In 2018, my guiding company was hand-picked by Innovation Norway to participate in the Adventure Global Growth 2018/2019 program, including workshops in New York, San Francisco, and Seattle, together with a small selection of other Norwegian adventure operators.

I had the chance for a short stop-over in Colorado, to meet up with friends from my student exchange program in New Zealand. We traveled to Glenwood Springs, to enjoy some hot springs, cross-country skiing at Spring Gulch, and a quick visit to Aspen.

The amount of time I had in San Francisco was little, and most of it went to meeting tour operators, including the AirBnB HQ. However, I managed to make a little bike trip to the Golden Gate Bridge, and walk to see Lombard Street, the Ferry Building, and the piers at the waterfront, among others.

It was no less hectic at my next stop in Seattle, meeting and greeting with local adventure and tour operators to gather best-practice experiences, and expend the sales & distribution network of my company. The little time off I had was used on biking and walking to some of the highlights of the city, such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Discovery Park.

All in all a very busy trip, full of impressions. I definitely have to return to the states to undertake some proper outdoor adventures!