ADULT PROGRAMS
PATAGONIA - CHILE
AGES 18+
Patagonia, Chile
January 2 - 14, 2019
This trip into the wild and rugged heart of the Chilean Patagonia region known as Aysén will surely leave your spirits high and quench your thirst for adventure. Travel by 4x4 truck and nightly lodging will leave plenty of energy for fjords, glaciated lakes, glaciers, mountains, hiking, fishing, community and fun. Visit four of Chile’s national parks, complete six days of hiking with not-to-be-missed views, drive the Carretera Austral, Chile’s most iconic road, boat glaciated fiordes, and wanderlust the days away with majestic southern austral flora and fauna. Led by David “Hock” Hockschartner, Executive Director of Round Lake Campus, Tory Ewing, RN and outdoor enthusiast, and Gregory de Pascale, PhD, Professor of Geology at the Universidad de Chile, specializing in this unique area.
CORDILLERA HUAYHUASH - PERU
AGES 18+
Cordillera Huayhuash - Peru
July 15 - August 1, 2019
This is an expedition for the ambitious, the adventurous, and the explorer. Over the course of 18 days we will prepare for and then circumnavigate the famed Cordillera Huayhuash in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, considered to be one of the top ten treks in the world. In 12 days, we will travel 120 km by foot over 9 mountain passes, reaching up to 5,000 meters in altitude. Hiking with daypacks, we will have the support of pack mules and food will be prepared for you each day. The Cordillera Huayhuash boasts incredible mountain vistas, small mountain communities, hot spring pools, and stunning alpine lakes. Before and after our trekking expedition, we will have time to explore the mountain city of Huaraz, including day excursions to famed pre incan ruins, mountain lakes, and local markets. Your guides will include North County School and Camp Treetops Executive Director, David“Hock” Hockschartner, Outdoor Guide and Environmental Conservationist, Kestrel Kunz, and the assistance of local Peruvian mountain locals.
MONT BLANC - HIKING & CULTURAL EXPEDITION
AGES 18+
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Mont Blanc Hiking & Cultural Expedition
August 5 - 18, 2019
Enjoy the scenic views of Mont Blanc as you make your way through France, Switzerland and Italy on this epic day hike and cultural tour. Your personal tour guide and driver will shuttle you from stop to stop as you combine days spent hiking along the famous Tour du Mont Blanc circuit with more relaxing days touring local mountain towns.
On one afternoon, those feeling bold will have the option to climb a Via Ferrata route along cables and iron pegs with a certified guide. Another afternoon will leave you time to rent paddle boats and explore a nearby lake. You’ll spend nine nights in private rooms of mountain hotels or villas and three nights sleeping in traditional Alpine dormitory accommodations. Enjoy traditional French, Swiss and Italian meals in quaint rustic restaurants, looking out over prominent mountaintop views.
You will cross paths frequently with those who are hiking the full 100-mile Tour du Mont Blanc loop. Gather over delicious meals and drinks to share stories from your adventures.
TOUR DU MONT BLANC - HIKING EXPEDITION
AGES 18+
Tour du Mont Blanc - Hiking Expedition
August 5 - 18, 2019
Fourteen days, three countries, hiking hut-to-hut, 106 miles, and 34,000' of ascent... Hock invites you and family and friends to join him in the Alps at a steady yet comfortable pace through a region of uncompromising beauty and charm.
Hikers will begin their journey just downvalley of Chamonix, France. From there, they proceed along Alpine trails, past towering glaciers and alongside glistening streams, hiking between seven and eleven miles per day with the comfort of carrying only the essentials. Lazy evenings are spent relaxing over a cold drink and a hearty traditional meal from rustic mountain huts while resting for the next day’s journey. Halfway through the trek, hikers will enjoy a break from walking with a relaxing stay in the mountain town of Courmayeur, Italy. From Courmayeur, enjoy stunning views of the towering Mont Blanc and surrounding peaks as you continue over rocky passes and back into France.
For those unable to join us for the entire trip, we are offering a 7-day option as well. 7-day hikers will complete half the circuit with the rest of the group and return back home from the Val Ferret, spending a final evening in the town of Champex.