Explore-Share Blog

Hiking Mt Yatsugatake in Japan: from a business trip to a mountain adventure

Thirty-six-year old Wim from Belgium was excited when the Japanese chemical company he works for invited him to Japan to visit its headquarters. For him, the trip was the perfect opportunity to not just expand his work relationships, but also explore the country. “Japan has always intrigued me. It is a very diverse country with tropical

Tour du Mont Blanc: 9 girlfriends take on one of the world’s great hikes

When 55-year old Patricia from Argentina proposed to her group of hiking-loving friends to cross the Atlantic to do the Tour du Mont Blanc, she wasn’t expecting such an enthusiastic response. Almost immediately, 8 of them said yes and in no time the group was organizing their trip to France. Some of them thought

Backcountry ski expedition in Teshiodake: untracked powder adventures in Japan

Far away from Hokkaido’s crowded ski resorts and yet only at a 3-hour drive from the Sapporo airport, Mt Teshio (a.k.a. Teshiodake) awaits you with amazing powder for a true mountain adventure on skis. Hokkaido has it all. The northern island of Japan is known worldwide as a powder ski paradise that receives an insane

Ski touring in Kyrgyzstan: an old Soviet base and a real “Into the Wild” experience

When 29-year old Erik signed up for 6-day ski touring adventure in Kyrgyzstan, he knew little about the country in general and a lot less about the beautiful Ala Archa Valley. His ski touring experience was, in fact, also quite limited. But he had been dreaming of going somewhere new for a while and

Climbing Ama Dablam: when hiring a local IFMGA guide is key

Up until just 5 years ago, mountains, for Martin, were no more than a pile of stones. This 32-year old IT consultant currently based in Brussels had never done any trekking or mountaineering until his former girlfriend — a native of Tyrol, Austria — took him hiking in Zermatt in 2013. Just four years

Yakushima: the last wild hiking paradise in Japan

Imagine a lush mountain forest covered in moss, featuring the most ancient cedar trees in the world and almost permanently bathed in a deep mist. Welcome to the island of Yakushima. Yakushima is one of the Nansei Islands, an archipelago in the south of Kagoshima prefecture, in Japan. Considered an unspoiled natural beauty with more than

Trail-running in Morocco: the top 3 places to go

Trail-running in Morocco has grown exponentially over the last few years. With some important races — like Morocco Race, Nomads Run and Marathon des Sables — attracting runners from all over the world, the country has become a sort of global hotspot for this activity. Morocco offers trail runners a unique mix of mountain

Mountaineering in the Alps: 5 summits for beginners

Looking to do your first ascent? Check out our top 5 summits for beginners! In the company of a professional guide, anyone with a good fitness level can try their hand at mountaineering. Most people believe mountaineering is for expert climbers only. In reality, With a good fitness level and a professional guide, anyone can experience the thrill of the mountains!

Ice climbing in Japan: winter adventures beyond powder snow

Discover the best spots for ice climbing in Japan and get some inspiration from people who traveled there with certified mountain guides from our Explore-Share community. Extremely cold temperatures, heavy snowfalls and amazing powder snow have turned Japan into a world-class skiing destination, with more than 600 ski resorts spread over the country's mountains.

Spend New Year’s Eve “lost” in the Alps: the best huts to welcome 2019

Tired of your classic New Year’s Eve bash? Were hoping for something different this year? Then welcome 2019 in one of the Alps’ friendliest mountain huts and start the New Year on the right foot! Go really big this year. Hike, snowshoe or ski to one of the huts on our list and spend January