BIG MOUNTAIN CAMPS LAUNCHED!

We've had our heads down here at Big Mountain for awhile now working diligently on a new project: Big Mountain Camps to be held this summer in our favorite European Alps' playground - Verbier, Switzerland - with none other than the master himself as the architect of the camp, Wade Simmons. Well, we're proud to open up the doors and invite you in to take a look around...CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE NEW SITE. And, we're giving away a spot at Big Mountain Camps, all you have to do is become a "fan" of our Facebook page. CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE SWEEPSTAKES! We hope to see you on a trail sometime soon....

Embracing Diversity: Wade Simmons

"Mountain biking seems to be a living, growing and evolving sport. It is extremely diverse. It’s hard to think of another sport that accommodates as many disciplines, and one that is constantly being shaped by technology and new product..." READ MORE FROM WADE ON PINKBIKE.COM HERE.

A young Wade proudly displaying his hardware.

Want to ride with Wade this summer and have him help you with your riding skills? CLICK HERE!

1% for the Planet partners with Big Mountain

BIG MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP

WITH 1% FOR THE PLANET

VANCOUVER, BC, January 25, 2011, - Big Mountain Adventures has joined 1% for the Planet, pledging a portion of its sales to support non-profit organizations focused on sustainability.

“Big Mountain is a great addition to the network. By signing on to 1%, it shows they’re really walking the walk in their sustainability efforts,” says Terry Kellogg, 1% CEO. “They’re using generosity as a tool with which to build their business and enabling valuable environmental work along the way. We’re excited to welcome them to the 1% family.”

“It feels fantastic to be supporting organizations who are committed to keeping our planet healthy. We visit so many beautiful places and meet special local people who support our trips wherever we go, ” says Big Mountain owner Chris Winter, “giving back is just right. And know that when you book one of our trips you’ll be giving back too.”

Members of 1% contribute one percent of revenue directly to any of the approved non-profit environment organizations in 1%’s network. Non-profits are chosen based on referrals, track record and environmental focus. Over 1,600 non-profits worldwide are included in the 1% program.

About 1% for the Planet

Started in 2002 by Yvon Chouinard, founder and CEO of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, owner of Blue Ribbon Flies, 1% for the Planet is a growing global movement of over 1,200 member companies in 38 countries that donate 1% of their sales to environmental organizations worldwide. Each day, more than one new business joins the 1% for the Planet movement. As a network, the 1% community has become a global frontrunner in funding the work of environmental groups around the world. To learn more about 1% go to: www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

About Big Mountain Adventures

Founded in 2002, Big Mountain Bike Adventures Big offers worldclass all-mountain, XC and DH mountain bike trips to 11 countries on five continents. For additional information, visit www.ridebig.com <http://www.ridebig.com/> or call 1.866.894.0220 toll-free in North America / 604.730.2659. Blog: http://ridebig.blogspot.com/ and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/bigmountainbikeadventures

BM guide Ryan Sullivan speaking with a Taramuhara native in Copper Canyon, Mexico.

Vanderham, Shandro, Hunter and a bunch of Moroccan kids filming for The Collective.

 

The Economist: Vancouver, where the livin' is easiest

Vancouver was just voted #1 city to live in on the planet by The Economist. There's no doubt that living in Vancouver is very good. This time of the year: spring has sprung and the cherry blossoms are about to pop across the city, North Shore trails are good to go (as they are year-round), restaurants are worldclass, the locals are chilled but still spicy and the nearby mountains are choking on dry powder. It's good here. Read the article here.

Who dosen't like a good cherry blossom?

BTW, we're running a stellar all-mountain trip this summer out of Vancouver, Sea to Sky from July 23-30. Come check out this region for yourself!

MBUK mag: Inca DH trip, "the ultimate MTB holiday?"

Mountain Biking UK has published a sweet piece on our Inca DH trip in Peru, one of the only big bike specific guided trips in South America. "The huge Andes mountain range divides the country into three areas of coast, highland and jungle, which make it a veritable Crystal Maze of a freeriding experience," says MBUK. Click here to find out more about Inca DH holiday.

Culture, big mountains, ripping trails - Peru has it all!

A Cow's Demise: riding the Alps with Joe

“Ding, ding, ding”, the omnipresent sound of cowbells waft through the Swiss air. If there is one thing I relate directly to my travels in Switzerland, it is the sound of these large bells, attached to even larger bovines. Seriously, these cows make our North American hormone-infused versions look pretty puny...
Read more about Joe Schwartz' Alpen exploits on NSMB.com.

Big Mountain's shuttle rig in Switzerland.

 

 

Want to ride with Joe Schwartz in the Alps this summer? He's working out his schedule now but stay tuned... In the meantime, check out out our Alpenrock DH trips and all-mountain Cloudraker trips.

Joe Schwartz: Perspectives on Adventure

Anyone who's ridden with mountain biker Joe Schwartz can appreciate quality. As a guide, he's in a class of his own melding his heli-ski guiding background, language skills, travel experience and safety skills into a seamless day or a seamless week. As a coach, he's calm and collective and rich with all the things to do on a bike. Oh, you wouldn't know it if you met him, but he competed in several Red Bull Rampage events and was a force in the pro freeride scene not long ago. Now you can enjoy all things Joe Schwartz, from skiing exploits to mountain bike trips with Big Mountain, on his newly launched blog "Perspectives on Adventure."

He has been known to ride with a briefcase. It's true.

don't be mistaken, Joe Schwartz is not a doctor.

Our most beautiful planet.

This inspiring short captures the awesome diversity and awe-inspiring beauty of planet earth. We must not give up on doing our best to keep our home liveable.

It's summer somewhere.

The Big Mountain Adventures' office is abuzz these days. This week Lorraine Blancher will be packing up her bike in snowy Revelstoke BC and unpacking it in sunny tropical San Jose. On Friday her and local guide and trail builder Paulo Valle will be picking up the group for our first Pura Vida DH trips. Hmmmm, downhill mountain biking in Costa Rica. Meanwhile owner Chris Winter is getting prepped for New Zealand and the highly anticipated Silver Fern all-mountain trip which debuts on March 1. "I'm so excited for this trip because it explores a big chunk of NZ. And the country is do diverse and beautiful, like a postcard view around every turn - I can't wait." says Winter.
Here's a clip from our friends at Anthill Productions of a recent NZ trip:

Follow Me - Behind the Scenes New Zealand from Anthill Films on Vimeo.

Dear Pedro

Our friends at NSMB.com revived a funny story from the Dear Wade Costa Rica contest that we did in 2009 on our Costa Rica DH trips. Check it out here.

Mid-descent, mid-afternoon with the San Jose valley in the distance.

Want to go to Costa Rica soon! Feb 18 and Feb 26 departures...a few spots left! Get in touch!

Lance Armstrong does drugs...he rides bikes for a living!

Thanks to our friends at Chromag Bikes for this groundbreaking piece.

Good thoughts.

"I thought of that while riding my bike"
Albert Einstein.

Are you like me, do you find that you have some of your best thoughts while on your bike? Those, clear "a ha" thoughts that you almost wish that you could stop and carve into a tree so that you don't forget it? We're canvasing our Facebook Fans to find out what some of their best thoughts are while riding; why don't you become a Fan and share your best thought? Or at least head over to our FB page and take a read, it should be entertaining. Click here.

Happy thoughts!

Stoked!

The backyard: ride Vancouver, Whistler and beyond this summer.

"Sea to Sky," an 8-day all-mountain trip out of Vancouver that uncovers the barely-known riding gems beyond the world-renowned Whistler Bike Park. This trip explores Whistler’s secret trails, the cult riding town of Squamish and it’s endless web of singletrack, the eclectic and arid Pemberton Valley, the Sunshine Coast via ferry and influential North Shore of Vancouver. We’ve also got an optional sea plane extension in the Chilcotins. The community of mountain bikers in this area is like nowhere else – trail builders, event organizers, industry leaders - passionate mountain bikers. You've been to Whistler, now come back and let us show you around...

A Whistler post-ride staple: chillin' at the lake.