When we’re not outdoors, we get our adventure fix by exploring social media and the web. Here are some of the best adventure links we’ve discovered this week.
Trekking the GR5 Trail Through the French Alps: The GR5 is one of Europe’s iconic long-distance treks. It stretches 625km through the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean coast, with over 36,000m of ascent. Although the trail crosses some dramatic terrain and high passes, it is relatively non-technical, and scrambling is seldom required.
This guide tells you everything you need to know about taking on the trail, from the best time of year and accommodation styles to food availability.
Hiker Attacked By Bear in Yellowstone National Park: A grizzly bear has attacked a hiker on the Turbid Lake Trail in Yellowstone National Park. He was left with serious injuries to his chest and arm. Park officials closed the affected trail, while medics evacuated the man to a hospital. Authorities won’t kill or relocate the bear because officials believe the incident resulted from a surprise encounter rather than abnormal animal behavior. It is Yellowstone’s first bear attack since 2021.
Matteo Della Bordella and Marco Majori carry 25kg packs to the base of the Goretta Pillar. Photo: Della Bordella/Majori
A first on Fitz Roy
The First Winter Ascent of Fitz Roy’s North Pillar: On September 7, Italians Matteo Della Bordella and Marco Majori made the first winter ascent of Fitz Roy in Patagonia via the legendary Casarotto route.
Reaching the summit of Fitz Roy’s North Pillar is incredibly difficult, even in the summer. A 1,250m climb, with 35 pitches and ratings up to 5.11b, it is near impossible in brutal winter conditions.
A Hiker’s Nine-Day Ordeal in the Himalaya: In June, Samuel Vengrinovich set out on a short hike near Dharamshala in India. What was supposed to be a two-hour trek turned into a nine-day struggle for survival.
Vengrinovich left camp with two other hikers, and quite quickly, whiteout conditions set in. Already ahead of the other hikers, Vengrinovich decided to continue, hoping to reconvene at a nearby temple-like structure. But after making it to the top of the valley, he couldn’t find his way back. Soon after, he fell 30m and broke his arm, ankle, and foot. Trying to navigate back to civilization using a river, he ate bugs and drank moisture from root plants to survive.
Devils Tower in Wyoming. Photo: NPS
Self rescue
Off-Route Rappel: The American Alpine Club tells the story of a climber who found himself off route during a rappel on Devils Tower. About 40m into his descent, the climber realized he was not on his intended route. Facing strong winds, slippery rock, and a route well above his grade, he was in a precarious position. Dangling over 150m in the air, he had to put self-rescue theory into practice and rig a foot stirrup with a cordlette.
I Was Held at Gunpoint Hiking Through South Korea: Stephen Low, a 48-year-old language tutor, was mistaken for a spy while hiking near the North–South Korean border. What began as a relaxed solo hike spiraled out of control when he decided to rest in an abandoned sniper hut and start a fire to warm up. Smoke attracted nearby soldiers, and on hearing them, Low panicked and ran away. This sparked a series of improbable events, culminating in Low’s capture in a military base.
Stephen Low. Photo: The Daily Mail
Unorthodox bear safety
I Knew What To Do When I Encountered a Bear. I Still Did Everything Wrong: Katie Jackson recounts a close call on New Year Peak in Montana. Aiming for a personal record on her local trail, she found herself standing between two black bear cubs. Jackson knew not to get between a bear cub and its mother, but rather than backing away, she found herself attempting to film the cubs. Then the mother bear appeared.
