TRU Adventure Studies Department

This spring, our Adventure Studies faculty joined more than 300 outdoor recreation leaders, practitioners and professionals from across BC at the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC Conference centred around the theme "Building Stronger Communities Through Outdoor Recreation". 🌲

Associate Professor Jon Heshka also took the stage, co-presenting "How Outdoor Organizations Can Reduce Risk Through Insurance and Waivers" alongside Rachela Po***ck of Acera Insurance. 🎤

Their session explored practical strategies to help outdoor organizations strengthen their risk management, better understand insurance and put current waiver best practices into action through real-world case studies.

The conference also marked an exciting moment for outdoor recreation in BC with the unveiling of the province’s new outdoor recreation strategy and remarks from the Honourable Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks.

From the classroom to the conference stage, we’re proud to see our faculty contributing their expertise to the conversations shaping the future of outdoor recreation in BC. 🌲

📸:

Pictures from an incredible ski expedition in the land of the midnight sun! 🇳🇴⛷️

This group of Adventure Studies students wrapped up their final expedition in the Lyngen Alps of northern Norway, surrounded by towering peaks, fjords and some unforgettable ski touring terrain.

Diploma graduate Catherine Foote shared:

“Our trip to Norway was nothing short of incredible. Our accommodation was nestled in the heart of the Lyngen Alps, giving us multiple touring options nearby, including some straight from the backyard. While most of our tours required a bit of hiking before we could put on our skis, we found beautiful snow up high and were treated to some awesome turns and breathtaking views of the surrounding Alps and fjords.

Our crew had an incredible time under the midnight sun, and it was a very successful final expedition to wrap up the last two years of Adventure Studies."

An unforgettable way to close out two years of learning, exploring and adventuring together. Congratulations to this crew on an incredible final expedition! 🎿🏔️

📸: Catherine Foote (’26)

Thompson Rivers University Alumni feature — Meet Linden Priest 🌲

From forestry to adventure, Linden’s journey shows how a passion for the outdoors can lead to unexpected career pathways.

After graduating from TRU’s Adventure Guide program, Linden combined his background as a Registered Professional Forester with his adventure studies experience to step into a unique role as Lead Recreation Planner at Cabin Operations Ltd.

Today, he supports the growth of the outdoor recreation industry through trail planning, recreation applications and working with adventure tourism operators across BC. 📝

“The connections, insights and industry exposure were key to building the position I’m in now,” shared Linden.

Read his full alumni story on our blog 👉 https://adventure.inside.tru.ca/

Looking back on one of our favourite Adventure Studies traditions—the annual Pin Party. 🎉🙌

These photos from last year capture what makes this event so special: familiar faces, lasting connections, and a community that always feels like home, no matter how much time has passed.

Psst… save the date ADVG alumni—November 27 👀

📸: .zimmermann

A huge shoutout to Kootenay Outdoor Recreation Enterprise Initiative - KORE for their incredible work repairing gear for Outdoor Recreation Council of BC conference attendees, including many of our water rescue throw bags from our equipment bay. Thank you, KORE Rehub team!

KORE launched Canada’s first hub for outdoor gear repair and advanced manufacturing with its Rehub Circular Technology Centre — a mobile gear repair unit.

Got a jacket, pack or tent fly in need of a new zipper? KORE’s repair technicians are touring the Kootenays, offering FREE gear repairs at the following stops:

👉 June 27, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Elkford
👉 July 3, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. — Fernie
👉 July 11, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Cranbrook
👉 July 18, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Invermere
👉 Sept. 19, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. — Kimberley

For more information, visit koreoutdoors.org/rehub and pre-book your repairs!🔗

📸: Andrea Heath Photography

Some snapshots from the rock expedition in Arco, Italy 🇮🇹🧗

From famous limestone cliffs to lifelong memories, these students completed the full Rock 1–4 progression before travelling all the way to the other side of the world to wrap up two incredible years in Adventure Studies.

A final send-off that brought skill, progression and adventure together in one unforgettable setting. 🙌

📸: Logan Steel

Were you injured on the hill — or do you work on one? 🎿

Duncan Knight, a Thompson Rivers University Tourism Management alum (2025) and a current Master of Science student at Thompson Rivers University is researching "Factors Influencing In-Bounds Skiing Accidents in Western North America" and is looking for people to interview.

He is looking for two groups to interview:
👉 People who have been injured while skiing or snowboarding at a resort
👉 Industry professionals, including ski patrol, lift operations, grooming and other on-hill roles, who can speak to resort injuries

Each interview takes about 20 minutes. Participants may remain anonymous or be credited in the final report. The study is open to current TRU students and alumni with relevant resort experience.

Interested? Email Duncan at [email protected] 📩

This study has been reviewed and approved by the TRU Research Ethics Board (File No. 104747).

Join the Faculty of Adventure, Culinary Arts and Tourism in celebrating the incredible people who make our faculty such a special place to learn, work and grow! 🎉

Congratulations to our 2026 President's Annual Merit and Long-Term Service Award recipients from FACT. Your passion, dedication and service continue to make a lasting impact on our students, colleagues and community.

20 years of service
✨ Wanda Cowles, Dean's Assistant
✨ Corey Davison, Assistant Teaching Professor, Culinary

15 years of service
✨ David Carter, Assistant Teaching Professor, Tourism

10 years of service
✨ Travis Aback, Assistant Teaching Professor, Adventure
✨ Kinley Aitken, Sessional Faculty, Adventure
✨ Simon Ward-Able, Co-Chair and Assistant Teaching Professor, Adventure

As President Dr. Airini shared during the ceremony, "What we do at TRU matters" and “we make a difference." These recipients embody those words every day through their dedication, leadership and commitment to student success.

Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition—we're proud to celebrate you! 🙌

📸: Kim Anderson

From the classroom to the global stage. 🧗🌎

In April, Associate Professor Jon Heshka was in Salt Lake City, Utah, presenting at the Climbing Wall Association Summit—the largest annual gathering of the indoor climbing industry, bringing together approximately 1,000 professionals from around the world for training, professional development and industry-shaping conversations.

Jon led a panel discussion on "An Analysis of Climbing Gym Incidents and Climber Behaviour," alongside industry leaders from the Climbing Wall Association and Monument Sports Insurance.

We're proud to see our faculty contributing to the conversations that help shape the future of climbing education, safety and best practices around the world.

Not your average classroom. 🌊🧗

For Swiftwater Rescue Training (SRT), students step over the edge and into real-world learning—rappelling down cliffs, navigating complex terrain, and building the skills needed to operate safely in dynamic river environments.

If you're looking for an education that's 80% outdoors, visit our website to learn more: https://www.tru.ca/adventure-studies.html

📸: Max Zimmermann