As spring days grow longer and all things come alive, with temperatures warming up, the 2012 Gore-Tex Outdoor Dream Realization campaign plan collection has also reached its climax. While submissions were in full swing in March, the February monthly champion plan has also been officially announced.
Xiang Yang, leader of the 2011 professional mountaineering group champion team "Snow Shoulder Peak Ascent"
February champion list unveiled
The monthly champion of the professional mountaineering group, the "Dragon Year Ascend the Dragon Spine" plan, came from the main site of the campaign’s official website. Located within Jiesigou in Sichuan Province, the Dragon Spine Peak has a main peak elevation of 5,523 meters. Its eastern side features a massive glacier, giving the route a certain level of technical difficulty. However, the outstanding experience and mountaineering expertise of the Chubei team, along with their relentless spirit of exploration, won unanimous praise from the judges.
The hiking and trekking group champion was the "Pilgrimage to Zonglha" plan from the 8246 sub-site. This is a route rich in Tibetan cultural atmosphere and filled with sacred Tibetan landmarks, where one can quietly listen to the many legends of Guru Rinpoche and visit sacred sites, while also enjoying the views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and Mount Namcha Barwa.
Meanwhile, the "Unveiling the 'Mystery' of Moska" plan launched by the Yuantuo Outdoor sub-site, and the "Let Gongga Regain Its Youth" plan from the Gore official website main site, both stood out with their unique natural and cultural landscape planning that incorporated environmental protection and public welfare elements, winning the monthly championships for the Outdoor Travel Group and the Extraordinary Outdoor Group respectively.
The monthly champion of the professional mountaineering group, the "Dragon Year Ascend the Dragon Spine" plan, came from the main site of the campaign’s official website. Located within Jiesigou in Sichuan Province, the Dragon Spine Peak has a main peak elevation of 5,523 meters. Its eastern side features a massive glacier, giving the route a certain level of technical difficulty. However, the outstanding experience and mountaineering expertise of the Chubei team, along with their relentless spirit of exploration, won unanimous praise from the judges.
The hiking and trekking group champion was the "Pilgrimage to Zonglha" plan from the 8246 sub-site. This is a route rich in Tibetan cultural atmosphere and filled with sacred Tibetan landmarks, where one can quietly listen to the many legends of Guru Rinpoche and visit sacred sites, while also enjoying the views of the Yarlung Tsangpo River and Mount Namcha Barwa.
Meanwhile, the "Unveiling the 'Mystery' of Moska" plan launched by the Yuantuo Outdoor sub-site, and the "Let Gongga Regain Its Youth" plan from the Gore official website main site, both stood out with their unique natural and cultural landscape planning that incorporated environmental protection and public welfare elements, winning the monthly championships for the Outdoor Travel Group and the Extraordinary Outdoor Group respectively.
Expert judges: Jin Feibao (left), Liao Jia (right)
The judging panel takes the pulse of dreams
Since its launch in mid-December last year, the campaign has now entered the peak period for plan submissions. While a large number of high-quality plans continue to emerge, the judges have also noticed many shortcomings in the design of the proposals.
Liu Yanlin, former president of Peking University’s Mountain Eagle Club and one of the judges for the professional mountaineering group in this campaign, noted that in the February champion selection, the "Virgin Snow Mountain (Unclimbed Peak) Ascent Plan" and the "Dragon Year Ascend the Dragon Spine" were evenly matched, but he ultimately gave the higher score to the latter. "Climbing the Virgin Snow Mountain is a technical route, and it's an unclimbed peak — definitely worth attempting. Unfortunately, the submitter did not mark the detailed route planning on the mountain photos, which, for a professional team, is a significant miss."
Jia Xu, judge for the hiking and trekking group and marketing director of the OZARK GEAR (Osprey) brand, focused more on the safety of team expeditions. "Many of the plans had reasonable itineraries and route planning. But regrettably, most did not provide contingency plans or detailed budget planning," Jia Xu said. These issues may seem minor, but they are crucial to whether a route can become a truly viable 'good' plan.
Speaking of the standout plans from the past two months, Liao Jia, judge for the outdoor travel group and a professional traveler, was particularly impressed by the "Ali Outer Loop" plan. "This is a rather compelling proposal. The team has extensive experience traveling in Tibet, the plan is highly feasible, and we’re looking forward to the Ali Outer Loop travel guide that will be written after the trip." However, she offered feedback on the mode of travel: "The team is relying solely on rented vehicles, which clearly lacks flexibility and authority when gathering travel information."
Jin Feibao, the renowned explorer and judge for the Extraordinary Outdoor Group, was especially meticulous with his plan evaluations. He offered suggestions for the January monthly champion, the "Motuo Environmental Protection Journey" plan: "The cost budget should also include expenses for producing environmental protection promotional materials, signage, and subsequent publicity items."
Liu Yanlin, former president of Peking University’s Mountain Eagle Club and one of the judges for the professional mountaineering group in this campaign, noted that in the February champion selection, the "Virgin Snow Mountain (Unclimbed Peak) Ascent Plan" and the "Dragon Year Ascend the Dragon Spine" were evenly matched, but he ultimately gave the higher score to the latter. "Climbing the Virgin Snow Mountain is a technical route, and it's an unclimbed peak — definitely worth attempting. Unfortunately, the submitter did not mark the detailed route planning on the mountain photos, which, for a professional team, is a significant miss."
Jia Xu, judge for the hiking and trekking group and marketing director of the OZARK GEAR (Osprey) brand, focused more on the safety of team expeditions. "Many of the plans had reasonable itineraries and route planning. But regrettably, most did not provide contingency plans or detailed budget planning," Jia Xu said. These issues may seem minor, but they are crucial to whether a route can become a truly viable 'good' plan.
Speaking of the standout plans from the past two months, Liao Jia, judge for the outdoor travel group and a professional traveler, was particularly impressed by the "Ali Outer Loop" plan. "This is a rather compelling proposal. The team has extensive experience traveling in Tibet, the plan is highly feasible, and we’re looking forward to the Ali Outer Loop travel guide that will be written after the trip." However, she offered feedback on the mode of travel: "The team is relying solely on rented vehicles, which clearly lacks flexibility and authority when gathering travel information."
Jin Feibao, the renowned explorer and judge for the Extraordinary Outdoor Group, was especially meticulous with his plan evaluations. He offered suggestions for the January monthly champion, the "Motuo Environmental Protection Journey" plan: "The cost budget should also include expenses for producing environmental protection promotional materials, signage, and subsequent publicity items."
From the above analysis by the expert judging panel, do you now have a clearer idea of what it takes to create a great outdoor dream travel plan? Then what are you waiting for? Hurry up and submit your 'perfect' travel plan now!
The plan submission deadline is the end of May, with two months remaining. Gore, together with partners Kolon Sport, Ozark Gear (Osprey), Toread (Explorer), Black Yak (Blaireau), adidas, Lowa, Lafuma, La new, Millet, Merrell, Northland, and Salewa, will continue to offer generous prizes for the monthly and annual champions.
Even if you’ve already submitted a plan but didn’t win an award, don’t be discouraged. This year’s campaign continues its cross-industry collaboration with the car brand Subaru, launching the “Subaru Special Route.” In addition to the four annual champions, one participating team will receive support from Gore and Subaru in the form of a Forester SUV, travel funds, and equipment to fulfill their dream journey.
For more details, please visit the official Gore campaign website.
The plan submission deadline is the end of May, with two months remaining. Gore, together with partners Kolon Sport, Ozark Gear (Osprey), Toread (Explorer), Black Yak (Blaireau), adidas, Lowa, Lafuma, La new, Millet, Merrell, Northland, and Salewa, will continue to offer generous prizes for the monthly and annual champions.
Even if you’ve already submitted a plan but didn’t win an award, don’t be discouraged. This year’s campaign continues its cross-industry collaboration with the car brand Subaru, launching the “Subaru Special Route.” In addition to the four annual champions, one participating team will receive support from Gore and Subaru in the form of a Forester SUV, travel funds, and equipment to fulfill their dream journey.
For more details, please visit the official Gore campaign website.