By Kate Bartlett
UppenAdam will take place this Saturday, February 28 at Holiday Valley. This annual touring event is a low-key, educational uphill touring session hosted by @mradamx from The Out of Collective, held at the
Champagne Sundeck. Designed for beginners or those new to alpine touring, it teaches proper skinning
techniques, gear transitions, pacing, and layering.
Adam Sauerwein was inspired to start this event three years ago as he saw the need to teach safer practices in the uphill community. “During COVID, we saw a huge boom in the uphill community, but along with that came a lot of unsafe practices,” explains Adam. “People were walking straight up open skiable terrain, and many didn’t fully understand how their equipment worked.” He created the event in efforts to create a relaxed event that encouraged learning. “I wanted to create a space where egos were left at the door, the “expert” personas were dropped, and everyone felt comfortable asking the “stupid questions.” The goal was simple: create a space where people could learn, connect, make new friends, and leave knowing a little more than they did when they showed up.”
Growing up in Western New York, Adam has always been an avid skier. “I bought a school bus and lived out of vehicles for about seven years chasing snow,” explains Adam. “When you’re doing that, the best way to find fresh turns is to go where no one else is going. That’s what led me into touring. I pieced together my first touring setup from the City Garage, and from there it quickly turned into a huge passion. There’s something special about slowing things down in the mountains, earning every step,
being the only person in that exact place at that exact moment. That feeling is what makes it all worth it.”
At its core, the event is simple. Adam explains: “we meet at the bottom of a hill and walk to the top. What changes each year are the routes, the stories, and how I encourage people to step outside their comfort zones. Whether that means committing to a second lap or choosing a more challenging way to the summit. Over time, I’ve learned how to manage larger groups in a way that keeps the experience fun for experts while still feeling welcoming, supportive, and encouraging for beginners.”
Participants are invited to meet at 8am on the Champagne Deck at Holiday Valley to drink coffee before the uphill begins. At 8:30, the walk uphill begins, as participants learn how to use their equipment effectively. The route tours the base of Yodeler to the summit, about 3.5 miles total in length, although the exact distance depends on the snowpack on the day of the event. “Last year we covered roughly 3.5 miles total, including the descents. This year the route will be a bit shorter due to current conditions, and we make a point to change the route up every year to keep things fresh and interesting. The tour is broken into two uphill laps, giving participants the option to exit at the top of the first loop if needed.”
practices in the uphill community. “During COVID, we saw a huge boom in the uphill community, but
along with that came a lot of unsafe practices,” explains Adam. “People were walking straight up open
skiable terrain, and many didn’t fully understand how their equipment worked.” He created the event in
efforts to create a relaxed event that encouraged learning. “I wanted to create a space where egos were
left at the door, the “expert” personas were dropped, and everyone felt comfortable asking the “stupid
questions.” The goal was simple: create a space where people could learn, connect, make new friends,
and leave knowing a little more than they did when they showed up.”
Adam describes the event as a fun, uplifting and welcoming experience. “It’s about growing the community, sharing a passion for the outdoors, and encouraging people to step outside their comfort zones, maybe even try something they wouldn’t have done on their own.”
What truly makes this event unique is the wide range of participants. “Over the past three years, we’ve welcomed complete beginners to seasoned experts. Because of that mix, everyone walks away having learned something new, regardless of skill level. Maybe it’s a beginner sharing a secret snack recipe, or an expert breaking down how to nail a kick turn. It’s an open forum where conversation is encouraged and knowledge flows both ways. In this day and age, simply talking to the people around you can feel rare; this event creates space for that to happen naturally.”
UppenAdam is open to absolutely anyone who owns a touring setup. “We were all beginners once,” explains Adam. “That shared starting point is part of what makes this sport so fun. In the outdoors, roles are always changing. One day you might be the most experienced person in the group, and the next you’re learning from someone else. That constant exchange– teaching, learning, and figuring it out together—is what makes adventuring special.”
For more information, visit HolidayValley.com/events and follow on social media for updates.
UppenAdam is a free event and no registration is required. Listen to Adams Out of Collective pod-cast @mradamx
.