This page is to share some of the places I've had the opportunity to explore.
Saas Fee, Switzerland
Lying in the next-door valley to Zermatt, SAAS-FEE is often overlooked, mostly because it doesn’t have any train access. However, were it not for the Matterhorn next door, the array of peaks around Saas-Fee would be enough of a draw in themselves: the village is perched on a shelf of pasture at the base of a horseshoe of thirteen 4000m-plus peaks. Oozing out from between them is the giant Feegletscher – or Fairy Glacier – trickling its meltwater down through the village, and active enough in its various sectors to limit what would otherwise be spectacular skiing. The danger of falling down a glacial crevasse if you stray beyond piste-markings is more pronounced in Saas-Fee than in most other resorts.
Saas Fee, every year, plays host to one of the most fantastic world cup of ice climbing events on the circuit. Thousands join the festivities, partaking in an electric climbing experience.
Mt.Gimli, Valhalla's
Any opportunity climbing in the alpine with my buddy Justin Vance is an opportunity worth going to. The route that was dear to his heart, a route that he had something personal to settle with was the South Arete of Mt. Gimli. When we first arrived at the parking lot, looking up to this magnificent beast I was so stoked, and ready to take on this challenge.
The route consists of 9 pitches and in its finish is rated (now) 10a. From start to finish the route was wicked. The features, roofs, slabs, exposure...all of it, (including wearing shorts which i might add was not a good choice being so high up and how windy and cold it was–I certainly wasn't sport climbing) was worth every minute. The best part was of course the walk off. We just spent 10+hours climbing this beautiful mountain and with our delight we were able to find a "walk off" which saved all the grueling rappels that layed ahead.
Despite the rats running over us during our "slumber", this beautiful area, the Valhalla's, is totally worth going to. Even if you're just up for some amazing hiking...still worth the experience.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Living in the mountains for the past ten years, I've forgotten that you can still find breath taking scenery with mere rolling hills. Recently I spent a week in the Red RIver Gorge, located in Kentucky. First off, this place has some of the most amazing climbing i've seen and gotten on. If you like steep, overhanging, long, pockets, crimps, slopers, jugs....you'll love this place. Every bit of it. Whether you're into crazy fun camping at Miguels pizza joint, or a more quieter venue down the road at ...Linda's, you take your pick.
Aside from the climbing, the picturesque scenery will captivate you, leaving you standing in awe for what seems like eternity. Trees with vibrant fantastic colours, windy roads leading you on a journey with endless adventure, so much to take in you find yourself speechless. And lets not forget about the locals...the "true locals". If you're up for some entertaining conversation...just strike up any topic with a local...you'll be in for a real treat!
Saas Fee, Switzerland
Lying in the next-door valley to Zermatt, SAAS-FEE is often overlooked, mostly because it doesn’t have any train access. However, were it not for the Matterhorn next door, the array of peaks around Saas-Fee would be enough of a draw in themselves: the village is perched on a shelf of pasture at the base of a horseshoe of thirteen 4000m-plus peaks. Oozing out from between them is the giant Feegletscher – or Fairy Glacier – trickling its meltwater down through the village, and active enough in its various sectors to limit what would otherwise be spectacular skiing. The danger of falling down a glacial crevasse if you stray beyond piste-markings is more pronounced in Saas-Fee than in most other resorts.
Saas Fee, every year, plays host to one of the most fantastic world cup of ice climbing events on the circuit. Thousands join the festivities, partaking in an electric climbing experience.
Any opportunity climbing in the alpine with my buddy Justin Vance is an opportunity worth going to. The route that was dear to his heart, a route that he had something personal to settle with was the South Arete of Mt. Gimli. When we first arrived at the parking lot, looking up to this magnificent beast I was so stoked, and ready to take on this challenge.
The route consists of 9 pitches and in its finish is rated (now) 10a. From start to finish the route was wicked. The features, roofs, slabs, exposure...all of it, (including wearing shorts which i might add was not a good choice being so high up and how windy and cold it was–I certainly wasn't sport climbing) was worth every minute. The best part was of course the walk off. We just spent 10+hours climbing this beautiful mountain and with our delight we were able to find a "walk off" which saved all the grueling rappels that layed ahead.
Despite the rats running over us during our "slumber", this beautiful area, the Valhalla's, is totally worth going to. Even if you're just up for some amazing hiking...still worth the experience.
Red River Gorge, Kentucky
Living in the mountains for the past ten years, I've forgotten that you can still find breath taking scenery with mere rolling hills. Recently I spent a week in the Red RIver Gorge, located in Kentucky. First off, this place has some of the most amazing climbing i've seen and gotten on. If you like steep, overhanging, long, pockets, crimps, slopers, jugs....you'll love this place. Every bit of it. Whether you're into crazy fun camping at Miguels pizza joint, or a more quieter venue down the road at ...Linda's, you take your pick.
