Now is the Time to Visit Nepal

February 22, 2016February 22, 2016 / Avery Stonich / Leave a comment

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I have tears streaming down my face as I read the comments on an essay I wrote for National Geographic Travel about my profound experience in Nepal last fall. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to this magical country and help inspire others to visit and help Nepal recover from the devastating earthquakes that hit last year. Here are some of the comments that moved me most:

“Reading articles like this makes me even more proud to be a Nepali. This article indeed brought tears to my eyes.”

“It was amazingly written from the top to bottom, last paragraph brought my tears down. Thank you for sharing your experience, thanks for the love towards Nepal and Nepali. Yes we really are suffering from so many things but this will really help Nepal for sure. Million Thanks again.”

“Thanks for showing the world that how Nepalese people are living with positive attitude despite of devastating earthquake and the cruel Indian economic blockade. We have fighting spirits and will continue to live in a positive attitude. I am a tour guide since last 14 years. I’ve seen lots of ups and down but still I am positive that we will have more people as visitors as the world loves Nepal not only for its natural beauty but also for the simplicity of people, honest people and kind people.”

“Namaste! This is a beautifully pieced together experience that puts a sober picture in your head. Thank you Avery!”

See all the comments at the bottom of the article on National Geographic Travel: Why Now is the Time to Visit Nepal.

If you’ve ever considered a trip to Nepal—or even if you haven’t—plan one now. You will help the Nepali people and, without a doubt, enrich yourself.

Namaste.

—-

Here are some stories I wrote about Nepal:

Why Now is the Time to Visit Nepal (National Geographic Travel)

Nepal on the Rebound (Outdoor Industry Association)

Help Nepal Get Back on Its Feet (Outdoor Industry Association)

More coming this spring. Check back here or follow me on Twitter to see them when they publish.

Feed Your Ice Climbing Stoke at the Ouray Ice Park

January 2, 2015January 7, 2015 / Avery Stonich / Leave a comment

Earlier this week, I ventured to the Ouray Ice Park to try ice climbing for the first time. What a blast! Ascending the frozen walls, I was mesmerized by the beautiful, varied textures of the ice, and the chink chink sounds of my crampons and ice tools. The art of ice climbing is methodical and meditative, as you move one hand or foot at a time, tapping in holds. It’s challenging, fun, and so gratifying. I think I might be hooked! I have to give a big shout out to San Juan Mountain Guides for giving me a great introduction to the sport.

Next week is the Ouray Ice Festival, a great chance to try ice climbing, hone your skills, or watch the pros. Read all about it in an article I wrote for RootsRated:

The Largest Ice Climbing Festival in North America

Big. Fat. Blue. The stuff of frozen dreams. For months, ice farmers have been carefully coaxing magical slabs, pillars, and fangs to life in preparation for the 20th annual Ouray Ice Festival, which takes place January 8-11, 2015, at the Ouray Ice Park in southern Colorado. Park workers are now scurrying around like elves, putting the finishing touches on plans for four days of ice climbing clinics, demos, competitions, and parties that will fire up everyone from ice junkies to newbies.

Wish upon a Boulder Star—My First Piece for RootsRated

December 11, 2014 / Avery Stonich / Leave a comment

Boulder Star photo courtesy Boulder Chamber of Commerce

My hometown of Boulder, Colorado, is a very special place. I’ve lived here for 26 years, and have traveled all over the world, yet each time I come home, I’m happy to be here. Now I’m lucky enough to be able to combine my love for my town with one of my other passions: writing.

I’ve just started a regular gig, contributing to RootsRated, an awesome online site that focuses on the outdoor life. I’ll be writing an article a week, highlighting outdoor happenings and fun things to do in Boulder, Denver, and a bit beyond. Already my head is overflowing with ideas. I can’t wait to share them all with you.

For my first installment, I wrote a piece about hiking to the Boulder Star. This iconic symbol lights up the side of Flagstaff Mountain each holiday season, and is a beacon of good cheer for miles around. There’s no better way to celebrate the season than to hike up at dusk, watch the star ignite, sip a hot toddy, then descend with a headlamp to guide you.

I hope you’ll read my article and then take a hike!

Click to it here: Wish upon a Boulder Star

Give Back on #GivingTuesday, December 2

December 1, 2014December 2, 2014 / Avery Stonich / Leave a comment

This time of year, it’s easy to get caught up in holiday consumerism. Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday … the shopping world assaults us with opportunities to spend money on material things. From my perspective, a far greater opportunity exists during this season of giving: Giving back, either by lending a hand to someone in need, volunteering your time, or supporting your favorite cause. Enter #GivingTuesday on December 2, a global day to celebrate generosity and to give.

It just so happens that a key trail in one of my favorite towns in Colorado is at risk of being lost to development—unless the Crested Butte Land Trust can raise $250,000 more by January 15 to purchase the land. For #GivingTuesday, I plan to make a donation to support this cause and protect a gem in my backyard.

You can read more about the Crested Butte Land Trust’s heroic effort to save the Snodgrass Trail in an article I wrote for Mountain Magazine. It’s my first for them. Check it out: Give a Little—The Crested Butte Land Trust Rallies for Access and Recreation on Snodgrass Mountain

How are you going to give back on #GivingTuesday?

Getting Your Backcountry Ski Pack Dialed

November 21, 2014November 22, 2014 / Avery Stonich / Leave a comment

Ski season is upon us! It’s been dumping in the Colorado high country for a couple of weeks now, and everyone I know is itching to bust out their boards and start carving buttery turns.

One key to a killer day in the backcountry is knowing how to organize your pack. It can make the difference between being quick, comfortable, and efficient, or fumbling around and getting flustered. In the latest issue of Women’s Adventure, I’m happy to share tips and tricks for getting your pack dialed. Read my article—How to Load a Backcountry Ski Pack.

Like what you see? Subscribe to Women’s Adventure. Each issue is packed with great articles about getting outside, exploring, and having fun, including Tech Talk pieces like this one to help you learn how to go about doing it.

Welcome

September 30, 2014October 2, 2014 / Avery Stonich / Leave a comment

Welcome to my new website! I’m a freelance writer, specializing in outdoor, adventure, and travel journalism. My work has been published by National Geographic Adventure, National Geographic Travel, Women’s Adventure, Bicycle Times, and Elephant Journal.

Contact me:
Avery Stonich
averystonich@gmail.com
P.O. Box 95
Boulder, CO 80306

See clips of my published work.