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April 2026

Introducing our Summer 2026 Ambassadors - Mario, Climbing, Mountaineering & Canyoning

Written by Mario (@mariosmam) 

You know those people who always need to push the limits just a little further?

Yeah…that’s me.

Hi! My name is Mario. I work as a safety advisor in my professional life, but outside of work you’ll usually find me hanging off a rope in a canyon, climbing something, or deep underwater.

I didn’t grow up thinking I’d be into mountaineering or canyoning. Like most people, I started with hiking; but at some point, I wanted to get deeper into the wilderness.

That’s what led me into climbing. Then mountaineering…and now canyoning.

But let me tell you: once I found canyoning, I was like, wow…this is it.

There’s something about being in a place where not very many people have been or ever will be—rappelling waterfalls, navigating tight slots; this sport has me completely hooked. It’s technical, it’s physical, and it forces you to stay present the entire time.

How I Approach the Outdoors

As someone who works in safety, I probably look at the outdoors a bit differently than most.

I’m all for pushing limits, but I’m even more focused on coming back safe.

Whatever the sport my approach stays pretty consistent:

1.       Know what you’re getting into, do your risk assessments

A route name doesn’t tell you much. You need to understand:

  • Technical difficulty

  • Exposure

  • Objective hazards (rockfall, water flow, weather)

Before every trip I believe in doing research, looking at the conditions, getting some beta (my go to is ropewiki.com for climbing, canyoning  and mountaineering and AllTrails.com for hikes and some mountaineering objectives) and making an informed decision based on who you’re tackling the objective with.

2.       Respect the conditions

Conditions change everything.

A straightforward canyon can become dangerous with higher water flow. A simple alpine objective can turn serious when weather changes. All these goals can be managed if you make sure you always have a back up plan and a way to keep yourself updated and informed.

I am a huge proponent of checking the weather regularly. When I’m out in the backcountry and out of cell reception, I regularly check my inreach mini for an updated weather report before trying to summit.

3.       Build your systems

The technical side matters. When you’re hiking, you can always walk out, but when you’re in a canyon, or crossing a crevasse, you and your team are the rescue plan. Whether it’s rope systems, anchors, belays, or rescue setups, you need to practice until it becomes second nature.

4.       Go with good people

The right partners make or break your day.

You want people who communicate well, stay calm under pressure, and know their limits.

Why Valhalla Pure Outfitters?

For me, gear isn’t just about comfort, it’s about reliability.

When you’re hanging off a cliff or waterfall, you don’t want to question your equipment.

What I like about Valhalla Pure is that the people working there actually use the gear. You’re not just getting a product, you’re getting real advice from people who understand the environments you’re heading into and you’ll probably run into them in the backcountry at some point. You don’t get that expertise going to the big box stores.

There are some things you just don’t cut corners on:

Gear I Rely On

Over time, I’ve figured out what works for me and what doesn’t.

Some of the biggest things I look for in my gear:

  • Durability

  • Simplicity

  • Reliability in wet and rough conditions

Favourite Types of Days

Some of the best days for me are the ones that combine everything:

A long approach, technical climbing or rappels and just being completely out there

The Mission This Summer

As Valhalla Pure’s climbing, mountaineering, and canyoning ambassador, my goal is simple:

Help more people get into these sports safely and confidently.

That means:

  • Sharing real experiences

  • Breaking down technical concepts

  • Showing what gear actually works

  • Being honest about the risks

  • Not falling off of anything ;)

If you’re curious about getting into climbing, mountaineering, or canyoning—stay tuned.