In May 2026, Adventure Studies students are taking their learning far beyond the classroom and into some of the world’s most dynamic outdoor environments. From glaciated terrain in the Canadian Rockies to granite walls in Morocco, remote rivers in Peru, and Arctic ski objectives in Norway, these expeditions represent the culmination of two years of preparation, teamwork, and applied learning. As 14-day capstone experiences, each expedition provides students with the opportunity to apply their skills in real-world, professional contexts.
Norway Ski Expedition: Lyngen Alps
Cat, Thomas, Rownan, and Luke, alongside faculty member Jerry Isaak, are heading to the birthplace of skiing—Norway. Their journey will take them from Vancouver to Oslo and onward to Tromsø before settling into their home base in Balsfjord.
From their Airbnb, the team plans to complete a series of day trips to three primary ski objectives in the Lyngen Alps: Gorzelvtinden (6 km, 1,000 m gain), Langdaltinden (5.4 km, 904 m gain), and Blåtinden (8.8 km, 1,166 m gain). These objectives will challenge the team across a range of terrain and conditions while building confidence in complex Arctic mountain environments.
The primary goals of the Norway Ski Expedition are to develop leadership skills in complex terrain and strengthen team connections through shared challenge and experience. To support these objectives, the team has developed a comprehensive training plan that addresses physical, psychological, technical, and tactical readiness. Preparation includes ski touring and strength training, fatigued decision-making and stress management, efficient track setting and rescue skills, and applied avalanche assessment, route planning, and emergency response.
In November, the team hosted a Wax Night fundraiser to help support their expedition, waxing 20 pairs of skis and raising $300 toward their upcoming adventure.
Rock Expedition: Climbing Granite in Tafraout
The largest expedition group of the year includes 10 diploma students—Logan, Mike, Sophie, Jacob, Denaya, Devon, Maxwell, Latham, Kiel, and Amy—led by faculty member Fred Amyot. The team will depart from Vancouver, flying to Agadir before driving south to their final destination in Tafraout.
Morocco is a world-class rock climbing destination, offering a wide range of routes suitable for all skill levels. The team will climb in the Anti-Atlas Mountains, an area known for its expansive pink and red granite, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural setting.
Expedition Goals and Objectives
- Cultural Immersion: Explore Moroccan Berber culture and create a positive impact within the rural communities they visit.
- Skill Development: Progress toward ACMG Apprentice Rock prerequisites and complete their longest multi-pitch route to date.
- Community Building: Reflect on their shared journey over the past two years in the Adventure Guide Program.
Follow along with their expedition journey on Instagram at @tru_rocking_morocco.
BC Ski Expedition: Conquering the Lyell Icefields to Freshfields
A team of six students—Maggie, Matt, Georgia, Justin, Annie, and Oscar—alongside sessional instructor and IFMGA- and ACMG-certified Mountain Guide Matt Chessor, is preparing for a high-altitude ski expedition deep in the Canadian Rockies. Their multi-stage journey begins with a helicopter flight from Golden, Alberta, into the remote Lyell Icefields.
The team will establish a three-day base camp at the Lyell Icefield before launching into a demanding three-day traverse to Freshfields. Upon arrival, they will set up a second base camp for five days of backcountry exploration and technical ski objectives.
Beyond the thrills of skiing and snowboarding, the expedition offers critical educational opportunities. Students will lead daily guides meetings, take part in route planning, and apply avalanche forecasting and snow study techniques in real-world conditions.
As the team prepares to head into glaciated terrain, they bring with them a strong foundation of training, trust, and technical skill. This expedition will challenge them physically and mentally while deepening their experience in professional mountain travel and leadership.
Whitewater Expedition: The Last Road into the Amazon
A team of six committed paddlers—Ryan, Ava, Jasmine, Elisa, Bruce and Emma, alongside faculty members James Rodger and Travis Aback, will soon embark on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition to Peru. The team will spend seven days whitewater kayaking and rafting the lower section of the Yavero–Urubamba River—often referred to as the last road into the Amazon. This remote river corridor offers both technical challenges and an unparalleled opportunity for cultural connection.
Expedition Goals and Objectives
- Community Building: Strengthen team cohesion through shared experience, daily debriefs, and regular team check-ins.
- Cultural Immersion: Deepen their understanding of local culture while connecting with remote river communities along the expedition route.
- Skill Development: Advance river reading, decision-making, and leadership skills while tackling larger rapids and developing oar-guiding proficiency.
To prepare for this ambitious journey, the expedition team has developed a comprehensive training plan that integrates physical conditioning, psychological readiness, and technical skill development. This holistic approach ensures each participant is prepared to perform confidently—both as an individual and as part of a unified expedition team.
As departure approaches, excitement is building. This expedition goes beyond the rapids—it’s a hands-on learning experience in leadership, resilience, and connection. The team is ready to take on the Yavero–Urubamba and bring their experiences back to the Adventure Studies community.
These expedition teams are ready to take on the world, putting their skills, teamwork, and passion for adventure to the ultimate test. We wish them an incredible, safe, and fun journey—follow @truadventurestudies for updates, stories, and behind-the-scenes highlights from their adventures.
