prAna: Sustainable Clothing

A few years back one of my closest climbing partners and I came up with a plan: head back to Tehipite Valley (where we’d been once before), have a month’s supply of food and gear brought in via mule or air drop, set up base camp, and proceed to establish new routes on the largest dome in the Sierra. The dream never quite materialized. While we’d found ways to cut costs, such a trip still would have required sizable funding—something we just didn’t have. As time went by, that idea faded and gave way to other objectives—none quite as complex or expensive, but plenty awesome enough to fulfill our appetite for good climbing and adventure. Still, though, how cool would it have been to put together one epic trip?

Which is why I was immediately psyched to see Planet Granite’s giving program get off the ground. Over the last several months, I’ve watched an idea to enable people to pursue their dreams become Planet Grants It!—a grant program to help fund projects that inspire us to get outside. Over the course of just a few months the program has received numerous trip proposals and now two projects are becoming a reality. Both projects are unique and inspirational, but what makes them exceptional is their commitment to environmental values and local communities.

Among the first grant recipients is a team of three young friends who will establish their own herd of horses in Patagonia, ride them across mountain passes into the Cochamo Valley, and put up new free routes in an area that’s best described as the Yosemite of South America. The difference is that climbers have barely begun to explore Cochamo. Over the last 15 or so years, there has been some route development, but that barely covers the tip of the iceberg. This is due in part to the remoteness of the location, but access is also difficult because the best way to reach many parts of the area is by horse. How many climbers are also experienced horse packers? That’s where the particular experience of the group transects with the traditions of local communities. Horse teams have used local trails for over 300 years—the same trails the team will be following. They’ll be getting in touch with far reaching local customs, and hopefully earning the respect and admiration of the community in the process. Plus, what they plan to leave behind are routes for all of us: long, moderate free climbs in hopes that their photos and stories will inspire future parties. This team is still seeking funding to finalize their trip; for more information email me at stephanie@planetgranite.com.

The second grant project, already underway, involves a team traveling to the Genyen Massif in China to attempt first ascents of two previously scouted virgin peaks. The summits look pristine and will surely be top ascents on each of the team member’s resumes, but just as remarkable is the group’s plan to help give back to the local community. For two weeks following their climb, they’ll travel to the nearby small town of Litang, China to document the construction of a school dedicated to teaching Tibetan, Mandarin and English to young students. This school, the Litang Social English Training Program, is one man’s dream to educate young people so they can attend higher education, interact with the Western World, and communicate with regional travelers and climbers. The teams photos and video will become a documentary, which will help fund construction of the school building. Check out the video below and for more information on the trip and for updates, you can follow their blog.

This is just the beginning. Planet Granite plans to give up to three grants per year for projects with an emphasis on adventure or climbing and a passion for environmental and community causes. The idea is to inspire the rest of us in our own explorations through blogging and local events that highlight grant-funded trips. In that way, there’s something for everyone: awesome adventures for grant recipients, giving back to local communities and environmental causes, and a spark to light a similar fire with the rest of us.

Our next grant deadline is September 30th, so it would be really great if this post inspires you or others to submit ideas before then! Interested in applying? Click HERE.

~Justin Vitcov, Planet Granite Project Assistant

Breath, life, vitality of the spirit.

Join Us On Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo & YouTube

Find a dealer near you