Viristar’s director, Jeff Beierlein, was recently interviewed by leaders from the European Centre of Adventure Training to discuss safety in the global adventure sector. The interview was conducted by Jacqui Coward, Co-Founder and Head of Leadership and Program Development, and Thomas Exner, Co-Founder and Head of Mountain Programs. ECAT provides professional training programs for adventure … Read more
An analysis of safety research on preventing workplace safety incidents supports the effectiveness of a “Safety by Design” approach to risk management, using a variety of safety measures in a hierarchy of controls, from most to least effective. The Safety by Design approach focuses first on eliminating hazards, then substituting greater hazards with lesser hazards, … Read more
Viristar is pleased to offer Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for participants who complete the Foundations of Adventure Safety course. These CEUs are awarded through Colorado State University Pueblo’s Division of Extended Studies and provide academic recognition of professional development. The Foundations of Adventure Safety course is approved for 1.6 CEUs, equivalent to 16 contact hours, … Read more
Global Youth Travel Organization Completed Viristar’s Risk Management for Outdoor Programs Training Twenty-three Rustic Pathways staff members participated in Viristar’s month-long Risk Management for Outdoor Programs certification course, gaining skills in outdoor safety, incident prevention and emergency response. Participants represented program leadership of Rustic Pathways supporting programs designed for middle school, high school, and college students. … Read more
[Update: Position Filled] Viristar is hiring for a Communications and Events Coordinator. Join Viristar’s growing team to help improve the quality and safety of outdoor and adventure experiences worldwide. The Communications and Events Coordinator supports Viristar’s communications and events by managing digital content, maintaining online platforms, and assisting with event planning and logistics. This role … Read more
By Kaelan Young During an early morning in November, fifteen eager participants gathered at the base of the Himouli Mountains in Kesab, Syria for a full day ascent. The group conducted final gear checks, reviewed the day’s objectives and prepared for a demanding trek that would test endurance, skills and teamwork. The team moved from … Read more
Viristar is leading an Experiential Learning Trip Risk Management training at the American International School of Vilnius May 29-30, 2026. The two-day training will build knowledge and skills on the part of American International School of Vilnius (AISV) faculty and staff regarding experiential learning trip risk management. Chaperones and trip leaders from other Central & … Read more
A large, military-like immigration law enforcement operation was underway. Aggressive enforcement actions, widespread protests, and violence were occurring. A citizen driving to work was pepper-sprayed by an immigration agent, who reportedly smashed the driver’s window and dragged him out of his car. Another citizen, a school teacher, was shot five times by a border patrol … Read more
Viristar will be providing its Foundations of Adventure Safety course May 1-2, 2026 at Utahloy International School Guangzhou in Guangzhou, China. The two-day, 16-hour training is being delivered in cooperation with CNH and Utahloy International School Guangzhou. It is designed for professionals working in outdoor, adventure, travel and experiential programs. The course content includes good … Read more
Viristar is pleased to share that participants in the Risk Management for Outdoor Programs course can now earn continuing education units (CEUs) through ACCT International (Association for Challenge Course Technology). The course has been approved to provide CEUs for both Inspector Certification (ICE) and Operation Reviewers (ORs). This recognition supports challenge course professionals seeking high-quality … Read more
Viristar is proud to renew our Affiliate Membership with UN Tourism, further strengthening our commitment to improving the safety and quality of outdoor and adventure experiences around the world. UN Tourism is the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism. Its global network of more than 500 Affiliate Members contributes … Read more
Viristar is launching a two-day, 16-hour classroom-based Foundations of Adventure Safety training, designed to provide skills and knowledge vital for appropriately managing risks arising from adventure activities. The course has been developed to support current and future managers of outdoor, adventure, experiential, wilderness and travel-based programs in creating an effective safety management system for their … Read more
