WILD WALKS

Wild Walks generally occur in remote, coastal areas of British Columbia, Canada. The final location is subject to change based on weather conditions. For example, a trip that occurred in July 2021 would not have been possible in July 2022 because the ice on the lake had not melted enough for the float plane to land. Due to the sensitive nature of the environments these trips occur in, their exact locations are not shared publicly. In order to be able to facilitate & experience Wild Walks we need to keep them just that, wild.

Coastal trips generally use Campbell River, BC as a launch point. Alpine trips use either Campbell River or Vancouver.

Understanding the nature of the environment, the scope of the coaching work, and physical fitness commitment required, the group dynamic is a key part to the overall success of the pre-trip coaching and the coaching during the trip itself.

We strive to provide the most cohesive, collaborative, and cooperative group environment. Depending on the people already accepted to a trip, Graham may recommend a particular set of dates or trip location.

You will not have a cell phone signal the entire time you are on the trip. That's how remote. On some trips, you will see other humans. On other trips, it is highly unlikely to see another human outside of the group. Graham carries satellite communication.

Once your application has been submitted, Graham will contact you to review your application and have an initial conversation and coaching strategy session.

Submitting an application does not guarantee a spot.

If both parties agree, the next step is to schedule and complete the Progressive Intake Assessments. $1,000 non-refundable is due at this time. As you complete each assessment, you will review and discuss it with Graham, and receive a coaching session around your results.

This process enables both the participant and Graham to ensure there is positive alignment. With the potential to experience inclement or inhospitable weather conditions ~150km from a cell phone signal, we want to make sure both parties have emotional confidence in the overall experience.

If both parties agree, the $1,000 will be applied to the overall trip cost. Following coaching sessions will be scheduled. If either party does not believe this is the right fit, the $1,000 payment will be retained by Snowfield Consulting as payment for the coaching services already rendered.

Hopefully! And from a safe distance. Wildlife are part of the experience. On previous trips the following wildlife has been safely observed: Coastal sea wolves, black bears, deer, orcas, humpbacks, dolphins, Roosevelt elk, mountain goats, several species of raptors (eagles, hawks, falcons, etc), sea otters, seals, sea lions, whales and more!

Safety is prioritized above & beyond everything and guides all decision making. The mandatory gear list includes first aid kit, bear spray, and bear bangers.

Graham also carries two (2) different satellite communication devices. One is a SpotX 2-Way Satellite Messenger. One is an Inmarsat IsatPhone 2 satellite phone. Both devices maintain active subscriptions to SOS geolocation GPS services. All trip members are briefed on how to use them in the unlikely event they need to be used.

A weather update is provided to Graham via satellite communication twice daily.

At least one person on each trip will have the Wilderness First Aid certificate. We also provide a group Ask Me Anything for participant ICE contacts or other designee prior to the trip.

Trips are generally 4 - 5 days in length not including travel to the launch point. Graham will discuss your travel arrangements with you.

Wild Walks are not intended to be gruelling. A minimum fitness threshold would be running 10km in less than 80 minutes or walking 8km in less than 2 hours. Training plans are be provided.

You should expect to be hiking for 3 - 5 hours each day.

On Coastal trips, you will need to be able to carry a 16kg - 18kg (35lb - 40lb) backpack on Day 1. Don't worry. It'll get lighter each day. Your training plan accounts for this.

Alpine trips use a basecamp.

To ensure safety of the entire group, each participant will be required to share successful completion of a GPS recorded activity to Graham. If this activity is not performed by the required deadline, the participant may forfeit their spot on the trip with all monies still being owed and non-refundable.

On coastal trips, a typical day begins with optional wildlife viewing at dawn. Breakfast follows, we pack up camp, and begin the day's hike. Hiking distances can be 5km - 15km. Breaks / check-ins occur every 45' - 90' of hiking. Arrival at camp is followed by: setting up camp, free time usually spent journaling, swimming, dinner, guided conversation, briefing the following day, and optional wildlife viewing.

Mountain and basecamp trips will be largely similar. Some trips will have rest days built in.

A mandatory & optional gear list is provided. This includes recommended meal plans. Participants are required to provide their own food in consultation with Graham. All gear and food must be submitted and approved no less than two weeks prior to departure. Some gear is available for rent.

Pre-trip coaching is scheduled either 1:1 or in groups.

Coaching on trips happens throughout the day and at designated times. By keeping the group small (sometimes 1:1) there is ample time throughout each day for coaching and reflection.

The float plane charter to the alpine location is 2x - 3x more than the Coastal trip option. That's it.

100% of all videography and 99% of photography is from @noahshumka. Noah works with clients like The North Face, Mountain Equipment Company, Bose, Sugoi, Samsung, Land Rover, and more.
Photo for Session #1 is by my wife. Mountaintop photos behind "Apply Today" and in the footer are by Matt Thompson.