Adventure Talks

Torres del Paine National Park presents the peak of Patagonian hiking, and the W and O treks showcase that to a T. Titled after the shapes they take from a bird’s eye view, there’s a good reason these trails spell out “WOW”. The more trendy of the two, the W trek was shaped by one of the greatest glaciers in the Southern hemisphere. Snaking through both steppe and summit, this non-technical trail covers all the highlights of the area, including Towers Base lookout, French Valley, and the Grey glacier. A tougher trail than its neighbor, the O Trek is the hidden gem of hardcore Patagonian hiking. Looping through granite and glacier, “O” takes adventurous travelers through both Paine Massif and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, while being crowd-free even in the high season. If you’re looking to learn more about these two treks from a certified expert, tune in to this free hour-long session. From general facts about trekking Torres del Paine and the differences between the two hikes to logistical pro tips, you’ll be all set to tackle this Patagonian paradise.

When it comes to hiking, Slovenia shoots way above its weight. Straddling the border between the Balkans and Central Europe, Slovenia is a small country with vast adventure options — focalized mostly around the Julian Alps.  Hidden among these limestone towers are hundreds of forested footpaths to walk, rustic villages to visit, deep turquoise lakes to swim in, and pale castles to explore. Packed with history and hidden from the crowds, Slovenia is a hiking spot you shouldn’t sleep on. If you want to learn more about hiking in Slovenia, get this FREE WEBINAR recording. Slovenian local Klemen Gricar is here to walk you through a hiking tour of the Julian Alps, complete with cool anecdotes, equipment advice, and pro tips for your own stroll among the summits.

Winding from Chamonix, France to Zermatt, Switzerland, the Haute Route is the greatest traverse in the world. But what does it take to do it by bike? More and more adventurers are choosing to ride the Haute Route by e-MTB — for good reason. From playful singletrack descents & scenic lakeside cruises to pine forest switchbacks & chilling alpine crossings, it’s a rollercoaster ride that lets you experience the most of the Alps in the least amount of time. But while the e-bike trivializes the tough sections of the ride, planning the trip itself is still a challenge. From managing the meals, accommodations, and itineraries to bringing the right bike, it’s easy to lose yourself in the logistics. This is why we’ve brought in an expert! Learn everything there is to know about one of the best bike tours in France in our FREE WEBINAR. The hour-long session will be hosted by Adrià Mercadé, the founder and CEO of an adventure company that specializes in bike tours in the Alps!

The Waputik Icefield of the Canadian Rockies has a legendary reputation as a paradise for ski mountaineering. This melding of glaciers along the Great Divide boasts an excellent hut system, perfect terrain for hut-to-hut traverses, and easy access to expansive ski mountaineering objectives. It’s a classic for the country, about as Canadian as maple syrup, moose and Mounties. In this one-hour session, ACMG and IFMGA Mountain Guide Tom Wolfe introduced two brilliant stars of Waputik’s snowy constellation: the Wapta Traverse and the Bow-Yoho Traverse. Both trips chart a course through demanding but dazzling terrain that offers peak bagging and powder skiing galore. But the fun doesn’t stop when the skis are off. After an unforgettable day of hunting turns on vast glaciers, there’s no better way to unwind than in the comfort of a backcountry hut, where a roasting fireside dinner and a toasty drink soothe the weary traveler. For experienced skiers who are comfortable on black diamond resort runs, hut-to-hut traverses in the Rockies are the next step on their path to serious off-piste shredding. So if you’re ready to take your skiing to the hair-raising thrills of the Waputik backcountry, check out this free webinar and hear from a professional guide with decades of experience in the heart of the Rockies.

With deep, light snow and an endless supply of out-of-bounds terrain, the Tetons are the perfect classroom for anyone looking to advance their skills. Whether you’re looking to master the fundamentals or graduate to longer days and bigger terrain, a backcountry ski camp in the Tetons is just what you need. Hosted by seasoned ski guides, these weekend workshops were made to help skiers of all skill sets reach the next level, no matter where they stand on the learning curve. Want to learn more about these ski camps? Tune in to our FREE WEBINAR. In an hour-long session, IFMGA Guide and outdoor educator Michael Wachs will explain the ins and outs of his backcountry ski camps and show how a weekend in the Tetons can lead to a lifetime of better skiing.

Often overlooked by tourists, Shikoku houses the Shimanami Kaido, Japan’s most legendary cycling path. The smallest of Japan’s major islands is a rider’s wonderland hiding in plain view. Whether you’re into scenic coastal routes or challenging mountain climbs, Shikoku offers something for every rider — with plenty of Shinto temples & traditional villages to explore, fantastic food to enjoy, and steaming onsens to share a sake in. Ready for a ride through the Land of the Rising Sun? If so, tune in to our FREE WEBINAR. In an hour-long session, seasoned tour operator Sam Barclay will show you all the must-see spots and off-the-beaten-path trails Shikoku has to offer while sharing insider tips for finding the best food, rides, and scenery.

Housing some of the best pow in the world, British Columbia’s West Coast is ripe with ski opportunities. Will you settle for a single course, or sample the whole buffet? The West Coast Ski Buffet packs a selection of the most delectable ski trips in the region into a true backcountry banquet. From secret pow stashes in Whistler-Blackcomb and touring around Squamish to Heli-accessed alpine turns in the Tantalus range, it’s the penultimate BC ski experience that’s sure to please any palate. Want to learn more about this appetizing adventure? Tune in to our FREE WEBINAR! In an hour-long session, ACMG Ski Guide Monte Johnston will tell you everything you need to know about the West Coast Ski Buffet, including where to go, what to ski, and how to make the most of your time backcountry skiing in British Columbia.

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.

Starting at the base of Mont Blanc in Chamonix and ending under the imposing peak of Matterhorn in Zermatt, the Walker’s Haute Route strings together undulating meadows and high mountain passes to form one of the world’s greatest multi-day treks. But as any hiker who has completed this Franco-Swiss journey can attest, this is not just a light jaunt through an idyllic landscape full of rushing streams and playful ibex. It takes a serious amount of dedication, endurance, and planning to reach that coveted finish line. With only a fixed starting and ending point, it is up to you to craft your own 7-to-14-day itinerary via a series of mountain huts and quaint villages scattered along the way. With numerous factors to account for and options at your disposal, this Alpine leg-burner can easily turn into a logistical headscratcher. That’s where Mountain Leader Emma Jack comes in! Having led expeditions all over the world and criss-crossed the Alps countless times, this Chamonix-based guide is here to share her vast experience and teach you all about hiking the Haute Route!

With 28 national parks, 50 wildlife sanctuaries, and 5% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica truly is a treasure trove of natural beauty. And while many choose to seek their fortune in the beachside resorts, the true wealth of the “Rich Coast” lies deep in its heart, where volcanoes and waterfalls are aplenty. From tranquil coasts to cloud forests, whitewater paddles to hangbridge hikes—discover the lush and lavish natural world of Costa Rica on a coast-to-coast hiking, biking, rafting, and kayaking adventure. In this one-hour session, you’ll learn everything you need to know about this adventure from Christopher Lapcevic, a seasoned and knowledgeable trip leader with plenty of engaging anecdotes. If you want to learn why Costa Rica is widely considered Central America’s adventure mecca, don’t miss out on this one!

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.

When you’re dealing with the tallest mountain in the world, reaching the base camp is no walk in the park. It is, however, a transformational journey through some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world. For most alpine adventurers, the mere mention of Everest is enough to evoke images of colorful bazaars, roaring rivers, rhododendron-clad forests, and sky-shattering peaks. It’s a name that carries more weight than the mountain itself. However, the Everest Base Camp Trek is more than just a stroll above the clouds—it’s a life-changing pilgrimage that converts hiking hobbyists into true trekking fanatics. As such, it requires tons of knowledge about the area, as well as physical and mental prep work. This is where we come in! Follow us on a virtual journey to learn what it takes to plan, prep for, and execute one of the greatest hikes in Nepal. You’ll be joined by an expert guide who will share invaluable insight on making it through this humbling high-alpine hike.