Adventure Talks

Have you ever wanted to leave the clamor of city life behind, venture deep into the untamed wilderness, and spend your nights under the starlit skies? If so, you absolutely have to try backpacking! Blending the thrills of trekking with the quiet calm of camping, backpacking is the most immersive way to experience the great outdoors. Far removed from the counterfeit comforts of hotels and Airbnbs, armed with nothing but bare necessities and determination, you are able to connect with nature on a deeper level and see a side of it that few people ever do. Are you ready to take a walk on the wild side? Check out our free one-hour webinar and let an expert guide teach you all about the freewheeling art of backpacking! From knowing how to pack and resupply on the trail to staying safe and Leaving No Trace, you’ll be in top shape to take your first step into the wild unknown.

Forged by fire and fantasy, New Zealand’s North Island is a hiker’s paradise ripe with rainforests to explore, caves to spelunk, and volcanoes to crest. The sheer spectacle of these South Pacific landscapes can convert anyone into an honorary Kiwi. Te Ika-a-Māui—which is Māori for the North Island—is dotted with hidden gems, both natural and cultural—from glowworm caves and prehistoric rainforests to Maori cultural centers and Lord of the Rings backdrops. Avid adventurers will delight in uncovering the less-traveled trails, while film and literature aficionados will treasure the iconic sights, including Gollum’s Pool and the ominous Mt. Doom. To learn what it takes to follow in the footsteps of the Fellowship and hike New Zealand’s North Island, check out this one-hour session hosted by Daniel and Grace. The duo is highly passionate about exploring and conserving wild places, and, with decades of guiding experience under their belt, they know all the nooks and crannies of this small, yet grand, island. From pre-hike prep and logistical tips to bucket-list locations, Daniel and Grace uncovered why the entire hiking world is “Tolkien” about the North Island!

Welcome to Patagonia—the heart and soul of outdoor adventure in Argentina. Enveloped by oceans and dominated by the Andes, this rugged region in the south of the country boasts some of the wildest landscapes in the world. Local UIMLA Guide Julián López has spent his entire life exploring and guiding in Patagonia— and now he’s here to show us the full splendor of its hiking trails. Chech out his webinar to find out all about the primeval forests, icy lagoons, and vast glaciers gathered under the striking spires of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre! If the photos aren’t enough to fuel your daydreams about experiencing the untamed wilderness of Patagonia, check out this  FREE WEBINAR and learn how to plan your own trip.

When it comes to Machu Picchu, the Lost City of the Incas, the journey matters just as much as the destination. There are numerous paths leading to this ancient citadel hidden in the clouds—so which one should you take? The coveted Inca Trail winds across the Andean Mountains through jungles and embanked ruins of the Sacred Valley before taking you through the Sun Gate. The Salkantay Trek is a rich smorgasbord of Peru’s lush environments and ecosystems, while the Lares Trek provides an inside look into the lives of locals, letting you stay in their villages, sampling the cuisine and bathing in the hot springs. And who doesn’t like a good easy option? The short and sweet Huchuy Qosqo Trek will take you to Machu Picchu in under three days of light walking. Plus, here’s a secret: if you’re really strapped for time, you can even take the train! If you want to hear about all these epic hikes from a local guide, make sure to check out our free one-hour webinar. Roland covered everything you need to know for your very own trip to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Out of all the natural features in the rugged Kingdom of Norway, none are more iconic than fjords. These outstretched arms of the seas beckon adventurers to journey inland and find the majestic walls of rock hidden within. And for the avid outdoor adventurer, this heavily indented coastline represents a world of possibilities for exploration. As you scale the plateaus and jagged cliffs overlooking the placid fjords below, you’re treated to some of the most magnificent views on Earth. Skipper and adventurer Ulrik Møller leads unique sailing expeditions along the Norwegian coast that feature such activities as hiking, kayaking, and surfing. He’s traveled up and down these fantastic landscapes many times—and now he’s here to tell us all about it! In this one-hour session, you’ll hear all about the fantastic beauty of this far-flung Nordic nation and learn how you can embark on your own soul-stirring journey in the Land of Fjords.

Skiers of the world, rejoice! After two years, Japan is finally opening its borders and the island of Hokkaido is ready to share its iconic powder with the rest of us. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to earn your turns on the mountains of Japan, and whether Japow really lives up to the hype, this is just the webinar for you. All of your burning questions and more have been answered by our two expert hosts, Rob Coppolillo and Pawel Kunachowicz, as they discussed preparations for their upcoming adventure in the northernmost province of Japan. No topic was left untouched—hot springs, cozy huts, succulent sushi, and of course, the deepest snow on Earth! For Pawel, this was his 12th season in Japan, while Rob was guiding there for the first time. Rob had a lot of questions, so check out this one-hour session to hear all about ski touring in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Few things go together as perfectly as Canada and canoeing. If you’ve ever dipped your toes into the world of paddling, you’ve heard all about the wondrous water trails of Ontario or the riotous rapids of Nahanni—and the crowds that flock to them. But IFMGA Guide and canoeing instructor Tom Wolfe finds that the very best paddling is found elsewhere, on the less-known rivers of the taiga and boreal forests of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. In this one-hour session, Tom introduces you to the best-kept secrets of Canadian wild canoeing—the Paull, Seal, Hawkrock, and Porcupine rivers. Follow him into the untamed wilderness of the Boreal Shield and find out how to reach these secluded spots for the canoeing adventure of a lifetime. If you want to know how to take on Canada’s pristine maze of shimmering lakes, channels and swift-moving waters, then grab your paddles and launch into Tom’s webinar!

Imagine shredding a mixture of soft Arctic powder and perfect spring corn on an awesome summit-to-sea run you just discovered. At the same time, a multi-course dinner is laid out for you on a 150-foot yacht under the midnight sun. It’s easy to see why guide Rob Coppolillo loves his day job. Starting from Longyearbyen, the world’s northernmost permanently inhabited settlement, Rob takes his passengers island-hopping in search of the best possible skiing. From low-angle lines and mild open bowls to long spines and 50-degree technical chutes, the options are as vast as the Arctic ocean. But the fun doesn’t stop off the slopes—between runs, they’re gliding on a luxurious schooner, enjoying delicacies prepared by a private chef, and meeting the occasional polar bear. After a two-year layover, Rob is finally back for another Svalbard tour—and the 2022 dates have sold out in a heartbeat! If you want to learn why Svalbard is one of the best-hidden secrets of European skiing, check out this FREE WEBINAR and find out from an internationally licensed mountain guide and the author of The Ski Guide Manual.

Towering above the black forests of California, the icy flanks of Mount Shasta represent one of the premier mountaineering objectives on the West Coast. Thanks to its top-notch accessibility and varied topography, this volcano in the southern Cascades is the perfect playground for emerging mountaineers looking to grow into their crampons. Sunny Stroeer, trail-blazing female mountaineer and FKT pioneer, is on a life-long mission to bring more women into the great outdoors. In this one-hour session, she introduced you to the untamed beauty of Mount Shasta, shared inspiring stories from her record-breaking climbs, and showed you awesome pics from her previous mountaineering exploits. The realm of big mountains has long been reserved for men, but Sunny is fighting to change that. With countless peak bags under her belt, she’s well-familiar with the confidence boost you get from pursuing epic projects. For her, Shasta isn’t just a summit—it’s a chance to break boundaries, make life-long bonds, and open people’s eyes to a whole new world of adventure! If you’re looking to learn about mountaineering from a genuine pioneer in the fight for outdoor equality, you’re in the right place!

Thrusting upwards from the rolling meadows and alpine lakes of Northeast Italy, the pale spires of the Dolomites rise like beckoning fingers. Across their backside flows a network of age-old hiking trails—the alta vias—giving lifeblood to this rugged land of adventure. To experience landscapes as dramatic as these, a hike just won’t cut it—a run-cation is the way to go. Blending the rush of sprinting between summits with the comfort of rustic rifugios, trail running is the king of sports in this alpine paradise. Powered by choice cuisine and proper Italian espresso, this one’s worthy of a golden laurel! Check out this FREE WEBINAR hosted by veteran runner Liz Gill and learn why a hut-to-hut trail running tour is the best way to experience the Pale Mountains in all their glory. Liz described what it’s like to run one of the most popular high routes in Italy, shared some deets about the local culture, and provideed some tips and tricks for prepping your first trail-running adventure. This webinar was set up in partnership with Gear Patrol, an award-winning print and digital lifestyle publication.

Welcome to sunny Kalymnos, a sport climbing mecca blessed with a dizzying array of world-class routes and limestone so marvelously grippy it must have been crafted by Haephestus himself! Climbers from around the world flock to this gorgeous island in search of adrenaline, making the prospect of finding crowd-free crags slimmer and slimmer every year. So how do you find the best climbs without rubbing elbows? The answer is—sailing! Combining the luxury and flexibility of a sailboat with the thrill of sending top-tier routes, a sailing and climbing tour of Kalymnos means less downtime and more sun-soaked sublimestone for everyone. In this one-hour session, skipper and avid climber Lorenzo Pernigotti gave you a peek into the most exquisite rock climbing by the sea, and showed you the best way to access it. Just imagine: one second you’re cruising the calm Mediterranean Sea with a refreshing cocktail in hand, the next you’re sending routes and problems while the sea spray cools your legs. Check out this free webinar recording to learn more about this unforgettable outdoor odyssey and find out why climbing and sailing are a match made in heaven!

With 3,500 square miles of dazzling wilderness and a bevy of geothermal wonders, Yellowstone National Park is a world-renowned symbol of the American West. But did you know that it’s also home to the largest concentration of wildlife in the lower 48? In the canyons, lakes, rivers and mountains of (mostly) Wyoming, wolves and grizzly bears scour the hills and valleys as bald eagles patrol the air. Moose trot across the wetlands, while the steppes echo with the rumble of bison herds. Of course, spotting wildlife in such a sprawling park can be a challenge.This is where a good guide comes into play! Check out this free webinar hosted by a seasoned wildlife expert Cara McGary where she talks about the ins and outs of successful wildlife watching in Yellowstone. Discover a spectacular ecosystem where 400 different animal species run, swim, slither, and soar across awesome landscapes, and see why witnessing them all in their natural habitat beats the zoo any day of the week! Learn about the park’s natural history, ecology, and the conservation efforts that take place in one of the greatest megafaunas in the world!