Urs Grueter
Expedition Leader
Growing up in Switzerland, Urs’s love of the mountains and outdoors started early. Learning to ski as soon as he could walk was the start to many mountain adventures, including hiking, climbing, snowboarding and mountaineering – in Switzerland and further afield.
Turning his passion into a career, Urs has worked the last fifteen years in the outdoor industry. Working both in Switzerland and in Tasmania, Urs works as a white water rafting guide, canyoning guide, leader of remote wilderness treks and as an outdoor educator for schools. More recently he also has been making sure people have a laugh while guiding trail running trips and helping out in a premier outdoor shop in Hobart, Tasmania.
If Urs isn’t packing and unpacking bags for his next trip he will most likely be running the trails or climbing on Kunanyi, the local mountain backdrop of Hobart, or reading a book, drinking a coffee and planning his next adventure.
Interview
What was your first adventure?
As soon as I could walk my parents put me on skis and I was walking up and skiing down the little hill behind our family home. Wintertime will always be my favourite time of the year.
What has been your most memorable adventure?
I’ve been lucky enough to be on many memorable adventures, from trekking in the mountains in Kyrgyzstan to running away from bears in the United States. I’ve almost been blown off mountain ridges in Montenegro, climbed on some amazing limestone in China and snowboarded down some magic gullies in Chamonix. I’ve eaten empanadas in El Chalten in Patagonia and drunk espressos before canyoning in the Dolomites.
What item of travel kit you can't do without?
If I’ve got my down jacket and my sleeping bag in my backpack I know I’m doing something exciting.
What three bits of advice would you give to people who are keen on adventures, trekking and climbing?
Just make it happen, break out of your routine and follow your passion. A good adventure is always worthwhile. Finally, don’t forget to smile! If you smile, people smile back at you and life will be as fun as it can be!
What is the best thing about your job?
Being outside and traveling through some of the most wonderful natural places on this planet while always discovering something new! Working with friends and strangers alike. Helping people to achieve or come closer to their goals and making new memories.
Why did you choose to work for 360?
Live is full of surprises. I’m lucky enough to have stumbled my way into 360 Expeditions through some great friends. I’m excited to be a member of this very experienced company with its amazing and knowledgeable crew and guides.