The Latest Adventure News: December
Photo by Ben Tibbetts
YOUR LATEST ADVENTURE AND OUTDOOR NEWS FROM AROUND THE WORLD…
This month, read about three sensational adventure feats, check out four inspiring outdoor movies and three articles, find out about upcoming seasonal ski events, and plan your 2023 mountain escapades - read on!
Adventure feats to inspire you
From the Northern to the Southern Hemisphere, these three adventure feats really got us dreaming and we’re certain they will inspire you, too.
Adventure #1
Riddle us this: What requires 13 pairs of hiking boots, 17 pairs of socks, and five headlamps? How about nine US states, six National Parks, and 25 backpacker hostels? Around 15 million steps and 11,064 km?
Nick Gagnon’s recent journey to successfully complete the Great Western Loop, that’s what.
On November 3, the hiker became the first person to ever complete the massive loop trail in under 200 days. The enormous loop links up sections of five thru-hikes, including the Pacific Crest, Pacific Northwest, Continental Divide, Grand Enchantment, and Arizona trails.
The only two other known and documented successful journeys of the loop included Jeff Garmire in 2018 and Andrew Skurka in 2007. They completed it in 208 days and 213 days, respectively.
“I would consider this the hardest thru-hike in the world,” Gagnon told Outside Magazine. “If you’re on one of the triple-crown [Appalachian, Pacific Crest, Continental Divide] trails they are well-maintained. On this one you’re often on much smaller trail systems but you have to maintain a high pace.”
Bravo, Nick!
Adventure #2
On December 4, Erchana Murray-Bartlett ran into Newcastle’s Bar Beach Bowls Club (Australia) to a cheering crowd of friends, family, and supporters, having just finished her 107th consecutive marathon and broken the Guinness World Record.
The 32-year-old now holds the Guinness World Record title for most consecutive marathons run - and she’s not even done yet!
Starting off at the tip of Australia in Cape York, Erchana is running her way along the East Coast, all the way down to the toe of the country to Melbourne. She aims to reach 150 marathons in a row, one for each day she’s on the road.
Why? She loves to run but she also loves her country’s wildlife. Her run has helped raise funds and attention for the Wilderness Society, with the aim of saving Australia’s fauna that’s at risk of extinction.
We’re keeping a close eye on Erchana’s progress and are supporting her from here!
Adventure #3
Last but certainly not least is Pascale Steeger and her team at AndesNomade who have installed a safety totem on Volcán Villarica in Chile.
Their plan is to install seven more totems across popular backcountry areas in the country, each highlighting the route on FATMAP for everyone to safely enjoy.
Thanks for all your safety awareness raising, Pascale, and keep up the great work!
Movies to ignite your senses and soul
We just can’t get enough of the outdoor films FATMAP Pro Ambassadors and Explore partners are making lately! Here are four mesmerising ones to get you raring to go to the mountains.
Pro freeride snowboarder, Antti Autti, created a three-part documentary series about his freeride snowboarder’s journey towards sustainability.
A journey of personal growth where he learns how to balance risk, responsibilities and thrills, and an attempt to show the true potential for freeriding in the Arctic, the entire series is set to be an inspirational one.
The video highlights his freeriding roadtrip with a Polestar to the biggest couloir in Norway, Gagnesrenna.
Pro ski mountaineer, Michael Wirth, completed an outdoor hat trick. He successfully completed a rarely-done linkup of South Maroon, North Maroon, and Pyramid Peak in Colorado in just one day.
Check out his impressive route here and marvel at his adventure in the video above.
Pro steep skier, Nikolai Schirmer, is back with a new video series and we’re thrilled!
The last video of the series (above) went live recently. From the story telling to the filming, and the music to the skiing, it has it all.
This ski biopic is about Nikolai’s friend and ski prodigy Chris Booth, their friendship and his influence on Nikolai’s life - set against the backdrop of two attempts to ride the north face of Store Jægervasstinden in Lyngen, Norway. Also featuring Even Vangsnes and Krister Kopala for the successful attempt at the line.
When the swell’s good, you gotta get deep out back – and that’s what the Nidecker team did in their latest release, Escapism, which features some classic lines from Narvik, Norway, amongst some more conventional European stand-out spots. It’s a feel-good freeride bonanza and a great use of 137 seconds of your day.
Photos by Ed Blomfield
Articles we know you’ll love
Why you should visit the Aosta Valley
The reasons for visiting the Aosta Valley in Italy far outweigh the reasons not to go there. Even though it is Italy’s least populated and smallest region, it makes for one heck of a great ski destination.
It was even the spot where Killian Jornet once went on a record-breaking run from Cervinia to the top of the Matterhorn and back down in just 2 hours and 52 minutes.
You won’t be running up Aosta’s snowy hills in winter, so here are some reasons why it should be on your list of winter destinations:
World class wine. After all, every decent ski resort has a fun après-ski vibe, so why not look back fondly on your day on the slopes with an excellent glass of wine?
Ski resorts. The ski resorts in Aosta Valley are plentiful and suit every level of skier or snowboarder. Cervinia sits at 2,050m and you can access the Klein Matterhorn at 3,883m on the Swiss side of the border. At these kinds of altitudes, Cervinia becomes one of the most snow sure resorts in the Alps.
Hotels. Aosta houses some of the Alps’ most pleasant and cosy hotels, places to spend the night that provide you with easy morning access to the marvellous winter offering at your doorstep.
Mountains. You get to see the Matterhorn, or Monte Cervino as it’s known in Italy, with your own eyes. Enough said.
Should you go to Hawaii to hike to its recent lava flow?
The world’s largest and most active volcano, Mauna Loa, spectacularly erupted on the Big Island of Hawaii on Sunday 27 November. This was its first eruption in nearly three decades.
The brilliant orange lava flow could be seen from almost every corner of the island, especially from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, naturally attracting many onlookers. The park’s main trails were not impacted by the lava flow, so visitors could still enter the park and hike.
As of Tuesday 13 December, the U.S. Geological Survey's Hawaiian Volcano Observatory issued two separate statements announcing that both Mauna Loa and Kilauea – which was simultaneously erupting – are "no longer erupting."
So, hikers can still easily visit the park, with just a few sections being closed off. Sadly, no lava flows or eruptions can currently be seen, but it’s still a hiker’s paradise. So if you’re not in the mood for winter sports, make your way to the Big Island of Hawaii for some wonderful hikes.
One man’s experience fastpacking across the Alps
An article published in Sidetracked magazine, a FATMAP Explore partner, details one man’s fastpacking journey through the Alps and how he not only crossed physical mountain ranges but also theoretical, personal mountains. His own “mountains of the mind”.
An inspirational and intimate invitation into what went through Alex Roddie’s head as he loped up and down hills, mountains, and crags across the Alps, this story is a welcome breath of fresh air. We so rarely read stories about how hard outdoor experiences can be that when someone does open up about the topic, it’s a welcome change.
Alex describes his 900–1,000km journey from Ventimiglia to Zermatt, over the spine of the Alps, and how he regularly kicked away his imposter syndrome, proving that you don’t have to have grown up as an athlete or hardcore runner or hiker to accomplish such an impressive mountain adventure.
Winter Events
Don’t miss out on these festive mountain events!
Skishow by the Ski and Snowboard school 2000
On Thursday 29 December, be prepared to watch the Ski and Snowboard School 2000 of Val Gardena in the Dolomites, Italy perform mesmerising jumps and tricks. Bright lights, sparklers, and fun times await all those who make their way to the festivities.
Where & When: Frëina slope - Ciampinoi, 9:30 - 10:30pm, Dec. 29
How: Find out more information here
Sunset Snowshoe tour
Marvel at the Sierra in all its glory on a sunset snowshoe tour above the Mammoth Lakes Basin in the US. See the famous alpenglow light up the mountains around you, enjoying a truly magical moment in nature.
Where & When: Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center, Mammoth Lakes, 3:30 - 5pm, Dec. 30
How: Sign up here
Torchlit Descent of the Face de Bellevarde
Head to Val d’Isère in France for a magnificent torchlit ski, telemarking, and freestyle display down the Face de Bellevarde by the ESF followed by brilliant fireworks and mulled wine. Watch as skiers glide down the mountain all lit up and be prepared for some serious festive cheer.
Where & When: Face de Bellevarde, Val d’Isère, Dec. 22 & 29
How: Find out more information here
Plan your 2023 backpacking
Image by Jess Barnett
It’s never too early to start planning your mountain adventures!
British Columbia in Canada has a treasure trove of backpacking trip options. Some require reservations as early as four months ahead and these sell out fast. From the Bowron Lake Circuit to the Garibaldi Provincial Park, you can book your camping spots online or via phone now.
Don't miss out on excellent hikes and reserve your dates now, so you can create memorable 2023 outdoor adventures in stunning British Columbia.
See you out there!
Team FATMAP