Explorer Spotlight: Derek Tice

Name: Derek Tice | Age: 24 | Location: Bozeman, MT.

What’s your day job?
Graduated with my masters in Architecture and am currently a Revit Specialist/Draftsman for a structural engineering firm.

What are your favorite things to do outside?
My favorite extracurricular, outdoor activity would have to be snowboarding. But since that activity is only available a few months out of the year, I've turned to photography and backpacking during the warmer months.

What first drew you to the outdoors?
For as long as I can remember, my brother and I turned to the outdoors for entertainment. Our parents got us on skis when we were two, and dirt bikes when we were able to ride on two wheels. From there, we had the necessary skills to explore the mountains no matter what time of year it was.

What’s your favorite hometown adventure? ...and, almost as important, where’s your favorite spot to get a beer after?
Riding some powder anywhere on Big Sky, followed by a cold one from Lone Peak Brewery.

What’s your essential gear that never gets left at home?
headlamp, camera, dry-bag, a cornucopia of beer gathered from various places

What’s your favorite trail snack?
Pabst

Any go-to soundtracks when you’re hitting the road?
Anything, variety is key

What’s the scariest thing that’s ever happened while you were adventuring? And/ or funniest?
My dog got chased and trampled by a one eyed "rogue" deer once... He escaped with merely a bruised ego.

Who’s your number one adventure partner-in-crime? Who inspires you?
My partner-in-crime is my girlfriend Brittany and my biggest influence would have to be my brother Pat (he convinces me to do the improbable things.)

What are your top destinations for adventure travel?
Gallatin Canyon and the Little Belt Mountains

What’s on the top of your must-do adventure list right now?
Zion N.P.

Show us your most memorable photo, and tell us about it!
We drove to Grand Teton National Park late friday night after work and were unable to find a camp spot. It was late in the year and most campgrounds were closed or full. Not knowing where to set up camp, we logged into The Outbound and was directed to "The Observatory" just outside of the park. Pitch black and no backup plan, we were banking on this spot. We drove up a relatively steep dirt road that was heavily rutted and were amazed at what was in front of us. The milky way was so vibrant we decided to ditch setting up camp and just stargazing and sleeping in the car.

And last but not least…What’s your personal motto?
We're not lost yet