• [sfs_subscriber_count]

  • ALL ABOUT TRAVEL, ADVENTURE & THE GREAT OUTDOORS

    ADVENTURE IS NECESSARY

    From the Cascades to the Carpathians. Our story has been foretold. We are a group of passionate overland enthusiasts
    who have came together to bring you some of the finest overland adventures, off-grid hiking trails and camping spots located
    throughout the Carpathian Mountains. Our story is in the making of its own. One thing for certain is that we love adventure.

Backcountry Ski Expeditions Carpathian Mountains

( expeditions are temporarily haulted do to current situation in Ukraine ) This winter 2021 we are offering backcountry mountaineering ski, hike, and camp expeditions. These expeditions are not for the faint-hearted. They are a bit on the extreme side, weather conditions are variable and can reach up to -30c and visibility 0. Basecamp will be set deep inside the Chornohora Mountain Range bordering the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve in Ukraine.

The stent of the expedition is 6 days in total, not exceeding 8 persons and only offered twice per month starting in December and ending in April. Transportation to & from Yasinya to basecamp will be provided. Basecamp will consist of a hot tent, cots and two meals per day (breakfast & dinner) with an excellent outdoor chef. The outline is as follows:

DAY 1

    • Arrival at basecamp around 13:00
    • Climatize
    • Getting acquainted
    • Studying the agenda

    • First day upon arrival at basecamp we will and get acquainted with each other as well as our chef and acclimatize to the environment. There will be two mountaineer guides in the group, myself as primary taking up the head of the pack, as well as our secondary at the rear.

    DAY 2

    • Wake 04:30
    • stretches/excercise/coffee/cigarettes
    • Breakfast at 05:15
    • Gear check at 06:00
    • Trek at 06:30

    • First day trek will consist of a 6 to 8 hour hill climb. Snowshoes required as this is a backcountry ski expedition, not a ski tour. We will hike the west side of Mount Petros, weather permitting, we will summit and ski it (avalanche hazards are present.)

    DAY 3

    • Wake 04:30
    • stretches/excercise/coffee/cigarettes
    • Breakfast at 05:15
    • Gear check at 06:00
    • Trek at 06:30

    • The Second day trek will consist of also of a 6 to 8+ hour hill climb depending on forecast. Snowshoes again are required for this trek. We will hike the east side of Mount Hoverla, we will not summit, we will reach the Hut Under Hoverla and ski the east side. Depending on the groups capabilities, there is a choice of two descent routes. (unpredictable high winds and avalanche hazards are present.)

    DAY 4

    • Wake 04:00
    • stretches/excercise/coffee/cigarettes
    • Breakfast at 04:45
    • Gear check at 05:30
    • Trek at 06:00

    • Now we are on our third trek. This trek is going to be more difficult than the first two. The first two treks was to familiarize you with the two mountains that sit adjacent to each other. Now that you have a little knowledge of the territory. This trek is going to be up to the base of Mount Petros, along the ridge line to Mount Hoverla, and than awesome ski descent back to basecamp. The total trek on this line is 21.71 km, TT is around 13.5 hours. We will be descending in the dark, viable head lamps & lighting is required.

    DAY 5

    • Wake (group choice)
    • stretches/excercise/coffee/cigarettes
    • Breakfast at (group choice)
    • Gear check at (group choice)
    • Trek at (group choice)

    • This is the last ski day. I leave it to you to decide which line to trek & ski.

    DAY 6

    • Wake when you want
    • Breakfast at your disposal (speak with the chef)
    • some local exploring if you will
    • The journey back to Yasina mid afternoon

    • I think the list above pretty much sums it up. I am sure this day we will have many stories to tell and a great adventures we shared together. Rock and roll!

    Now that sums up the agenda, lets dive into some technical details. Gear is one of the most crucial aspects to this adventure. Improper gear can make your experience not only exhausting but dangerous as well. You will need to provide your own gear, whether it is rental or your own. Skis should be at least 105mm wide up to 115mm for trekking. You will need ski skins, as well as alpine tour bindings. Avalanche rucksack’s may not be necessary, but a good idea to have if you own one. An Avalanche beacon is a must and you will not be permitted to hike with me if you do not carry one. If you do not own one, please let me know, I may have a spare one I can provide you with. Snowshoes may not be needed, but a must have for the mountain ascents depending on snow conditions as well as a rucksack that can hold your skis on those ascents. You must also understand the meaning of layered clothing, you will sweat in minus degree temperatures. Below I will list the following items we will provide as well as the ones we do not provide you with.

    PROVISIONS

    • Basecamp
    • Roundtrip transportation to and from Yasinya
    • A Chef
    • 2 hot meals per day
    • Hot tent
    • Cots
    • Handheld radios for each person in group
    • Mountaineering knowledge
    • A great and powerful backcountry ski adventure

    • NON-PROVISIONS & REQUIREMENTS

    • We do not provide your ski equipment
    • Ski skins
    • Snowshoes
    • Rucksacks
    • GPS Handheld and Satellite Communicator (whether it be a Suunto Watch or Garmin)
    • Avalanche Beacon
    • Sleeping bags
    • Lunch/snacks
    • And anything else you may think of

    • I am going to cut to the chase to avoid any unnecessary questioning and give an explanation. I remember when I was a young pup, someone said a statement to me that I never understood until later in life, much later, many decades even after puberty. I don’t recall the question I asked, and the old man’s words burn in me even to this very day. He stated: ” That is the difference between you and me”.

    I value my skills, knowledge and perspective to the mountains as well as mine and your safety. Whether you are a beginner or the most advanced mountaineer, as a mountain guide I am responsible for you, and any decision I make affects not only you personally, but the entire group in itself, including me. And this value I perceive adequate for this expedition.

    The Team:
    Our team will consist of 11 persons. 2 mountain guides (primary and secondary), a chef, whom is also our basecamp operative monitoring our every movement, and is also our radio communication personnel, and up to 8 expeditioners.

    Pricing & Availability as Follows:
    This backcountry ski expedition is offered twice per month ( The second and last week of each month) starting December through the end of April. December and January have 1 expedition available. February and March are both open, and 1 expedition still available for April at the moment. Prices are 42,000 UAH per head. If you book two or more persons a discounted rate will apply at 35,000 UAH per head.

    Phone:
    Robert Corby +38 (098) 674-27-07


    About me

    About me

    My home is my garage, literally. My name is Robert Corby (Bobby), I am a dev, an adventurist, backcountry skier and a photographer, and yes, my home is my garage. I spend most my time in the backcountry, bouncing about the hills between Mount Petros and Mount Hoverla. This is my favorite place in the Zakarpattia Oblast of Ukraine. Tanya and I find ourselves at peace here, there is so much positive energy in this region of the mountains for us. We feel like basecamp is our home, maybe it is. However we do rent a home in Tatariv, seldomly visited. We run home twice month for a hot shower, a little work, a little internet, and so forth. Our house is literally a zoo park full of gear all over the place. Once home and reassessed, we check & clean our equipment, resupply, and are back at it again. This is who we are, always chasing that fresh powder.