Michael Mathews' Global Skiing Adventure
In a remarkable endeavor that showcases the spirit of adventure and the thrill of travel, Michael Mathews, the owner of The Backpacker, has set himself the audacious goal of skiing all seven continents within the year 2026. This ambitious project is set to conclude in late October with a ski trip to Antarctica, marking the final destination in a journey that has already taken him and his family to diverse locales including British Columbia, Argentina, Austria, Morocco, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand over the past ten months. The inspiration behind this world tour emerged last year when Mathews rebranded The Backpacker’s winter travel division into a new venture known as ALPINR Mountain Travel. Founded in 1974 by his father, Dale, The Backpacker has long been a staple for Louisianans looking to enjoy winter sports during the Mardi Gras break, but Mathews felt it was time to broaden the horizons of families seeking ski adventures beyond familiar terrains like Aspen and Park City.
“I wanted to inspire people,” Mathews shared, explaining his motivation to embark on this global ski expedition. Having skied since the tender age of three, it was only after a pivotal business trip to Switzerland in 2018 that Mathews truly fell in love with the concept of global travel. His perspective shifted during a family trip to the French Alps in 2024, where he envisioned an educational travel series that could encapsulate the magic of adventure and encourage families to explore the world. Thus, he set out with a self-funded mission to ski on all seven continents within 300 days while documenting the journey through a YouTube series, free from sponsors or corporate partnerships.
Exploring Unique Ski Destinations
Mathews' journey began on New Year’s Day 2026 on the picturesque island of Hokkaido in Japan, where he skied at Mt. Niseko, renowned for its soft and fluffy “Japow” snow. He brought his wife and two children along, immersing themselves in the local culture and cuisine, including savoring wagyu dumplings from a cozy food truck village and dining at the popular Rakuichi Soba, a family-run restaurant celebrated for its homemade soba noodles. The meticulous planning paid off, as Mathews woke up at 3 AM to secure a reservation at this sought-after eatery, declaring it the best meal he has ever enjoyed.
After Japan, Mathews ventured to the remote heli-skiing slopes of British Columbia for his North American leg, opting for an adventurous experience far removed from the more familiar ski resorts. The journey took him and his cameraman, Cameron Easley, via helicopter to access the pristine skiing locations. Following this, the duo explored the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, where they enjoyed an unexpected stroke of luck with favorable skiing conditions, all while taking time to experience the vibrant local medina filled with charming shops and eateries.
Continuing his exploration of Europe, Mathews chose Austria for its stunning landscapes and welcoming après-ski culture, emphasizing the inclusive atmosphere that makes skiing enjoyable for everyone. The Southern Hemisphere brought him to the breathtaking Patagonian Andes in Argentina, followed by exhilarating runs in Kosciuszko National Park in Australia and the beautiful alpine village of Methven in New Zealand. The culmination of his journey was a challenging expedition to Antarctica, which he meticulously planned months in advance aboard the Ocean Albatros expedition ship, navigating through the Drake Passage to reach the icy slopes of the South Pole.
Reflecting on his journey, Mathews finds joy in the connections made through The Backpacker, often hearing from customers about the unforgettable ski trips organized for their families. He hopes his world tour will reignite a passion for exploration and travel, inspiring others to embark on their own adventures, and reminding everyone that discovering new places is good for the soul. “If I can inspire people to travel and see the world,” he concludes, “then we’ll be able to do this for a long time.”
As reported by 225batonrouge.com.
