a 360-loop around it. Apart from enjoying phenomenal views of the peak from all angles, you also get an opportunity to dive into Swiss culture, visit enchanting villages, sample rustic delicacies, and experience true alpine idyll. Want to learn what a hiking tour of the Matterhorn looks like and how to get paramount views of the perfect pyramid? Tune in to our FREE WEBINAR! In an hour-long session, expert guide and Mont Blanc local Pierrick Delattre will walk you through his guided Matterhorn trek and teach you everything you need to know before starting your own journey.