Heading to Aspen for the Winter XGames

Just a quick note as I get ready to head out on another brief, but exciting adventure. Tomorrow morning I'll leave for Apsen, Colorado to attend the Winter XGames, which means there will probably be no normal update to round out the week. But, that said, don't be too surprised if I don't post a few things over the weekend about my experience. It should be an interesting one.

While in Aspen, I'm hoping to get the chance to chat with some of the athletes, attend several of the events, and take in the spectacle that is the XGames. This is the first time I've attended the event, and I'm really looking forward to it. I want to thank the folks at LifeProof for inviting me. It should be a busy couple of days, but a lot of fun too. If you want a first hand account of what the games are like be sure to follow my social media feeds. (Facebook - Twitter - Instagram)

This is a short trip. I'll be back home by Sunday evening, and usual updates will resume on Monday. While I'm away, I hope everyone heads out to enjoy some weekend adventures of their own. Back soon!

Video: Drone Flight Over Antarctica

We've heard some rumors that visitors to Antarctica had taken drones with them this year to capture footage from above the frozen continent, but this is the first actual video I've seen so far. It was shot over Terra Nova Bay by Italian Enrico Sacchetti, who was visiting a research center there. The images offer us a vision of Antarctica that we don't see often and it gives us a glimpse of why so many adventurers are drawn to the place.

The Seventh Continent from enrico sacchetti on Vimeo.

Video: How Hard is it to Climb Everest?

This video comes our way courtesy of BuzzFeed, which isn't a website that I'm particularly fond of, but I still found myself enjoying this clip nonetheless. In just over two-minutes of footage, it shares some fairly interesting facts bout the tallest mountain on the planet, mixing in some great historical photos and beautiful video. Seeing as how we're about to follow an ambitious expedition to the mountain, I thought this was worth sharing. It does provide some context about an Everest climb, and what it takes to get to the top.

Himalaya Spring 2016: Use of Helicopters Approved on Everest

With most of the climbing teams now in place in the Himalaya, the spring climbing season has started to resemble the traditional schedule we've come to know from years past. Acclimatization rotations have begun on Everest and Lhotse for instance, while elsewhere Base Camps are very busy with climbers getting settled and preparing for the challenges ahead. But the Nepali government has announced a major change in operations that could dramatically improve safety on the world's highest peak.

Climber and mountaineering blogger Alan Arnette is reporting today that government agencies in Nepal have approved the use of helicopters to shuttle gear up to Camp 1, bypassing the dangerous Khumbu Icefall altogether. Alan says that using the helicopters will eliminate the need to carry 87 loads from Base Camp to C1, thus preventing the need for porters to cross through the Icefall numerous times, which is where 16 lives were lost back in 2014 while shuttling equipment up the mountain.

Reportedly, the weather has been warmer than usual on Everest this spring, which has brought concerns about avalanches and collapsing ice in the Icefall. This move will help to reduce fears of too many people spending too much time on this dangerous section of the climb. As Alan reports, most foreign climbers pass through the Icefall an average of 6 times, while the Sherpas are far more exposed, often climbing up more than 18 times. For them, the decision to use helicopters is an important one and a matter of life and death.


Meanwhile, the first acclimatization rotations are proceeding on schedule, with Everest and Lhotse teams now spending time in both Camp 1 and Camp 2 as they allow their bodies to become accustomed to the thin air at altitude. Most will spend a night or two at those camps before dropping back to BC to rest and recover. Than, they'll start the process over again, possibly moving higher as the fixed ropes are installed.

Over on Annapurna, the remaining teams are now gearing up for a another potential summit bid. The weather is expected to start improving over the next few days, which means the climbers will likely be on the move once again. Those summit pushes could start as early as this weekend, with an eye on topping out early next week. The forecasts are still shaping up however, so any attempts on the summit could be pushed by a day or two.

More news to come.

Atikamekw Snowshoe Expedition Set To Begin

Last November, I told you about a unique expedition that was scheduled to take place early this year. Explorers Bert Poffé and Kiki Nárdiz, who had learned their survival skills while living amongst the Atikamekw people, a First Nations tribe from northern Quebec, will travel on foot into one of the coldest inhabited regions on the planet in a quest to visit their old friends.

Bert and Kiki will put their survival skills to the test over a three week period in February as they trek unsupported into the remote region that the Atikamekw still call their home. They'll use traditional tribal skills to make their way through the frozen wilderness, where they'll employ traditional mukluks, babiche snowshoes and handcrafted wood toboggans.

The duo will travel for approximately 20 days, visiting Atikamew villages along the way. On the expedition, they hope to explore traditional methods of winter travel, while learning more about the history and culture of the people that inhabit that harsh and demanding environment. They also hope to promote sustainable adventure tourism to the region while also inspiring others to get outside and pursue their own passions.

The expedition is set to begin in early February, which means we're now just a few weeks away from the start of this adventure. Find out more about Bert and Kiki, as well as their plans on their official website.

The Explorers Museum Announces 2016 Summit in Ireland

The Explorers Museum, a not for profit organization dedicated to promoting the continuing exploration of our planet through the recognition of significant expeditions, discoveries and explorers, has announced the dates and line-up for its 2016 weekend summit. The event will take place June 24-25 in Tullamore, Ireland at the museum's headquarters in Charleville Castle, where a host of luminaries will be on hand.

In the modern age, exploration is no longer just about important firsts and filling in the blank spots on the map. As The Explorers Museum recognizes there is a great deal of effort being put into learning about sustainability, preserving the planet, and making it a better place for those of us who inhabit it. To that end, the list of guests who will be attending the summit reflects these values. Additionally, the theme of the entire weekend is "Redefining Exploration," which indicates what the keynote address and sessions will be about.

You can read more about the summit weekend, check out the full line-up, and purchase tickets here. Glancing over the schedule, some of the highlights include opening ceremonies that include an address from Lorie Karnath – former President of the Explorers Club and founder of The Explorers Museum. There will also be a screening of the film Racing Extinction, breakout sessions that focus on fieldwork, climate change, the changing nature of exploration, and much more.

Tickets are on sale now, and it looks like this will be a very interesting weekend for those of us who value exploration in the 21st century. The setting at Charleville Castle – the Global Expedition Base – will serve as a fantastic backdrop to these discussions. I know I'd love to be there.

Video: Riding a Fat Bike Up Mt. Washington

At 1917 meters (6288 ft) in height, Mt. Washington – located in New Hampshire – doesn't seem all that intimidating. But outdoor enthusiasts know that this peak – the tallest in the eastern U.S. – is notorious for its bad weather. Because of its extreme conditions, with frequent subzero temperatures and very high winds, there is even a weather station located on the summit.

Recently, pro cyclist Tim Johnson decided to attempt to ride a fat bike up the Mt. Washington auto road, a 7.2 mile (11.5 km) jaunt in -19ºF (-27ºC) temperatures. This video takes us along for the ride, on what turns out to be every bit as challenging as he expected.

Video: Mountain Biking Down an Active Volcano

Back in 2000, a volcano on Japan's Miyake Island erupted, prompting the entire population to be evacuated for nearly five years. Since then, the villagers that lived there have slowly returned, although the threat of the volcano still remains. Recently, pro mountain biker Stevie Smith traveled to the remote island to explore that volcano from the back of his bike. He took a small film crew with him to the summit, who captured his epic descent down the spine of the mountain. The results of that effort can be seen below, as he rides along a unique and technical trail through some surprisingly great landscapes.

Video: Mountain Biking - Why We Love Downhill

It may be winter here in the Northern Hemisphere, but that doesn't mean we can't enjoy a good mountain biking video. This one features some spectacular shots of downhill riding that will leave you anxious for the arrival of spring and the chance to get back on your bike. And if you're luck enough to be in a place where you can ride right now – well, what are you waiting for? Go get on your bike!

Winter Climbs 2016: No Rift On Nanga Parbat International Team After All?

We have a new chapter in the emerging soap opera on Nanga Parbat. Yesterday, I posted an update from the mountain with news that one of the teams was having an internal dispute that had caused them to break apart. But today, comes word that those reports may have been premature, and that everything may be going according to plan.

Citing an update from ExWeb, I shared the news that Alex Txikon and Daniele Nardi were having disagreements over how to proceed on their attempt to make the first winter ascent of Nanga Parbat. The report indicated that a rift had grown between the two climbers, and that Nardi was leaving the expedition. Apparently, that news was either completely false, or way overblown, as Daniele has responded to the news.

According to Stefan Nestler's Adventure Sports Blog, Nardi has denied that there is any problem between him and Txikon, and that they are continuing to find ways to overcome the challenges they are facing on the mountain. Daniele says that he and Alex have cooperated on multiple expeditions in the past, and things between them remain good. He is quoted as saying “This year, I have considered him to be more than just a partner”, said Nardi. “We will find the best solution.”

It's good to hear that the relationship is intact and that they are proceeding as a team. If they hope to summit this monster, they'll need all of their considerable talents working together.

Meanwhile, Simone Moro shared a video of a massive avalanche coming down the Diamir Face on Nanga Parbat today. Check it out below for an idea of what these teams are facing.

Video: Adventure Travel in the Alaskan Arctic

I came across this video on Richard Bang's YouTube Channel and thought it was worth sharing. It is a short film made be adventure traveler Connor Callaghan, who takes us along with him to Alaska where we enjoy a taste of some of the amazing scenery and activities that are available there. Alaska happens to be one of my favorite destinations, as it is brimming with great opportunities for outdoor adventure. Take a look at the clip, then put it on your list of places to see.

New Farthest Source Of The Amazon Discovered

Researchers say they have located a new source for the Amazon River and possibly adding an additional 47-57 miles to its overall length, which already extends beyond 4000 miles. But, with all things exploration related in the 21st century, there is some controversy as to whether or not this new location should actually be considered as a tributary for the longest river on the planet.

Since 1971, the Apurimac River has been considered the furthest source of the Amazon, and many explorers and adventurers have operated in the region under that assumption. According to this new report however, the Mantaro River, located in southwest Peru, now holds that distinction.

The researchers who have asserted that the Mantaro is the new source used satellite imagery and topographic maps to study the Amazon and it's numerous tributaries. With GPS tracking points, the team determined that the Mantaro is actually about 10% longer than the Apurimac, which would make the furthest source.


But as I mentioned, there is some controversy afoot. The Mantaro doesn't flow for parts of the year, thanks to a dam that was built in 1974. When defining a "source," most geographers feel that a river must flow uninterrupted. The researchers behind this new finding say that the Mantaro would flow all year if it wasn't for the dam.

Does it really matter where the true source is located? Most would probably say no. But if you're one of the many adventurers who has attempted to travel the length of the river, or explored the Amazon Basin, it means quite a lot. This revelation could invalidate certain past expeditions that paddled the entire river for instance.

Personally, I happen to enjoy that we're still discovering things about our own planet. It is stories like this one that remind us that exploration is important, even in the 21st century. Now, who wants to be the first to go upstream and actually visit the source? I'm in!

Winter Climbs 2014: Weather Thwarts Summit Attempt On Nanga Parbat

The summit of Nanga Parbat continues to be an elusive target. A slight weather window opened on the mountain this past weekend, giving teams there a chance to make their push. But that window slammed shut quickly and all the climbers are now back in Base Camp. The week ahead doesn't look all that much better, so once again they play the waiting the game.

The Polish Justice For All team launched the summit bids last Thursday, hoping to make a dash up to the top if conditions cooperated. Tomek Mackiewicz and Pawel Dunaj were the two men who started the attempt, but by Friday, Dunaj was on his way back down due to the extreme temepratures. Mackiewicz pushed higher in an attempt to reach the snow cave they had dug at Camp 2, but by Saturday, he was in retreat as well.

Not far behind them were Simone Moro and David Göttler of the North Face Team. They began their summit push on Friday, hoping that the worst of the weather would have passed before as they went higher. They managed to reach 5700 meters (18,700 ft) before they decided discretion was the better part of valor and turned back as well. The temperatures were bitterly cold and the winds were far too dangerous to proceed further up.

These two teams are climbing on the Rupal Face, where the weather forecast says it will be very challenging for the rest of this week. High winds are expected on the summit, perhaps approaching 100 km/h (62 mph), which will make temperatures impossible to bear. That means that all these two teams can do at the moment is rest, wait, and hope for a chance to go higher. There are still five weeks of winter left for one of these squads to complete the first ascent of Nanga during that season, but the Poles have already had to extend their climbing permit once, so it is unclear if they can or will get a second extension. When the weather is that bad, the days disappear rather quickly, and while a true summit push is never a guarantee at any time of the year, that is especially true during the winter.


Meanwhile, on the other side of the mountain, Daniele Nardi is continuing his planned solo, alpine style summit attempt. He continues to make acclimatization hikes to let his body get use to the altitude, but unlike his friends on the Rupal Face, Daniele says that the Diamir is quiet and has little wind at the moment. Temperatures still quite frigid however, as he had hoped to go up to 5000 meters (16,404 ft), but his feet were so cold that he could do little to warm them. The Italian says that the weather is a bit confounding. The skies are often clear, and there hasn't been as much snow as he expected, but temperatures remain brutally cold. Ultimately, that could mean that it will be impossible to go to the summit, simply because it will just be too cold. He'll have to wait to see how things progress. As a late comer to the mountain, Daniele's climbing permit should be adequate to get him through what remains of the season.

Stay tuned for more updates soon. It seems there won't be much to report for a few days as these teams wait for more opportunities to come.

Video: Crisp - A Film About Mountain Biking The Iditarod Trail

Yesterday I posted a video from the 2001 Iditasport adventure race along the Iditarod sled dog trail. In the years since that video was made, the event has morphed into the Iditarod Trail International, which is amongst the most grueling endurance events in the world. Last year, European mountain bikers Ausilia Vistarini and Sebastiano Favaro took on the 1800 km (1100 mile) trail in the dead of winter. It tested their resolve and pushed them to their limits as they rode their bikes through one of the harshest winter environments on the planet. The creative team and Explore MediaLab made a documenter about that experience and the trailer for the film can be found below. It looks amazing.

Thanks to Filippo Salvioni for sharing this with me!

Crisp - Official Trailer from Explore MediaLab on Vimeo.

Video: Explore the Underwater Kaleidoscope of Cortes Banks

Located 100 miles off the coast of San Diego, Cortes Banks has become a refuge for a stunning array of wildlife. In this video, we travel to that place, and dive with underwater explorer Brian Skerry, who takes us into this amazing place of vibrant colors and beautiful sea creatures. It is an extraordinary spot that few people ever get the chance to see, but you can spend three minutes there with his video.

Forbes Interviews 21-Time Everest Summiteer Apa Sherpa

Who do you talk to if you want to know about climbing Everest? Why, Apa Sherpa of course. After all, he is the man that has stood on top of that mountain 21 times, tying him with Phurba Tashi for the most successful summits of the highest peak on the planet. Recently, Forbes magazine caught up with the now retired Apa and conducted an interview with him, getting some very interesting insights along the way.

In the interview, Apa talks about his first ascent of Everest, how he missed out on the infamous 1996 season, and why he made his last ascent in 2011, well before the disasters of 2014 and 2015. He also touches on what it is like to climb the mountain, providing advice for anyone who is considering doing it themselves. He even shares his experiences with meeting Sir Edmund Hillary, the legendary climber from New Zealand who – along with Tenzing Norgay – was the first to summit the Everest back in 1953.

Apa also talks about the experience of passing through the Khumbu Icefall, widely held as the most dangerous part of the climb from the Nepali side of the mountain. He estimates that he made that trek more than a thousand times, braving the shifting ice there far too often.

In another very interesting story, he talks about how he summited the mountain in 2008 in just 9 days. That was the year that the Chinese closed down the mountain until after their team took the Olympic torch to the top. So, rather than wait in BC, Apa stayed at his home, which is located near by. Then, after the torch circus was over, he reported to Base Camp and was on top of Everest a few days later.

This is a brief, but very interesting, interview that fans of Apa or climbing on Everest won't want to miss. Read the entire thing here.

And as always, thanks to my friend George for sharing this with me.

Video: Trekking To Annapurna Base Camp

The trek to Annapurna Base Camp has long been seen as one of the best hikes in the world. Wandering through the Himalaya in Nepal, the trail takes backpackers through remote mountain villages, over high passes, and through scenic valleys, before eventually arriving at the base of the 8091 meter (26,545 ft) peak. It is a spectacular, breathtaking walk that rewards trekkers in many ways. The video below gives us a glimpse of what that hike is like.

Annapurna Base Camp from Patrick Watkins on Vimeo.

Antarctica 2016: A New Season Set to Begin

It may be hard to believe but the calendar now reads late-October, which means the 2016 Antarctic season is set to begin in just a few short weeks. Typically, the arrival of November also marks the start of another busy season on the frozen continent, where once again this year we'll find plenty of interesting stories to follow, including several full-distance ski expeditions to the South Pole and beyond.

A few days back, Explorers Web posted a good rundown of the expeditions to keep an eye on. Two of the more interesting attempts at crossing the Antarctic this year are being made by women with Emma Kelty and Johanna Davidsson both making solo and unassisted ski trips along the traditional route to the South Pole, which begins at Hercules Inlet. Both of the ladies also plan on getting resupplied at 90ºS, before returning to their starting point as well. Kelty will ski the same route back, while Davidsson will use kites to cover the return trip much more rapidly.

They'll be joined out on the ice and along the same route by Canadian Sébastien Lapierre, who is attempting to become the first person from his country to make the journey solo and unassisted as well. As ExWeb points out, Lapierre is not stranger to the colder regions of our planet, as he traveled through part of the Northwest Passage in a Kayak back in 2013.

A Swedish man by the name of Aron Andersson is also heading out on the ice, and although he won't be going solo or unsupported, his story will likely be quite an inspiring one. Andersson is a quadriplegic, so he'll be making the journey in a specially designed sled that he can push along using his arms. He'll be guided to the Pole by Doug Stoup, and they'll follow a shortened route that begins at the Leverett Glacier and ends at the bottom of the world. They estimate it will take about 30 days to complete the 510 km (316 mile) journey.


Other expeditions include a group of skiers being led by veteran polar explorer Ryan Waters, and another being guided by Eric Phillips, which will actually begin at a new starting point on the Reedy Glacier on the Ross Ice Shelf. Similarly, a team of Brits will be skiing to the South Pole to raise funds for charity as well.

ExWeb also says that Mike Horn is headed back to Antarctica this season and is currently sailing south aboard his ship the Pangea. What his exact plans are have yet to be revealed, but he is expected to continue his journey all the way to the South Pole.

Finally, another team of Brits led by Lou Rudd will attempt a traverse of the continent. He'll be joined by Oliver Stoten, Chris Brooke, Alex Brazier, Alun George, and James Facer-Childs on a 1770 km (1100 mile) journey that begins at Hercules Inlet and ends at the base of the Shackleton Glacier on the Ross Ice Shelf via the South Pole. They'll receive one resupply at the Pole to provide food and gear to keep them moving.

In anticipation of the start of the new season, Antarctic Logistics & Expeditions – more commonly known as ALE – had launched a new website. The company handles all of the logistics for nearly every expedition to Antarctica, including South Pole skiers, climbers heading to Mt. Vinson, and just about every other point on the continent. Without ALE providing support, things would be a lot more difficult there. Additionally, the company also has been guiding commercial teams since the 1980's, and still sells its own excursions on the site as well. If you want to plan a trip to 90ºS, this is a good place to start.

Much more to come in the days ahead as the season fully gets underway.

The 151 Best Backpacking and Hiking Websites

The Internet is full of great outdoor related websites, but it isn't always easy to find them. That's why a site called Happy to Survive has compiled a list of their selections for the 151 best backpacking and hiking websites of all time with some familiar and not so well known pages – including this one –making the list.

Some of the more well known websites the earn a spot on the list include our friends over at the Adventure Journal (#2), adventurer Alastair Humphreys (#4), and Section Hiker (#11). Others that are favorites of mine include The Gear Caster (#22), Explorer Eric Larsen's site (#25), and The Dirtbag Diaries (#28) and Best Hike (#44).

With 151 entires on the list, this is just scratching the surface however, and no matter where you live or how you hike, it is almost certain that you'll find a site or three that will draw your interest. In terms of lists of top outdoor websites, I'm not sure if I've seen one quite this comprehensive. Not only are there a lot of good sites, but they range widely in topics too.

I'd be remiss if I didn't send a thank you out to the Happy to Survive team for including The Adventure blog on the list. My humble little site manages to earn the 24th spot overall, which is pretty good considering this isn't strictly a hiking and backpacking site. I'm honored to be included amongst so many other great bloggers, adventurers, and explorers. It was also a lot of fun to discover some new sites that I hadn't seen before.

If you'd like to check out the entire list, click here.

Win a Copy of Everest Courtesy of The Adventure Blog and Universal Home Entertainment

Next Tuesday, January 19, the Hollywood blockbuster Everest will release on DVD, and to celebrate The Adventure Blog is teaming up with Universal Home Entertainment to give away a DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack, as well as a limited edition Everest carabiner.

As you may recall, the film recounts the tragic events of the famous 1996 season, during which eight people died on the mountain. In the movie, some of the principal characters are played by famous actors, including Josh Brolin, Jason Clarke, and Jake Gyllenhaal. You can read my full review of the film here, which I lauded for being accurate in its depiction of the climb, and having great cinematography that highlight the scenery from the Himalaya incredibly well.

Everest is already available on digital streaming platforms such as iTunes and the Google Play Store, but next week it will ship on physical media to traditional outlets as well. The combo pack that I'm giving away includes the full film on DVD and Blu-Ray, as well a redemption code for a digital version as well. It also includes bonus footage on the making of the film, the training that the actors went through to prepare for their roles, and more.

If you'd like to win this copy of the film, you can enter the contest for the giveaway simply by sending an email with subject line of "Everest" to kungfujedi@gmail.com. The contest is open to U.S. residents only, and will run through Monday, January 19. At which time, I will randomly draw a winner, and contact them for a shipping address to send the prize to. One entry per person please.

Good luck!