Local Storage seems to be disabled in your browser.
For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Local Storage in your browser.
Choose your country
europe
Favorite Spots: The Mountains
May 28, 2024
2 min read
June is Open Mountain Month, and to warm up, we did a quick tour of the office to learn about our outdoor-loving colleagues' favorite spots in the mountains. Here, Vice President Philip Tavell shares why the mountains are such an important part of his life.
What is your favorite spot in the mountains?
There is no specific favorite spot in the mountains for me; mountains, in general, are my favorite spot. My favorite mountains are the Norwegian and Austrian Alps. A mountain is equally majestic to look at from the valley as it is on the summit, overlooking the full mountain range. From below, it becomes a challenge to summit them, and from above, it’s the reward that you made it and the joy of going down again.
Why is it your favorite?
Mountains equal family and social activities with friends for me. My best memories are from active vacations in the mountains. I spent all of my childhood winter vacations in the Austrian Alps with my siblings and parents, and now, as a parent and husband, I can experience it again year-round. What fascinates me about mountains is how many different beautiful faces they have depending on seasonality.
How would you describe the spot?
The first summer I spent in the Austrian Alps surprised me with how warm it can be, in contrast to how cold it can be sitting in a long chair lift during winter. The Norwegian mountains create the same contrast in the spring when it's warm in the valley, but you can still find dry snow while ski touring.
Is there a story about the spot you want to share?
My father was a ski instructor and travel guide in St Anton during the early 1970s, so he ended up buying a house in a nearby valley, which gave us the luxury of having access to amazing mountains in my childhood. My memories aren't just sunny because I can remember how much I disliked the cold as a kid, but I am so grateful today that we got exposed to mountains and all the adventure they can offer.
Check out other Staff Picks
No news at the moment