“I’m a reluctant alpinist. I really hate waking up at ridiculous hours, I don’t like to be cold, I don’t like to be hungry, and yet I constantly find myself pushing into those realms.” -Mike Gardner

Excellent profile of second generation mountain guide and Arc’teryx athlete, Mike Gardner. Mike may not rejoice in all the Type 2 fun that goes along with being an alpinist but continuously finds himself partaking in uncomfortable pursuits. Interesting dude, very relatable.

Francis Xavier is a seasoned writer for Unofficial Networks, bringing a lifetime of outdoor experience to his work. Having lived in a ski resort town for years he has a deep connection to mountain culture....