Launched in the Fall of 2019, Beringia is a ‘development-driven brand that draws equally from design ideation, technical innovation, and advanced fiber and fabric engineering’. Prior to successfully launching Beringia, Bernie co-founded Duckworth, the only 100% Made-in-USA Merino wool clothing company, and has also played major roles in providing Brand and Marketing direction for outdoor powerhouses K2 and the SWATCH group, to name a few.

While Bernthal’s work experience is certainly commendable, he’ll be the first to tell you his story and Beringia’s span WELL beyond the confines of any office. As you’ll find out in this interview, Bernie is a true pioneer of the outdoor industry whose passion for nature and outdoor recreation has taken him on a multitude of worldly adventures over many decades. Through these experiences and shared passions of skiing, surfing, mountain climbing, and mother nature, Bernie’s formed friendships with like-minded folk – from across Europe to Japan – that have helped him propel Beringia into a reality.

We’ll leave it there and let Bernie takeover in sharing his perspective on Nature-Culture-Future…Strap in and get ready to enjoy the latest Wild Ingenuity™ adventure!

NATURE
Tell us a bit about yourself, your company/scope of work, and how nature is woven into your product strategy…

NATURE (continued)

CULTURE
Where do you go for inspiration and what out there in current culture is creating the best or most interesting vibes to motivate you?

Bernie: Really good design. Anything made with wool, the process to the final product. Kinda obvious and vanilla. The Japanese outdoor/street/fashion/textile scene is a pretty cool collision of styles that is producing an interesting aesthetic.

FUTURE
What does the future look like for your work and what’s on your mind as you look forward?

Bernie: Great timing to ask this question. I will never stop working and will always be looking to bring newness and change. I want to disrupt the commodity brands, find new, international, interesting like-minded people and brands to do cool stuff with to keep us young and active. It’s also inspiring to see the trending collision of sorts on the way between outdoor, technical, and fashion industries.

Follow Beringia on Instagram // learn more about Beringia’s Master of Bishu Collection here

Our many thanks to Bernie for offering his time, wisdom, and experience towards this piece!

The post Wild Ingenuity™: Robert ‘Bernie’ Bernthal of Beringia appeared first on VANISH TODAY.

For this trip, I was at the Hyatt wrapping up a season of testing touring bindings for GearJunkie. With the days getting longer and the season winding down, I needed a basecamp that would give me access to the slopes and the time to put in as many laps as possible before packing it all up for the year. The Grand Hyatt Vail delivered on all fronts.

No-Frills Access to the Slopes

When you’re here to ski —not to chase après-ski cocktails—the last thing you want is to waste time getting on snow. The Grand Hyatt Vail’s ski-in, ski-out access means there’s no shuttle or parking lot to deal with, which for me is huge. You’re literally stepping out the back door, clicking in, and riding the lift within minutes. When I do testing trips like this on my own, getting on snow fast, dialing in gear with quick access to multiple pairs of skis, and putting in real time on the snow is what matters, and the Hyatt makes that process seamless.

The essentially private access to Chair 20 means I’m able to quickly swap between testing skis and touring gear—no logistics, no hassle. With all the gear storage I need in the hotel’s dedicated ski room, I can leave skis overnight to dry, pick up warm boots in the morning, and make the most of my day. When we’re testing gear, the less I have to think about how to manage it, the better.

Afterwards, you want a place that supports the mission, and The Grand Hyatt does that in every regard. The fitness center is very nice, highly functional—not overly fancy, but it’s enough for a post-ski stretch, a yoga class, some cardio or a lift to keep everything fresh.

The heated outdoor pool and hot tubs are equally as essential. After shrolping for hours and skiing hard in varied conditions, there’s nothing better than soaking in the warm water while the mountains loom in the background and the creek gurgles below you. Simple, beautiful, and it does the job.

I think most seasoned travelers agree it’s the small things that matter. The ski valet at the Hyatt keeps your equipment organized and ready to go—without the fuss of having to drag gear to and from the room. When you’re switching between different bindings, skis, and boots, that level of service is crucial, and the staff is trained to handle the needs of all types of skiers, including rentals. After hours spent on skis the day before, some of that touring uphill, having a pair of dry, warm boots waiting for you the next makes all the difference.

The Grand Hyatt Vail is a luxury resort, but it doesn’t need to be. It’s a place that understands what serious skiers need to perform at their best and make the most of their time in town. The ski-in, ski-out access is ideal for getting the most time on snow, the walk-out gear storage is amazing, and the recovery options are effective. If you’re looking for an uncomplicated basecamp that helps you focus on skiing, the Grand Hyatt Vail should be at the top of your list.

Makoto Sushi: A Hidden Gem

The Makoto Sushi restaurant inside the Grand Hyatt is a bit of a surprise, in the best way possible. While many resorts offer great sushi, Mako gets it right, 10/10, without the hype or crowds. The authenticity and attention to detail in preparation and menu choices transports you to another world. The vibe is relaxed and unpretentious—a perfect place to settle into after a day on the mountain. And the omakase, a great option if you want to sit back and let the chef select the best cuts of the day. Whether it’s the buttery smoothness of fresh yellowtail or the satisfying bite of a perfectly-seared tuna nigiri, it’s clear the quality of the fish is what makes Mako stand out. The menu isn’t vast, but it’s thoughtful. There’s a reason this sushi restaurant is a local favorite.

Makoto also does a solid job pairing sake selections with its dishes. After a full day in and out of the cold, working up a sweat, and shredding some choppy and messy variable spring conditions — including more than a foot of fresh on my last day — there was nowhere in the world I would have rather been.

–Author Aaron Bible is an award-winning travel and outdoors writer with more than 30 years experience covering the outdoor lifestyle industry. Follow him @DefinitelyWild for more adventures, gear reviews, and travel trends and insights. 

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The food scene, the people, the mountains, fly fishing, easily some of the best snow and the best gravel riding in the world, the Wasatch are simply incredible. The same goes for the Valley: Salt Lake City is absolutely one of my favorite cities in the country, has only gotten better over the years (besides suffering from the same sprawl as Denver), and it’s actually one of the few cities I would ever consider living in due to its proximity to some of the best snow and mountains on earth and a vibrant social scene.

I remember interviewing for a job with Backcountry.com, writing some form of early commerce content I think it was, two decades ago, and I always wondered how my life would have been different had I moved out to Utah instead of staying in Colorado. But winter and summer, I have to make it out to Park City at least once a year.

As you’re making plans for the winter’s ski season, I highly recommend putting the Westgate Park City Resort & Spa at the foot of The Canyons on your list. Nestled in this exclusive base area, the Westgate Park City offers a gateway to fun, dining, shopping, apres, and outdoor adventure in a unique way even by Park City standards. Westgate Park City also boast “Utah’s Largest Pool” among its two indoor pools, including an adult-only relaxation pool, two spa tubs and a heated indoor/outdoor pool, among other amenities.

Park City is consistently recognized a must-visit destination year round. From delectable dining and stunning vistas to seasonal activities and unique history: I always recommend a visit to the Park City Museum on Main Street. For me as a fan of the town and the region and the history of the mountains, I was blown away by the work they do at the museum and the unique western heritage of Park City.

I feel the same way about the Olympic Training Center down the road. It is truly a world-class facility, one of a kind really in the U.S., with an exquisite winter sports museum and viewing and activity options that will blow your mind. Riding the bobsled course will change your outlook on Olympic sport; it’s incredible. And the people there are first class; many of the workers at the Center are current and former Olympians.

The Alpenglobes Patio on the backside of the hotel adjacent to the EDGE Steakhouse is a romantic and highly Instagramable place to grab a drink, especially as the sun begins to set. Westgate Park City Resort’s award-winning Edge Steakhouse and its staff delivers a cutting-edge culinary experience that takes the traditional steakhouse to new heights with exceptional creations, cocktails, and a thoughtful, inspired wine list. With a world-class culinary team led by award-winning Chef Wayne E. Christian, who we got to know over the course of four days, the menu delivers a unique blend of traditional steakhouse favorites with an array of specialty appetizers, creative entrees and innovative side dishes.

Also in the resort, Best of State award-winning Drafts Burger Bar is an elegant-yet-comfortable gastropub featuring spectacular mountainside views of the Canyons — now part of Park City Resort and accessible with your Epic pass. People were raving over the breakfast at Drafts, and we had a brunch spread one day that was to die for. There’s also a convenient coffee shop in the front lobby of the hotel with plenty of seating and an outdoor patio under a giant waterfall. Westgage even has a little on-site market in addition to the two restaurants on property which is open to the public but you can also charge stuff to your room which is always nice.

If you haven’t been up here, Canyons Village is a family style, guest-centric village that was rather off the radar just a few years ago, and now plays host to a variety of events and provides access to the Orange Bubble Express—the country’s first bubbled and temp controlled chairlift.

For off-site imbibing and dining, you have many options, not the least of which is High West Distillery, now with its famed downtown location where I’ve eaten many times, and its event venue and distillery located just a few minutes outside of town at Blue Sky Ranch — an truly incredible, state of the art, interpretive entertainment venue. The history of distilling in Utah will shock you. High West began with humble roots, opening a small, 250-gallon still and Saloon in an historic livery stable and garage. What was once a small operation in downtown Park City has grown to be an internationally recognized, award-winning brand.

For my money, the slopeside access and as well as the spa make this a no-brainer in and of itself. It’s super kid friendly, has a nice workout room, ski storage, and a complimentary shuttle service. Once you figure out how the elevators and room-numbering system works, you’re good to go.

I had one of the best spa days of my life here in fact. The well-appointed locker rooms and waiting areas are resplendent, featuring a private soaking tub just for spa guests, lots of treatment rooms so you’re never waiting too long, and an adjacent yoga room where I had an amazing Vinyasa Flow class where I patiently practiced continuous breath-linked movements with a focus on maintaining awareness, building strength, flexibility and stamina in a vigorous practice, followed by an exploration of absorption and rebirth in savasana. The award-winning Serenity Spa at Westgate Park City Resort & Spa is consistently rated as one of the top spas in Park City.

I was there in the summer so I also rented a sweet downhill mountain bike from Aloha sports, conveniently right on plaza level in the back of the resort, where you can also rent the skis of your dreams during the winter.

Even though I travel and lot and have stayed all over Park City and the other incredible Utah resorts, I would take my family back to the Westgate, use my Epic pass, and crush pow right out the back door without a second thought any time.

–Author Aaron Bible is an award-winning travel and outdoors writer with more than 30 years experience covering the outdoor lifestyle industry. Follow him @DefinitelyWild for more adventures, gear reviews, and travel trends and insights. 

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Known for its deep artistic and intersectional roots, this 413-year-old city is famous for incubating creative greats, yes including Georgia O’Keeffe, and inspiring artists and outdoor lovers of all ilks with awe-inducing canyons, national forests, protected Native lands, and monuments at its perimeter. You can feel the ghosts here in the same way you can feel the vortexes in Sedona. It’s sacred, special.

Santa Fe’s historic plaza and downtown please with many walkable streets (try Burro Alley for eateries and art) and easy access to the outdoors — Ski Santa Fe is only 16 miles from downtown, lending it legit ski town status, to many outsiders surprise.

And in line with Santa Fe’s curious motto, “The City Different,” you can’t help but feel the pull of deep historical roots, grounded in Pueblo tradition with Mexican, Spanish, and anglo influence. It was an epicenter of Western expansion. The hanging chiles or “Ristras” on front porches tie back to 1598 when Conquistador Don Juan Onate introduced chiles from Mexico, and the crop was adopted by the ancestral Puebloans. At the same time you can head to the Five & Dime General Store for a Frito Pie, all the cliches are true and not true at the same time.

Whatever your heart desires, Santa Fe keeps evolving with a fiery spirituality, creativity and adventure at its core.

Imbibe

Yes — the margaritas are really good in Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Margarita Trail is a testament to that. The city has put together a custom passport for a total of 45 bars and restaurants. Once you try a bar’s signature Margarita you get a stamp. Better yet, the more stamps you collect the more prizes. After 15 stamps you are inducted into the official Margarita Society. After 5, you earn a T-shirt. If you complete the trail, you earn the elusive VIP Margarita package.

If you fancy a wider variety of libations, attend New Mexico Cocktail Week. The event, which takes place June 2-10, will see Santa Fe bars and restaurants host high-quality cocktail experiences, educational seminars, and signature events about the fine art of mixology.

And for those who want to sling mud and knock back a few, the Tumbleroot Pottery Pub is Santa Fe’s first “Art Bar.” Conceived by the owners of Paseo Pottery and Tumbleroot Brewery & Distillery (who are also husband and wife), Tumbleroot Pottery Pub is a new experience where cocktails and clay coexist. The location offers a full bar, tasting room/bottle shop, ceramic gallery and pottery studio in one space. The bar features Tumbleroot’s locally brewed and distilled products served in Paseo Pottery made vessels specifically designed to complement each beverage. Patrons of the pottery pub will be invited to embrace their creative side and get their hands dirty forming their own works of art using communal workshop tables, raw clay, and tools provided.

Explore

The dry climate and high desert vistas are one of a kind in Santa Fe. The city’s health-centric, natural mindset and access to the outdoors put visitors at ease. Just this month, a New Soaking Pool and Sun/Moon Deck opened at the Inn of the Five Graces Spa. The sparkling, turquoise waters of the soaking pool provide a refreshing oasis in the midst of Santa Fe’s high-desert landscape, while plush lounge chairs and shaded cabanas invite guests to relax and soak up the sun at this luxury inn. At night, the deck comes alive with the glow of stars in Santa Fe’s dark sky above, creating a romantic and tranquil atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Lace your hiking boots and trail running shoes to run, play and camp in the Santa Fe National Forest. Boasting 1.6 million acres of mountains and mesas, the Santa Fe National Forest has activities for every outdoor lover. Car camp or backpack in the Pecos Las Vegas Ranger District, where some of the most backpacking and hiking trails lie, or head over to the Diablo Canyon Recreation Area for some climbing and camping. History buffs will also enjoy the Pecos National Historic Park to see pueblos and a Spanish church from 1717.

A 30-minute drive or bus ride will take you to Ski Santa Fe. The ski area is located in the Santa Fe National Forest and is a small but mighty mountain with advanced, intermediate, and beginner terrain to boot. Plus the blue bus is a public transit option that runs daily to and from the city to the mountain and is free to ride.

Experience

Santa Fe’s roots run deep and the city’s traditions will pull you in. On September 1, 2023, Santa Fe will celebrate the 99th Burning of Zozobra. The Burning of Zozobra is one of Santa Fe’s most iconic and beloved traditions. Each year, a 50-foot-tall marionette named Zozobra (Spanish for “the gloomy one”) is constructed and stuffed with the glooms of Santa Feans and visitors. All are welcome to attend, chant “burn him” with the crowd of 70,000, and watch the pageantry as torch bearers and a fire dancer ignite Zozobra’s skirt to send the woes of the past year up in flames.

Visiting Santa Fe also wouldn’t be complete without honoring the state’s arguably most famous artist. The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum is in its 25th Anniversary Year. The museum, which opened in July 1997, has been sharing the paintings, creative process, and personal effects of Georgia O’Keeffe with visitors to Santa Fe for 25 years. The exhibit Radical Abstraction, running through October 30, 2023, explores many of O’Keeffe’s favorite subjects to paint that she returned to repeatedly over many years. The exhibit brings together abstract paintings from all periods of her career showing themes she returned to and refined over time. Georgia O’Keeffe: Making a Life, on view through March 2024, explores the artist’s identity as a “Maker” in the mid-20th century in rural Northern New Mexico and includes vignettes of her world from handmade clothing, furniture gifted from designer friends Ray and Charles Eames, items purchased on her foreign travels to beloved cooking and garden tools.

Attend

There’s no more authentic way to explore Santa Fe’s neighborhoods and culture than to visit in the throngs of summer with long days and cool nights. The plaza bursts with energy, tourists, artisans and events through July and August.

The International Folk Art Market [July 5-9] celebrates traditional artisans who use handmade practices and honor timeless, generational artistic endeavors.

The Traditional Spanish Market [July 29-30] takes place on the legendary Santa Fe plaza — where you can support local Hispanic artists and enjoy live music at this almost 100-year-old event. The Contemporary Hispanic Market will also take place on the plaza at this time and is the world’s largest contemporary Hispanic market.

The 101st Santa Fe Indian Market [August 19-20] will take place on and around the Santa Fe central plaza, with artists from over one-hundred tribal communities in North America and Canada.

Expand

Santa Fe is the biggest art market in the U.S. behind only LA and New York City. The art districts are extensive, but a visit to Canyon Road is a must-see and a great start (it hosts over 80 galleries).

The plaza too is home to numerous markets and events throughout the year. Make sure to catch Santa Fe Art Week [July 7-16], which is a great way to explore the city and its creative enclaves. After a long day honing your skills at workshops or attending openings and shows, tag along on a neighborhood gallery stroll in the evening to explore the city and unwind and socialize.

Writers and readers unite at the Santa Fe International Literary Festival [May 19–21] — attend lunches, lectures, and morning meditations from esteemed authors like John Irving and Gillian Flynn.

One of only a few locations to see this massive installation, buck tradition and swing by Meow Wolf. The famed art installations are fully immersive, colorful, and utilize multimedia to its full power. There’s an enthralling installation by contemporary Native American Artist Virgil Ortiz. Virgil Ortiz, of Cochiti Pueblo, is known as one of the most avant-garde artists of his time, fusing his Pueblo culture with sci-fi, fantasy, and apocalyptic themes that yield provocative and futuristic imagery. Ortiz considers it his mission to create global awareness that Pueblo communities are very much alive and vital. Ortiz’s installation titled, Sirens: Secret Passkeys & Portals features a cast of characters from his Revolt 1680/2180 saga—an ongoing project Ortiz has been working on for the past two decades. Revolt 1680/2180 presents a dystopian future 500 years after the Pueblo Revolt in which time-travelers return to the era to aid their ancestors. The installation features an eight-foot resin head embedded with neon, a video installation filmed at the Bisti Badlands in northwestern New Mexico, and an activated light wall.

— Aaron H. Bible is an award-winning writer, photographer, and multimedia producer with three decades of experience working as a journalist and creative director. Follow him at @definitelywild.

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Here’s a pro tip for both Eastern and Western skiers: If you’re in Aspen/Snowmass or the Catskills this spring, stop by the Select Slopeside Popups to wrap up the day with a spritz from Select Aperitivo and live music as a backdrop for airing out your goggle tan lines over stories about that perfectly corned couloir line you had to hike to to earn the day’s libations.

The brand is based on a slice of Venetian culture that looks pretty similar to how we end the best ski days here in the States — winding down with a drink in hand and letting the stories from the day tumble out with abandon. While the country was pulling itself out of the wreckage from WWI, Italians needed something to take the edge off of reentry into the “new normal”… and if that doesn’t sound familiar, then perhaps you’ve been living under a rock since 2019. The same drink that helped them piece their lives back together and find a reason to smile again might just help us do the same.

Find the popup at the W Aspen Hotel in Aspen through April 11th, the Viceroy Hotel in Snowmass through April 2nd, and the Urban Cowboy Lodge in the Catskills until April 3rd.

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