Year One Recap.

Feels like it was just days ago that we were packing our food kits from Laconia Market into our overnight packs and setting out into the blowing snow for three days in the winter wilderness. But while the last Art Through Adventure Workshop is still fresh in my mind, the next one is already just around the corner, and the excitement is building. As I look forward to the second annual outing, I’m also looking back with gratitude at the inaugural workshop and wanted to share some of the highlights and give thanks to everyone who made it such a wonderful experience.

The first Art Through Adventure Workshop (or ATA for short) had a bit of everything. Snowstorms, sun breaks, amazing powder, a beautiful campsite, summits, big views, big airs, tasty food, great photos and a few hurdles to keep us honest. I couldn’t have done it without the support of the team, the guests and the community at large.

The Athletes. From big blind step-down drops, to powder slashes, to spine walls, Krystin Norman and Max Djenohan showed what it means to be pro. No attitude, all stoke and openness. Sharing ideas with myself and the rest of the photographers, working together to scope lines and capture peak action. Hitting marks and stomping landings. There are athletes who are good at their particular sport, then there are those who check that box, but who are also the type of people with whom you want to learn, explore, travel, and grow. Krystin and Max are these type of people.

The Guides. From the introductory evening, through the pre-trip debrief, into the field where snow safety and route finding was critical with the recent storming, Trevor Kostanich and Shane Robinson created an environment where a feeling of safety and an environment ripe for learning were undeniable. When a medical emergency came out of the blue that required quick thinking and an evacuation, they displayed the extent to which the training and skills of great mountain guides can mean the difference between a sticky situation and a tragedy.

The Guests. There is nothing more creatively inspiring than being surrounded by curious people with great energy. Every time I step into a situation where I’ve taken on the role of ‘teacher’, I’m always blown away at the extent to which I feel that I take away so much new knowledge and inspiration. The guests functioned beautifully as a collective, deciding as a community how we should spend our time and resources in order to generate the best learning environment. I’m gratified to know that they also enjoyed our collaboration. Here’s a bit of feedback from last year’s guests.

”I thought the group of guides and athletes that Scott pulled together for this group was a 10/10. I couldn't have been more appreciative of everyone's attitudes, openness, and general demeanor before, during, and after our time together. I already had a strong relationship with Shane, but I'm grateful for the opportunity to connect with Max, Krystin, and Trevor - all awesome people.”

“It was a great workshop with plenty of art and plenty of adventure. I feel bad that two of our fellow photographers got sick but the crew (guides and Scott especially) handled that difficult situation with cool heads and aplomb. I would wholeheartedly recommend this workshop to others or even take it again potentially depending on where my photography is at that point in time and what backcountry zone we’d be in.”

“Wonderful experience. Loved every moment. The most valuable part was watching Scott create imagery. And watching the staff handle every situation with grace and professionalism.”

“Extremely well conceived and well executed trip. Enjoyed the casual atmosphere and informative. Only wish more people were able to attend in person.”

We’re back at it this March 19th-21st. I’ll be there. Krystin, Max and Shane will also be returning. Unfortunately, Trevor got a guiding job in Norway that was too good to pass up, so we won’t have him on this year’s outing, but I’m beyond thrilled to welcome the amazing Solveig Waterfall to the guide team for this year. Solveig has been guiding for over a decade, has taught countless avalanche classes, has submitted Rainier more times than I can count, and brings a warmth and sense of welcome that will make the workshop the perfect place to absorb knowledge from all facets of the backcountry skiing experience.

Head over to the workshop page, get the details, feel free to reach out with questions, then book your spot. The workshop is limited to 7 guests total, and it’s booking up fast! Can’t wait to share the people and settings which make my most beautiful photography possible.