Adventure Talks

One thing rock climbers are always looking for are fresh areas to explore. From newly-bolted routes, undiscovered crags, and pristine walls, Central Mexico has all of that in spades. Here to tell you all about its hidden gems is Climbing Guide, Simeon Heimowitz. After spending 15 years climbing and developing routes in El Potrero Chico’s limestone paradise in the north, Simeon decided to journey southwards and explore what Central Mexico had to offer. What he found were the exhilarating multi-pitch climbs of Peña de Bernal, the tallest monolith in the world; the intricate rhyolite cracks of Cascada de la Concepción, a secluded spot shielded by a massive waterfall; and the cobbled conglomerate of Las Peñas de Dexcani, whose staggering cliffs were formed by ancient eruptions. To Simeon it was clear as day—Central Mexico is a treasure trove of world-class climbing. Mexico is teeming with North America’s next great winter climbing destinations. If you’re looking for tons of new options, pre-polish-and-crowds, Central Mexico is your ticket this Rocktober and FA-vember. Check out this one-hour session and hear from an expert guide who has developed routes all over the continent and written three guidebooks on rock climbing in Mexico. Simeon answered any questions you had after his presentation.

There’s hiking and then there’s hiking the A.T. One of America’s most iconic footpaths, the Appalachian Trail entices trekkers old and new to an adventure of a lifetime—and the challenge of leaving their footprints along its entire formidable length. At nearly 2,200 miles spanning 14 states, this is one of the longest and most demanding treks in the world. Guide Michelle Michaud has the answers. She has twice thru-hiked the A.T. and completed countless sections from the Shenandoah to Mount Greylock. Michelle knows all about the thrill and the challenges of this rugged East Coast trail with the white blazes. Completing the thru-hike is not just a question of stamina, but also of dedication, mental preparation and logistics. Check out this one-hour webinar recording and find out what it takes to complete the legendary Appalachian Trail, from planning for the months ahead to packing your supplies, training and staying safe on the trail.

Sardinia as seen from the sea is all splendor. And for climbers, the remote paradise is a siren’s call. With nearly 6,000 sport routes and 1,000 multi-pitches, skipper and climber Lorenzo Pernigotti came up with the perfect idea—combine luxury sailing along the island’s coastline with top-of-the-line climbing in one unforgettable package. This week-long sports holiday kicks off with a cruise into the sunset at the Portisco Marina, and from then on it’s day after day packed with excitement and pleasure. Under the supervision of IFMGA guides acquainted with every hidden cove and world-class crag of Sardinia’s coastline, you’ll climb some of the best granite, basalt and dolomite in Europe. Then, after a day on the rocks, it’s time to kick back and enjoy the breathtaking nature around you. Cool off with a scuba dive, enjoy a cold drink with a fishing rod in hand, or soak up some sun on a sandy beach as the gentle bob of the Mediterranean murmurs in the background. This is a trip like no other. In this one-hour webinar, Lorenzo told us about his journey in search of the best rock climbing spots by the sea. He painted a picture of Sardinia’s sublime beauty and illustrated what a week with his crew looks like from their floating base camp.

Get ready to venture to a red rock paradise of sandstone carved by the sparkling flow of the Paria River. Your host for this webinar, Sunny Stroeer, leads all-female backpacking trips through this hidden gem of the American Southwest, and in this talk, you’ll learn what it takes to successfully complete your own adventure through such a remote area as the Paria Canyon. During the one-hour session, Sunny gave us a glimpse of the canyon’s immense beauty which is overflowing with rainbow rock layers and twisting gorges. The intrepid adventuress who embraces its challenge will be rewarded with sensational camping spots, intimate encounters with Native American history, and side trips to seldom-seen mysteries of the canyon. An advocate of women’s empowerment, Sunny is dedicated to bringing more female athletes into the world of outdoor sports. If you’re looking to get your feet wet exploring the remote backcountry, this webinar is designed for those who want to learn, ask questions in a welcoming space and connect with other outdoors women who share the same passion for adventure.

We have figured out the makings of a perfect adventure. The formula goes something like this — thousands of sport climbing routes on Europe’s best limestone, irresistible culture and food to match, a welcoming community, and a rejuvenating yoga session to wrap up each of the incredible seven days in Kalymnos, Greece. The area is full of hidden climbing treasures and AMGA Rock Guide Heidi Wirtz is here to share the ins and outs of a week-long climbing yoga retreat, set in what has to be paradise on Earth, that will change how you climb. If the photos aren’t enough to fuel your daydreams about climbing Europe’s best limestone, check out this free webinar and get all the info you need for planning your own trip.

When extreme conditions, icy surprises cooked up by avalanches or glacial terrain, and high altitude conspire against you, having a strong repertoire of alpine climbing skills to fall back on is a must. ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide Jeff Bullock conquered the ultimate alpine playground, the Canadian Rockies, countless times. Check out this free webinar recording for a virtual tour of all-star climbing venues like Banff, Lake Louise and the Columbia Icefields, and find out first-hand how an alpine skills week will turn you into a confident alpinist. If you’ve ever wanted to go face to face with alpine giants like the Canadian Rockies and come out on top, consider this your one-stop-shop for the many facets of alpine climbing.

The Icelandic Highlands are the most out-of-this-world place you’ll ever step foot in. With landscapes straight out of a science fiction movie, it’s like being transported to another planet. Local AIMG guide and photographer Alberto Ojembarrena shared all the details of hiking in this remote wonderland on some of the country’s most spectacular and truly hidden trails. This adventure begins in Reykjavík, remote journeying through Iceland’s Highland region before linking up with the famous Laugavegur trail — known as one of the most beautiful hikes in the world — all while sleeping in mountain huts over twelve days. You’ll hike past colorful rhyolite mountains, geothermal features, turquoise lakes, and bubbling hot springs, through black desert sands, secret valleys, and lava fields, to end in the green valley of Thórsmörk — the place that owes its name to the God of Thunder. It is truly the epic adventure of a lifetime. If you’ve ever been wondering about trekking the wilds of Iceland, now’s the time to find out.

A mountain biking trip to Moab, Utah sits at the top of every bikers bucket list. Diverse slickrock terrain, stunning desert scenery and nearly a dozen local trail systems spanning over 900 miles are what lure adventurers from all over the world. Chances are, fellow MTB enthusiasts in your area have shared photos and videos of their Moab experience — now it’s time to plan yours! Local MTB guide Kenny Gorham is here to tell you everything you need to know. Gain confidence on its many beginner-friendly trails and have the time of your life on the flowy descents. The area’s red sandstone lends itself to tapping into your wild side, too — cling to practically vertical walls, if you dare. Kenny covered how the area earned its rep, his favorite iconic trails in Moab and advice for choosing your own, as well as any and all logistic tips that will help your Moab adventure go without a hitch. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the incomparable symbiosis between Moab’s iconic redstone and your bike tires, this is your chance to get all the info you need.

Whether you’re fresh off the groomers or have plenty of backcountry experience under your belt, avalanche education should be a lifelong quest. Take your backcountry savvy to the next level with internationally licensed mountain guide and guidebook author Rob Coppolillo. Check out his free webinar and find out what you’ll gain from this deep-dive AIARE Level 2 course and what makes Ymir Lodge your one-stop shop for honing avalanche safety skills and shredding sublime BC pow. With this backcountry skiing season under wraps, this is the perfect opportunity to start brainstorming on how to make the next one even better. If you want to make the most out of your future days in the backcountry, learn how to stay up-to-date with your avy education and get tips from the author of guidebooks other guides turn to for info, check out this free webinar!

Hosted by a group of female rock guides from The Mountain Guides, find out how you can fasttrack your climbing goals at an all-women’s weekend climbing camp this season. Offering both beginner and intermediate camps in incredible climbing venues across four different states — from multi-pitch meetups in Eldorado Canyon to learning trad in Red Rock, crack climbing in Moab to pushing for harder grades in the City of Rocks — these events offer immense value, with an opportunity to learn from some of the best female rock guides in the business while connecting with other women in your climbing community. So whether you’re transitioning from gym to outdoor climbing or working on proper gear placement in lead scenarios, check out this free webinar and find out what you’ll gain at an all-women weekend climbing camp and hear what makes these locations the perfect place venues to learn. Listen to expert advice from pro female guides, ask questions in a welcoming and safe environment, and who knows, maybe even find your next climbing partner.

Risen from magma and guarded by furious waves, the faraway and mystic Faroe Islands have adventure written all over them. Not much is known about the archipelago, but one thing is certain – navigating the rugged fjords on a historic Nordic sailboat to explore craggy cliffs and otherworldly hiking trails promises the most epic adventure you’ll ever go on. Tune in as mountain guide and photographer Alberto Ojembarrena lets you in on all the details of this eight-day hiking and sailing adventure, joined by Frank Djurhuus Jakobsen, who runs the Nordic Light sailing operation. The journey kicks off with discovering historic trails woven between colorful, distant villages of Vágar and majestic waterfalls plummeting from deep fjords. Straying far from the beaten path, with locations touted as some of the most beautiful in the world, every day guarantees jaw-dropping sights from the tops of towering cliffs. After touring the wild mainlands of the archipelago and immersing yourself in the Nordic way of life, you’ll explore the furthest reaches of this mythical place on the deck of a historic sailboat, all while basking in the light of the midnight sun. If the photos aren’t enough to fuel your daydreams about coming aboard the Nordic Light to experience the untamed Faroe Islands, check out this free webinar recording and get all the info you need for planning your own trip. Alberto answered all lingering questions about this epic adventure after his presentation.

Heading into the backcountry this season requires that skiers know the risks and how to safely manage them, especially in avalanche terrain. If you’re new to backcountry skiing, let internationally licensed mountain guide Rob Coppolillo teach you what you need to consider before leaving the groomers behind. From the avalanche courses you need to take to the safety gear you need to invest in to how to stay risk aware, in this Adventure Talk video, Rob shared with you some basic tools you can use on your backcountry journey. Rob focused this Adventure Talk on the one thing that every backcountry skier needs to learn — avalanche awareness and avoidance. This is not a replacement for formal avalanche education, but a primer on how to get started raising your level of awareness. With a little effort, humility, and willingness to learn, anyone can become a backcountry skier, and Rob will teach you about the importance of heading out with a guide and how they can help you prepare for backcountry adventuring in a safe way. Rob is the author of The Ski Guide Manual: Advanced Techniques for the Backcountry, as well as an AIARE Level 1 & 2 Instructor. His guidebooks are what guides turn to for info, so there is no better teacher than him! Sign up to get the video and find out how you can safely experience the magic of backcountry powder with the help of Rob Coppolillo.