Matador Network's Blog, page 1420

The outdoor industry anti-conference

At Matador we’ve been happily following the progression of Outpost and are stoked to announce their calendar of events for 2018. These guys have taken a page from their time in the music promotions world, and are redefining how outdoor industry conferences look and feel.

The Outpost lives somewhere between Burning Man and SXSW.

Instead of the stale setups we’ve had to tolerate over the years (“speed dating” at tables and booths, chain hotel accommodations, and — worst of all — days inside under fluorescent lights), Outpost is the exact opposite. As the organizers like to say, “The Outpost lives somewhere between Burning Man and SXSW.”

Road To Outpost Giveaway

Today, Outpost is launching their Road To Outpost Giveaway. This is a chance to win Mammoth Mountain Passes, a year’s worth of access to the Fort coworking space, a Tepui Rooftop Tent, and $8,000 worth of other prizes. To enter, please visit the Road To Outpost Giveaway.

The Outpost 2018 Calendar

This year, the Outpost will be hosting their biggest “anti”-trade shows.

Outpost Mammoth

February 6th – 8th*

*Brand registration ends on January 12th

Outpost SXSW

March 13th

300 person media dinner at the new Tyson Cole and Aaron Franklin restaurant

Outpost California

September 6th – 9th

1300 person flagship event in Mendocino county CA

At its essence, Outpost has brought together really cool people and brands, and created a proper space to hang: outside, where it makes sense. Think solar-powered refrigerators full of beer. Low footprint, modern-design shelters for camping. Yoga sessions. Kombucha brewing. Lots of time around campfires. Testing gear in its proper environment. Networking that happens spontaneously over days of live music, food, and being outside.

Check out this video from this fall’s Outpost Mendocino to get a sense of what an outdoor conference should be like.

We’re stoked to be partnering with Outpost and to see people this year at their events.

where to get sleep across US states

If you wake up every morning feeling exhausted, you are not alone. So do I. And so do vast swaths of Americans across the country, it turns out.

According to research by Amerisleep, more than two thirds of us are unable to fall asleep thanks to having a “busy mind.” While having a President who tweets about the possibility of thermonuclear warfare can’t help, the thoughts that keep us awake most often are mainly concerns about the next day and random nonsense that only pops up when nothing else is going on. Amerisleep’s research suggests that our obsession with addictive TV shows, movies, and social media is also eating up our resting hours.

So, how can we get more and better sleep every night? Well, it might help to move out of the Northeast and South, where the highest percentages of residents report getting less than seven hours of sleep every night. Also, meditation during the day and switching to being a morning bird will do you big favors. Unfortunately, none of these aids make the threat of nuclear winter any less anxiety-inducing, so you should also consider unplugging yourself from Twitter. And Facebook. And the Internet. Maybe just go be a hermit in the Montana Rockies.

Photo: Amerisleep

Photo: Amerisleep

Photo: Amerisleep

Photo: Amerisleep

More like this: Sleep habits around the world (and how to sleep better)

floating hotel in swedish lapland

January is the middle of the Northern Lights season, and the perfect time to find a new spot for watching the natural phenomenon. While there are plenty of resorts across the Northern Hemisphere that offer exceptional views of nature’s light show, the planned Arctic Bath hotel will bring something different: a really, really, cold pool.

Photo: Arctic Bath

The Arctic Bath hotel is the brainchild of the same folks who built Sweden’s Treehotel, a surreal minimalist collection of structures floating the boreal forests of Lapland, and Off The Map Travel.

Photo: Arctic Bath

Arctic Bath will be constructed near the Treehotel in the middle of the Lule River, where it will free-float in the summer and freeze in place during the winter. The architects gave the structure a circular design and used local tree limbs to give it the look of a natural river dam.

Photo: Arctic Bath

Arctic Bath’s pool will be in the center of the hotel, with nothing impeding a visitor’s gaze of the shimmering aurora. It will take some courage getting in, however, as this open-air pool will stay at a chilly 39 degrees (Fahrenheit).

Photo: Arctic Bath

The hotel will only contain six cabins, ensuring an intimate visit to the northern reaches of Sweden. The Swedish minimalist rooms will be able to float independently in the summer when the ice melts, although you might regret leaving behind the spas and saunas that will also be featured in the hotel.

Photo: Arctic Bath

More like this: 9 epic spots where you can experience the Northern Lights this year

Save money on Tokyo trip

Tokyo might be known as one of the most expensive cities in the world but this is not quite the case. Japan’s vibrant capital is definitely on the expensive side when compared to cities in Thailand or Indonesia, but much cheaper than places like the UK, Scandinavia, or Australia. The good news is that you can explore Tokyo on a budget, with these 7 tricks for spending less and enjoying more.

1. Eat from vending machine restaurants.

There are vast numbers of vending machine restaurants in Tokyo where you can pay as little as $3 for one meal. Simply select your meal at the vending machine, and take your ticket. Give your ticket to the restaurant staff who will bring the dish to your table. The good news is that you can rarely go wrong with food in Tokyo and pretty much all vending machine restaurants serve incredibly delicious food.

2. Get dinner from supermarkets just before closing time.

You don’t have to skip dinner just because you travel on a budget. Head over to any supermarket located in the basement of shopping malls. You will find many fresh dishes such as sushi, tempura, and noodles, all discounted just before closing time. You can get an awesome dinner for two for as little as $5.

3. Invest in a JR Pass.

If you wish to explore cities outside of Tokyo, you should consider investing in a Japan Rail Pass. This gives you unlimited travel by Shinkansen to pretty much any destination around Japan. The Japan Rail Pass is also valid for various local trains and can be used on the Yamanote line in Tokyo.

4. Take the overnight buses or trains.

From Tokyo, you can visit other cities by taking an overnight bus or train. This is an easy way to save money on transportation as well as accommodation. Your Japan Rail Pass will cover some overnight trains which usually offer dedicated sleeping space. The trains have excellent facilities, including showers and dining lounges.

5. Travel during winter.

Tokyo is much cheaper during winter and if you don’t mind visiting off-season, you can save a lot of money on flights, accommodation, and tourist attractions. Even if you don’t wish to visit during winter but are keen to save, remember to avoid main holidays and special events such as the cherry blossom season at the beginning of spring or the Golden Week in May.

6. Consider a capsule hotel.

Capsule hotels are becoming increasingly popular amongst international travelers as they are quirky, basic, and cheap. You will sleep in a capsule or pod which has clean linen, wifi, and an alarm clock. The bathrooms are shared but usually kept in pristine conditions.

7. Visit Tokyo’s main free attractions.

There are myriad free attractions in Tokyo, such as the famed Shibuya Crossing. You can visit the Piss Alley, also known as the Memory Lane, in Shinjuku where you can sample well-priced Japanese street food. Another great freebie in Shinjuku is Kabukicho, Asia’s largest red district. It’s entirely free to walk around the quarters and marvel at all the colorful neon lights. To view Tokyo from above, head over to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building which offers free admission to its observatory platform.


More like this: 12 spots to frequent in Tokyo if you want to be a true local

Best brunch spots in Portland

No trip to the hippest city on the west coast would be complete without a serious dive into everyone’s favorite weekend indulgence: brunch. Portland’s food scene is a staple in the industry; with immense pride in local and sustainable, the chefs in this city are at the front of their game. The lines in PDX can get crazy, so get there early, or sleep in on the weekends and hit these spots Monday through Friday for a shot at a shorter wait. We’ve gone out and taste-tested the best just to make sure we knew where the most kick-ass must-try venues were.

1. Mother’s Bistro

Photo: Mother’s Bistro & Bar

Get ready to wait, but it’s worth it. Mother’s Bistro is the fan favorite of Portland for brunch. Sip French press coffee while perusing the homemade food with locally-sourced ingredients that make the menu special. From biscuits to hash, and of course waffles, the menu is a classic breakfast lovers’ dream.

Hours of operation (for breakfast): Tuesday – Friday 7:00 AM – 2:30; Saturday and Sunday 8 AM – 2:30 PM. Check hours for lunch and dinner.

Address: 212 SW Stark St, Portland, OR 97204

2. Tasty N Sons

Photo: Tasty n Sons

Putting a well-traveled spin on the brunch menu, Tasty N Sons is making sure to cover the map. From harissa cream hash to down-home chicken fried pork cutlets (with venison gravy) to a classic Dutch baby and the Nashville hot chicken sandwich, Tasty N Sons is making sure you bring your appetite.

Hours of operation: Open daily for brunch: 9 AM – 2:30 PM. Check hours for happy hour and dinner.

Address: 3808 N Williams Ave C, Portland, OR 97227

3. Tasty N Alder

Photo: Tasty N Alder

Killer brunch spot by day, upscale steakhouse by night. Tasty N Alder, also by Chef Gorham, is the Caped Crusader of Portland’s food scene. Tasty N Alder shines a light on the familiar signatures of its predecessor, Tasty N Sons, while honing in on the meats. It also has a few fun items on the menu like a creative Bloody Mary selection, and for the adults only, a collection of milkshakes with — you guessed it — booze.

Hours of operation: Daily 9 AM – 2 PM

Address: 580 SW 12th Ave, Portland, OR 97205

4. Pine State Biscuits

Photo: Pine State Biscuits

Wait in line for an hour for a biscuit? Trust us, it’s worth it. The original farmer’s market stop was so bustling that after two seasons that it was time to get a location to serve these scratch-made towers of flaky, buttery perfection. Originally from North Carolina, the trio behind Pine State Biscuits have it on lock with the classics to top that home-style biscuit: fried chicken, bacon, and cheese. Go big with an order of biscuits and gravy (heck, try the vegetarian mushroom gravy) or keep it simple with classic jam or honey spread.

Hours of operation: 7 AM – 3 PM

Address: 2204 NE Alberta Portland, OR 97211

The ultimate road trip routes through Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe is one of the most culturally and naturally diverse regions in the world. It’s often overlooked by those opting for more traditional European escapes, but, personally, I have been constantly blown away while living and traveling there. The history is complex and, therefore, so is the culture, with remnants from an array of political and religious influences.

In this region, you can find it all and do it all. Considering the nature, cities and nightlife, architecture, scenery, arts and food, there’s always something new at the next turn. An Eastern European road trip may very well be your most epic adventure to date. With so much to see and do, it’s impossible to tackle it all at once but here are three options that will keep you exploring.

The Center Loop

Route: Vienna — Ljubljana — Zagreb — Budapest — Krákow — Wroclaw — Prague — Vienna

Total days: 12
Distance: 2,370 KM
Best time to go: From May to September

This route is superb not only because you are hopping from one city, filled with unbelievable character and nightlife, to the next, but you can also detour and catch some serious scenery.

Photo: bogitw

Start in Austria’s capital, Vienna, for a few days of sightseeing (and some wiener schnitzel) before heading south and crossing the border into Slovenia and on to Ljubljana. Slovenia is a small country and it’s fairly easy to drive from one end to the next in a matter of hours.

It’s a great place to explore: Lake Bled is famous for a reason (or opt for its larger, less crowded neighbor, Lake Bohinj), the mountains in Triglav National Park, or the old walled seaside town of Piran (yes, Slovenia even has a sliver of Adriatic coastline).

From there you can cross over to Zagreb, Croatia. Zagreb is surprisingly small for a European capital, meaning you can see it all in a day or two. It has two old towns, a ton of street art, a beautiful park that dominates its core, and an emerging foodie scene. The Plitvice Lakes National Park, essentially a web of lakes all connected by waterfalls, is an easy day trip.

Save your late nights for your arrival in Budapest. This city lives and breathes for you as you make your way through its historic core to ruin bars, discos, and some of the grandest sights in Eastern Europe.

Photo: Ash Merscher

From Budapest get back on the road and head to Krákow. Getting to Krákow means crossing the entire country of Slovakia, so detour through the High Tatras mountains and roam the 900-year-old Spiš Castle. Once in Krákow, it’s best to experience it by foot. The city is unmatched for its food, spirits, nightlife, arts, and some of the most haunting history in the entire region. And it’s not far from Wroclaw, a perfectly picturesque city with its signature pastel-colored, cookie-cutter buildings of Old Town Hall.

This road trip hits all the greats, including Prague, a city that is sure to captivate you from start to finish. It’s so immaculately preserved, with twisting cobblestone streets and perfect architecture, you really might pinch yourself.

The food is some of the best and no trip is complete without a dozen nighttime strolls when the city really sparkles. Finish your trip back in Vienna, put your feet up, and savor the rich cafe culture.

Highlights

When to climb the greatest mountains

Since I first started climbing, I must have spent hours typing “when is the best time to climb…” into search engines and then crawling through websites to find the key piece of information I needed. Only when I have a date in mind can I start to think about the practicalities of actually trying to climb a mountain (i.e. booking time off work, flights, budget, gear, etc).

To solve this problem once and for all, we have put together a mountaineering calendar of the world’s greatest mountains and the optimal time of year at which to climb them. Drawing on Adventure Consultants’ expedition calendar, we list the world’s major mountains and ranges month by month.

The list is not entirely inclusive as it would take too long to list every mountain on the planet. Likewise, to avoid repetition we selected mountains in a range, considering the world’s 100 highest mountains lie within the Himalaya and Karakoram ranges. We have also excluded winter ascents from the list because, well, if you’re that guy, you probably don’t need a calendar.

Finally, the mountaineering calendar is an evolving project so please make any suggestions in the comments below and we’ll continue to add mountains and ranges over time.

January

Photo: David

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DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


1
Aconcagua, Chile/Argentina
Seven summits. Highest non-technical mountain in the world.


1
Mount Kenya (south-face), Kenya
Seven second summits. Best time to climb south face.


1
Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, and Cayambe, Ecuador
Farthest point from Earth’s core. Dry period with low winds.


1
Puncak Mandala, Indonesia
Seven second summits. January is dry season in Papua Province.


1
Mount Tyree, Antarctica
Seven second summits.


6-31
Vinson Massif, Antarctica
Seven summits.


16-30
Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia
Seven summits (Messner list). Can be climbed year-round but January is dry season in Papua Province.

The year-round Mount Whitney is the highest summit in the contiguous United States (i.e. excluding Hawaii and Alaska) as well as the highest peak in the Sierra Nevada. It looks intimidating on first view, but the popular Mount Whitney Trail starts at an elevation of 2,550m (8,360ft) meaning the summit can be reached in just a day (albeit a challenging one). Most hikers prefer to ascend between late May and October while mountaineers prefer the months of January and February as they provide an exceptional training ground for those looking to gain experience in winter conditions.

February

Photo: Sergey Pesterev

DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


1
Antarctic Peninsula voyages, Antarctica
Possible ship-based expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula.


1
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Seven summits. A popular month to climb due to moderate conditions.


1
Antisana, Ecuador
Ecuador’s 4th highest and most challenging volcano. Best time to climb.


14
Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, Cameroon
West Africa’s highest mountain.


26
North Pole skiing expedition, Arctic
Departs late February (56 days).

Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and one of the seven summits. It is also a year-round trekking mountain. It is most popular in February, but July, too, is an excellent time to visit as the climb can be combined with safari and wildlife spotting.

Antisana offers something different to Ecuador’s three higher and more popular volcanos. It requires some technical skills with a challenging bergschrund near the summit. Although it’s a year-round mountain, February is driest and least windy.

March

Photo: Christopher Burns

DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


6-20
Ojos del Salado expedition, Chile/Argentina
Seven second summits.


25
First Everest expeditions begin, Nepal
Seven summits. Eight-thousanders. Highest mountain in the world.


27
Everest base camp treks begin, Nepal
Trek to the base of the highest mountain in the world.

“Those who travel to mountain-tops are half in love with themselves, and half in love with oblivion.” — Robert MacFarlane

April

Photo: Aaron Benson

DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


1
Mount Cook & Southern Alps, New Zealand
New Zealand’s highest mountain. Good time to climb in the Southern Alps.


1
Canadian Rockies, Canada
Best month for winter mountaineering.


1
Everest expeditions begin, Nepal
Seven summits. Eight-thousanders. Highest mountain in the world.


1
Everest/Lhotse combined expeditions begin, Nepal
Seven summits, eight-thousanders. 1st & 4th highest mountains in the world.


1
First Manaslu expeditions, Nepal
Eight-thousanders. 8th highest mountain in the world. Pre-monsoon expedition.


1
First Makalu expeditions, Nepal/China
Eight-thousanders. 5th highest mountain in the world. Pre-monsoon expedition.


1
Kanchenjunga expeditions begin, Nepal/India
Eight-thousanders. 3rd highest mountain in the world.


2
Attempts on Annapurna I usually begin, Nepal
Eight-thousanders.10th highest mountain in the world. Arguably most dangerous eight-thousander.


8
Lhotse expeditions begin, Nepal
Eight-thousanders. 4th highest mountain in the world.


12
Ama Dablam expeditions begin, Nepal
Exposed technical Alpinism at altitude.


13
Shishapangma expeditions begin, China
Eight-thousanders. 14th highest mountain in the world.


14
Greenland crossing, Greenland
Expeditions begin.


15
Alaska Range, USA
Climbing season begins.


16
Dhaulagiri expeditions begin, Nepal
Eight-thousanders. 7th highest mountain in the world.


23
First Mera Peak expedition, Nepal
Nepal’s highest trekking peak.


23
First Baruntse expedition, Nepal
7,000m+ non-technical climbing.


26
First Island Peak expedition, Nepal
Ideal first Himalayan climb.

The Everest massif includes Lhotse, the impressive Nuptse ridge, and Mount Everest itself. Lhotse and Everest can be climbed together as part of a “combo climb.” The routes follow the Khumbu Icefall up to camp four where they part. Despite how it looks in the photo above, the Nuptse ridge is the lowest peak at 7,861m (25,791ft) while the others are both eight-thousanders and the highest and fourth-highest mountains in the world.

May

Photo: Jeremy Bishop

DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


1
Central-European Alps, Europe
European Alpine season begins.


1
Mount Toubkal & Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Climbing season begins.


1
Sierra Nevada, White Mountains & Cascade Range, USA
California fourteeners. California climbing season begins. Mount Whitney is the tallest mountain in the contiguous USA.


1
Colorado ranges, USA
Colorado fourteeners. Colorado climbing season begins.


1
Mount Rainier & Cascade Range, USA
Climbing season begins.


1-31
Inca Trail, Peru
Best month for hiking Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu.


2-31
Denali expeditions begin, USA
Seven summits. Colder in early May.


13-25
Everest summit bids, Nepal
Seven summits. Eight-thousanders. Highest mountain in the world.


14
Mount Logan expeditions begin, Canada
Seven second summits.


15
Nanga Parbat attempts usually begin, Pakistan
Eight-thousanders. 9th highest mountain in the world. Never climbed in winter.


16-25
Lhotse summit bids, Nepal
Eight-thousanders. 4th highest mountain in the world.


21
Bolivian Alpine season begins, Bolivia
6,000m peaks of the Andes.


30
Mount Gunnbjorn, Greenland
Highest mountain in Greenland.


June

Photo: Skeeze

DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


1
Scandinavian Mountains, Norway/Sweden/Finland
Scandinavian mountaineering season begins.


1-15
Mount Gunnbjorn, Greenland
Highest mountain in Greenland.


1-30
Denali expeditions, USA
Seven summits. Most successful summits in mid-late June.


1-30
Bolivia Alpine season, Bolivia
6,000m peaks of the Andes.


10
Mount Kenya (north-face), Kenya
Best time to climb north face. Seven second summits.


11
Gasherbrum I, II & Broad Peak expeditions begin, Pakistan/China
Eight-thousanders. 11th, 12th, & 13th highest mountains in the world. Climbing season in the Karakoram begins.


12
K2 expeditions begin, Pakistan/China
Seven second summits. Eight-thousanders. 2nd highest mountain in the world. Never climbed in winter.


15
Three-thousanders in Japan, Japan
Climbing season begins in Japan.

The Gasherbrum group of mountains is located in the Karakoram mountain range of the Himalayas on the Pakistan-China border. The group includes three of the 14 eight-thousanders, Gasherbrum I, Gasherbrum II, and Broad Peak, as well as the unclimbed Gasherbrum VI. Nearby is the imposing K2, the second-highest mountain in the world. The majority of expeditions on these mountains commence in June with summits taking place in late July/early August.

July

Photo: Ludovic Fremondiere

DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


1
Mont Blanc and Alpine four-thousanders, France/Switzerland/Italy
Best time to climb in the European Alps. Alpine four-thousanders.


1
Canadian Rockies, Canada
Climbing (dry) season begins.


1
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Seven summits. Weather is cooler and dry — good time for climbing and wildlife spotting in Tanzania.


1
Eiger, Switzerland
Great north faces of the Alps.


1
Matterhorn, Italy/Switzerland
Alpine four-thousanders. Great north faces of the Alps.


1
Chimborazo, Cotopaxi and Cayambe, Ecuador
Farthest point from the Earth’s core. Driest month although possibility of strong winds.


1
Bolivia Alpine season, Bolivia
6,000m peaks of the Andes.


9
Mount Khuiten and Tavan Bogd range, Mongolia
Remote mountaineering.


11
Elbrus expeditions begin, Russia
Seven summits.


11
Dykh-Tau expeditions begin, Russia
Seven second summits.


16-31
Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia
Seven summits (Messner list). Can be climbed year-round but July-August is the peak season in Indonesia.


23
Alpamayo, Artesonraju & Peruvian Andes, Peru
Best time to climb is in late July/early August.

“It’s a round trip. Getting to the summit is optional, getting down is mandatory.” — Ed Viesturs

August

Photo: Joshua Earle

DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


1
Mont Blanc and Alpine four-thousanders, France/Switzerland/Italy
Best time to climb in the European Alps. Alpine four-thousanders.


1
Eiger, Switzerland
Great north faces of the Alps.


1
Matterhorn, Italy / Switzerland
Alpine four-thousanders. Great north faces of the Alps.


1
Elbrus expeditions, Russia
Seven summits.


1
Dykh-Tau expeditions, Russia
Seven second summits.


1
Bolivia Alpine season ends, Bolivia
6,000m peaks of the Andes.


15
Everest autumn summit season, Nepal
Seven summits. Highest mountain in the world.


30
Cho Oyu expedition begins, Nepal/China
Eight-thousanders. 6th highest mountain in the world.

The towering and near-symmetrical pyramidal peak of the Matterhorn is one of Europe’s (and perhaps the world’s) most iconic mountains. The summer months of July and August are without a doubt the best time to climb.

The formidable North face of the Eiger has made the mountain world famous, often because of tragic summit attempts. Known as one of Alpine “big three” alongside the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, the Eiger is also best approached in July and August.

September

Photo: Chen Zhao

DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


1
Second Manaslu expedition, Nepal
Eight-thousanders. 8th highest mountain in the world. Post-monsoon expedition.


1
Second Makalu expedition, Nepal/China
Eight-thousanders. 5th highest mountain in the world.


1
Khan Tengri, Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan
Best time to climb in the range.


14
Himlung & Saribung, Nepal
Late season mountaineering.


15
Pamir Mountains, Afghanistan/China/Kyrgyzstan/Tajikistan/Uzbekistan
Best time to climb in the range.


24
Second Mera Peak expedition, Nepal
Nepal’s highest trekking peak.


24
Second Baruntse expedition, Nepal
7,000m+ non-technical climbing.

“Mountains have a way of dealing with overconfidence” — Hermann Buhl

October

Photo: Oleg Brovko

DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


1
Tian Shan, China, Kazakhstan/Kyrgyzstan/Uzbekistan
Best time to climb in the range.


1
Meru Peak’s Shark’s Fin
One of the hardest routes in the world. First climbed in October 2011.


15
Ama Dablam, Nepal
Exposed technical Alpinism at altitude.


21
Cholatse, Nepal
Exposed technical Alpinism at altitude.


November

Photo: Arto Marttinen

DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


1
Patagonia, Argentina/Chile
Climbing season begins.


1
Monte Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre, Argentina
Ascents usually begin in November.


1
Cordillera Paine, Torres del Paine, Chile
Ascents usually begin in November.


1
Pico de Orizaba and Iztaccihuatl, Mexico
Dry season begins in November through to March. Pico de Orizaba is the highest mountain in Mexico & the third highest in North America.


1
Mount Cook & Southern Alps, New Zealand
New Zealand’s highest mountain. Southern Alps climbing season begins.


1
Antarctic Peninsula voyages, Antarctica
Possible ship-based expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula.


10
Three Peaks Nepal, Nepal
Three moderate-altitude summits in one expedition.


16
South Pole skiing expedition, Antarctica
Polar skiing expedition (67 days).


23
Vinson Massif, Antarctica
Seven summits.


24
Aconcagua expeditions begin, Argentina/Chile
Seven summits. Climbing season in surrounding Andes range begins.

In a cold and windswept corner of Argentine Patagonia sits Cerro Torre with its terrifying serrated summits. Since it was first (supposedly) climbed in 1959, the mountain has been dogged by controversy thanks to disputed summit claims, questionable climber ethics, and the contentious use of bolts. Patagonia is famous for its tempestuous weather, so even during the summer months of November, December, and January, the conditions can be torrid.
December

Photo: Jean-Pierre Brungs

DATE
MOUNTAIN
NOTES


1
Mount Cook & Southern Alps, New Zealand
New Zealand’s highest mountain. Good time to climb in Southern Alps.


1
Monte Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre, Argentina
Good time to climb.


1
Cordillera Paine, Torres del Paine, Chile
Good time to climb.


1
Antisana climbs begin, Ecuador
Ecuador’s 4th highest and most challenging volcano. Ecuadorian Alpine season begins.


1
Pico de Orizaba, Mexico
Best month to climb. Highest mountain in Mexico & the third highest in North America.


1
Antarctic Peninsula voyages, Antarctica
Possible ship-based expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula.


1
Mount Tyree, Antarctica
Seven second summits.


1
Aconcagua, Argentina/Chile
Seven summits.


4
Vinson Massif, Antarctica
Seven summits.


15
Cordillera Central, Colombia
Best time to climb in Colombia.

 

This article originally appeared on Atlas & Boots and is republished here with permission.

More like this: 25 of the world’s hardest mountains to climb

Meet people while traveling solo

I’m often asked about whether or not I get lonely when traveling alone. Of course I get lonely, but generally, I enjoy my own company a good deal. I don’t really understand how people get bored when on the road. Even if I’m just sitting alone at a sidewalk table drinking a beer and writing postcards, isn’t that something special in a foreign country?

But meeting can prove to be challenging. I’m a bit shy, too, believe it or not.

I do feel that when traveling alone, people are more open to striking up a conversation with you than if you’re surrounded by a group of friends. Most of the people I meet while on the road happen to be solo travelers, too.

So here’s how I do it.

1. Staying in hostels

The most obvious one of them all, right? I admit I really struggled with dorms on my trip around Italy. I didn’t sleep well at all. People seem to have lost all good manners about keeping quiet in the super early hours of the morning.

But you really can’t beat the social atmosphere of hostels. Hang out in the hostel bar or lounge for a little while, and you’ll likely have new friends in no time.

I appreciate the efforts that hostels go through to make the experience more social. My hostel in Rome had a big party meet-up twice a week with a neighboring hostel, which is fine if you’re into taking a lot of shots in quick succession and having young drunk people all up in your face. But my hostel in Naples (Hostel of the Sun) hosted a really cool free dinner twice a week, with endless sangria. I met some cool people there because hey, sangria and free food.

If you’re reaaaally not into the dorm thing, a private room might be worth it. Often they’re as good or better than hotels. My friend Trish visited me in Berlin and stayed at the Circus Hotel in a sweet suite, and used the hostel’s social app to find other fun people to hang out with. We had a wee bit of a party overlooking Berlin’s radio tower.

2. MeetUp.com and Couchsurfing.org

In most cities, you’ll find lots of meet-up groups designed specifically for travelers or expats. I’ve used both MeetUp.com and Couchsurfing.org in the past to connect with people, and always with awesome results.

Even if you’re not a Couchsurfer, it’s worth it to join the community to see what events are on while you’re visiting. Berlin hosts a Späti beer crawl every week, for example, where visitors hop from one corner shop to another to drink cheap beer and hang out on the outside tables.

MeetUp.com tends to run a massive variety of events. When preparing for my Camino, I signed up for the hikers in Berlin group and joined a 24-kilometer Sunday morning hike on the outskirts of the city. I met a ton of cool people in the process and got to enjoy a part of Berlin I wouldn’t have seen otherwise. My friends Adam and Cheryl also run a Make Friends in Berlin group here.

3. Search for Facebook expat groups

If you’re staying in a city for a while, a simple Facebook search for expat groups will help you locate a ton of options. In Berlin, I’m a member of Canadians in Berlin, Girls Gone International (Berlin Chapter), and a handful of others.

These groups regularly organize events and let you connect with others, and they serve as a wonderful fountain of information for newcomers with questions. Girls Gone International especially has answered many of my questions while living here in Berlin.

4. Hop on a guided tour

Some of the coolest people I’ve met while traveling have been through guided tours.

I know it might not be your thing, and that’s fair. But even an afternoon walking tour or a food tour will connect you with other travelers. I love the food tours especially, as they tend to be more interactive and you’ll also get to meet locals in the process.

For guided tours, I do recommend small groups. A lot of solo travelers opt for this route, especially if they’re new to traveling.

5. Tinder

Here’s my most unconventional tip — Tinder! Meeting locals can be really hard, but I’ve actually been really successful with Tinder. I’m usually upfront about it in my profile, with a note saying that I’m just visiting and hoping to meet a local to take me out on a friendly basis. Chatting with a match will give you an idea pretty quick of what the person’s intentions are.

On Capri island in Italy, I met a lovely Italian man named Andrea who took me for a sunset cocktail. Another guy on Big Island in Hawaii showed me some of his favorite places. In Prague, I met an American traveler and we somehow ended up at a salsa bar. I’m still in contact with many of them, in fact.

There are several other apps I enjoy using as well, including Bumble.

This article originally appeared on Free Candie and is republished here with permission.

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Date a Denver girl

Denver girls are gorgeous. They’re outdoors-y. They’re independent. If you’ve been here, you know these things. Chances are your heart strings were (or are) tugged by the beckons of high-altitude romance. It happened to me. But it’s not always easy. I’m here to provide fair warning: it’s hard to go back to your previous self after falling for a Denver girl. You may wind up head over heels in a third-story apartment, typing into a MacBook with a giddy expression on your face, your life plans completely rewritten. Here are seven reasons you should never date a girl from Denver.

1. She doesn’t care about sports and holds a general disdain for both jocks and bros.

This feeling was born long before Denver became popular, but has only amplified in recent years. Most transplants fit into at least one of those two categories. She’s so tired of getting hit on by ski-bros from the East Coast at the bar that if you approach her while wearing a Patriots hat, you’re in line for a slapping. No fist pumping, no Jager bombs, no nights crawling the clubs of LoDo. That’s some gaper bullshit.

That said, she’ll never miss a Broncos game. That would be a disgrace to both herself and her family.

2. She’ll plan backpacking trips with her “college friends” because she doesn’t want to be held back by your bad knees.

She won’t tell you about them until plans are solidified, and oh crap she would have invited you but she knew you had a work thing that weekend.

3. The whole ‘digital nomad’ thing won’t work out because there’s no way you’re going to uproot her from Colorado. No way.

Maybe a piece of land outside of town, potentially as far as the San Luis Valley. But even then, you both know you’ll miss the music scene, breweries, weed, neighborhoods, and feeling like you’re in Europe every time you walk through Union Station. You can take the girl out of Denver, but never the other way around.

4. She doesn’t want to meet your friends that just moved to town.

She’s passionate. She’s loving. She’s dedicated. There’s no time for those college buddies that showed up to check out the weed scene and do some “hikes” at Red Rocks. Her yearning for adventure, that beckoning call to the mountains, brings both of you out of town most weekends. Which also means . . .

5. It’s impossible to plan a surprise weekend getaway.

She doesn’t want to go to the beach, and, in general, hates warm-weather destinations. Most weekends are booked out months in advance for either camping or ski trips, maybe a snowshoe if we’re feeling lazy. Even when there is a free weekend, why not just use it to work down that 14’ers list?

6. You’ll quickly discover that any stereotypical ideas of macho-masculinity are the biggest turnoff ever.

She’ll carry her own backpack, thank you very much. She brought extra water and mapped out options for the route, parking area, and spots for a beer afterward. If you thought you’d get away with calling the shots, it’s going to be a tough go. She wants your input and wants to plan together. But toxic masculinity isn’t going to ruin the party. With Denver girls, it’s best to remember the three C’s:

Coordination
Collaboration
Compassion

7. You can never properly explain her to family members.

There’s just something about her that women from other places don’t have. A confidence born of being the perfect blend of city hipster and rugged mountain girl. She holds her own in every conversation, ever. To the point where your contributions often serve merely to accent her points and you realize that, no matter how stubborn and determined she is, you could never imagine not having her around. All hope is lost on that front.


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7 ski experiences in New Mexico

New Mexico maybe be part desert, but it’s also part mountains — a big part. There are the Sandias and the Sangre de Cristos (part of the Rockies), along with several other chains, and the combination of elevation and weather makes this one of the country’s premier ski destinations.

But in New Mexico, you also have access to world-class art, Native American heritage, and some of the country’s most cinematic terrain, which means skiing here is a cultural experience — not just a sporty one. When you’re here, you’ll get it. Here’s seven ski experiences you can’t have anywhere else.

1. Mountain + museums, Santa Fe

Photo: Ski Santa Fe

Santa Fe is known as an artistic and cultural hub, and not just within New Mexico — it’s one of the top destinations for independent artists in the country. It also happens to sit at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and though it may not seem obvious at first glance, these two things are very, very related.

Start your day on the mountain at Ski Santa Fe. It’s 20 minutes from downtown, has a surprisingly high base elevation of 10,350 feet, and includes 83 marked trails. Among those 83, you’ll find a solid mix of beginner slopes, cruisers, long bump runs, glades and tree runs, chutes, and small bowls (and Chipmunk Corner for the wee ones!). There’s also on-mountain refreshments at Totemoff’s Bar.

After a solid half day or more of skiing, spend the afternoon touring the city’s unique museums, like the Georgia O’Keeffe Museum (the go-to spot for original O’Keeffe works), the Museum of International Folk Art, or Site Santa Fe.

2. Happy Hops Hunt, Sipapu

Sipapu Ski Resort, a small resort just south of Taos and two hours from Albuquerque, has the longest ski season in the state, generally from the beginning of November to the beginning of April. It bills itself as one of the fastest-growing resorts in New Mexico — that’s probably true, and likely because it’s a laid-back, family-friendly getaway with 41 trails, six lifts, and no waiting.

And at Sipapu, if you time it right, there’s no need to wait until aprés-ski to enjoy your other favorite pastime, either. On February 17, 2018, Santa Fe Brewing Company will host its second annual Happy Hops scavenger hunt, where you can scour the mountain for Santa Fe Brewing beer cans stuffed with prizes, and then redeem them at the base area, where locally brewed craft beer awaits you.

3. Double blacks and bratwurst, Taos

Photo: Taos Ski Valley

Most major ski resorts offer a variety of runs from terrifyingly steep to nearly flat. The dauntingly vertical Taos Ski Valley, however, unapologetically leans toward the former. Founded in 1954, Taos Ski Valley attracts intrepid skiers with its suite of black diamond and double black diamond runs, including the expert-only West Basin Ridge. That being said, there are a handful of beginner-level runs for the kids.

For aprés-ski, head down to New Mexico’s most enthusiastic wintertime ski community for bars full of skiers and snowboarders. Then make the drive over to Ojo Caliente Spa for a soak in natural mineral waters or a mud pool bath, or stay at the Bavarian Lodge in authentic-ish German comfort, complete with Alpine cuisine including spaetzle, wienerschnitzel, and strudel.

4. Mardi Gras in the Mountains, Red River

If you ever wanted to celebrate Fat Tuesday with some gumbo and some fresh powder (who said you had to choose?), head to Red River between February 8 and 13 for Mardi Gras in the Mountains. The town is a paradise of Western kitch and basically exists for the skiing, calling itself “the Ski Town of the Southwest.” It’s right in the middle of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, and during this week in February, it’s definitely the best of both worlds.

After catching some beads, attending a Cajun cookoff, and dancing to zydeco, walk to the ski lifts from Main Street for some excellent Rocky Mountain skiing. You can hit up (and slide down) Red River Ski Area’s 63 runs — most are beginner or intermediate, making this a great spot for families. Another way to burn off those Mardi Gras calories is to take to the trails at the nearby Enchanted Forest Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Area.

5. Downhill skiing at 33.3° N

Photo: Optictopic

Ski Apache is New Mexico’s only ski resort to be owned by a local native American tribe. It’s located on the edge of the Mescalero Apache Reservation and near the towns of Ruidoso and Lincoln (the latter is known for its association with Billy the Kid). It also happens to be one of the southernmost ski resorts in the US, more or less equal in latitude with Myrtle Beach, SC (at, roughly, 33.3° N).

Ski Apache offers unique ski classes, like the Men’s Mountain Masters (men-only) and the Snow Divas (women-only). Pick up some skills and try out all 55 of their runs. Or, if you can’t stay upright on either a snowboard or a pair of skis, head up the mountain on the state’s only passenger gondola to the “Gazebo” at the 11,500-foot summit. Take the zipline tour down and you’ll get to the bottom faster than anybody.

6. Nuclear skiing, Pajarito

Pajarito Ski Area, in the Jemez Mountains just 15 minutes from Los Alamos, is historically tied to the Manhattan Project, and its trails were enjoyed by many of the folks who worked (in secret) on the Bomb during World War II during their few leisure hours. Turns out, history and skiing go hand in hand, too.

After navigating down 44 named trails ranging from easy to difficult (and a terrain park, if that’s your thing), head over to the Bradbury Science Museum and then to the Bathtub Row Brewing Co-op for some craft beers with bona fide Los Alamos National Lab eggheads. If you’re a beer connoisseur, you’re in good hands. Hint: Their beer-making method is very precise.

7. Terrain parks galore, Angel Fire

Photo: Angel Fire Resort

Angel Fire, New Mexico’s favorite get-away-from-it-all ski resort, turned 50 last year. Half a century since it’s founding, it’s now expanding its terrain parks and trails under the guidance of ski guru John Eppler, with plans for a new boardercross / ski cross course inspired by courses Eppler created for the Winter X Games.

The resort is also home to some hike-access steeps and the “Stash Parks,” which use features of the natural landscape to give riders and skiers a place to play. There are 80 trails, three terrain parks, and four glade trails over 30 acres that let you dip and soar through the trees like nature intended, and the truly intrepid can experience night skiing on select evenings. Book a cabin or stay at the Lodge at Angel Fire to make a weekend of it.