Athlete | Adventurer | Storyteller

Life is about daring to carry out your ideas. And for me, it always comes back to the wilderness, nature, mountains.

-Reinhold Messner, Italian Alpinist

Adventure, Climbing, and Life in the Alps

Hello, I’m Rick

Adventure fuels my spirit, pushing me to think big and face my fears head-on. There’s nothing like a combination of majestic mountains and a little reggae to put a smile on my face (see video). And let’s not forget the excitement of savoring that first sip of coffee every morning!

In 2018, I took a leap of faith and left Chicago for Chamonix, France – a mecca for alpine climbing and skiing enthusiasts. Now, I’m living in stylish Milan, with the breathtaking Alps still just a stone’s throw away.

This website offers a glimpse into my world through words and images. My hope is that it sparks a sense of wanderlust and inspires others to embark on their own adventures.

Journal

Delve into my non-conventional narrative, filled with adventures and spontaneous recollections of my travel experiences. From ambitious single-push ascents of the iconic Matterhorn to trail running and rock climbing escapades across the breathtaking Alps, I hope you’ll discover valuable insights and inspiration to embark on your own unforgettable adventures.

Mallory Porter from the Chamonix Valley, with a Ski Descent of Vallée Blanche

Aiguille du Midi is the centerpiece of Chamonix and features multiple 1,000-meter-plus north face routes with stunning views of the valley. The Mallory Porter route is accessible to experienced alpinists and mountaineers, serving as a solid warm-up for north face climbing in Chamonix. This is the story of our climb from the valley and skiing the Vallée Blanche, all without the aid of ski lifts.

15. April 2025 No Comments

Chamonix Valley Sport Climbing: Balme and Barberine

Inevitably, during winter (and early spring) in Chamonix, there are a few warm spells that create conditions of varying favorableness Chamonix

20. April 2020 No Comments

Chamonix Interseason Adventures: A Week in the Life

November 24, 2018 to December 1, 2018 Returning from a vacation is hard unless you live in Chamonix in which case

12. December 2018 No Comments

Photography: 35MM and beyond

My passion for photography primarily revolves around people and lifestyle, captured through the timeless medium of 35mm film. But that’s not all – I document my personal adventures and explore the breathtaking beauty of wild landscapes with my drone and iPhone. With a keen eye for contrasting scenery, I aim to bring these excerpts from the world to life. To get a glimpse of my visual storytelling, head over to the Photography page.

Connect with Rick

I’d love to hear from you! For a quick and easy way to connect, reach out to me on Instagram or drop me a line via Email. Let’s share stories and find new adventures together!