‘Adventure Not War’ is an inspiring short film that takes you into mountains of Iraq revealing a seldom seen, beautiful underbelly in a place scarred with devastation but viewed through the bridges of adventure and healing.

The film takes a new approach to war, inviting veterans to rewrite their histories in places where they served and heal wounds deeper than flesh and bone. The intention was to create a film that will help promote peace and a universal understanding that beauty can replace hatred if we strive for adventure, not war.

I found the film to be so powerful and chimed well with conversations I’ve had recently about the many different motivations people have for undertaking a great journey. In 2022, with the expedition organisers behind the production you can experience the wild and mountainous terrain in the northern semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraqi Kurdistan on a ski adventure for yourself.

Ski Iraq 2022 – More info here

The 2022 dates are February 15, 2022 – February 23, 2022 costing $2,400 pp without flights. It’s the time of year you’ll likely find the best snow for skiing and may have a chance to experience one of the “White Week” festivals in Iraqi Kurdistan in the winter, however they do not have fixed dates as it depends on the snow fall.

The 10 day adventure is perfect for you if you have a strong sense of discovery. You’ll need to be safety aware but not anxious. This area, in Northern Iraq, is relatively stable. In addition, you will be always in the company of expert local and English speaking guides who will check the route before you arrive to make sure all is well and who have a huge amount of experience in the region.

We’ve worked with the British company that runs this trip since 2015. They provide unparalleled access to some of the world’s most interesting and inaccessible places specialising in trips to Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Middle East, East Africa, former Soviet Central Asia and the Caucasus, but also arrange bespoke trips to other off-the-beaten track destinations.

In 2017 they assisted an American team and film crew in making the first ski ascent and descent of Halgurd, which was the group who made the film above.

More info here

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Cover picture by Jan Bakker