Exploring Limits: Adam Kruszyna's Journey Through the Cascade Volcanos

Meet Adam Kruszyna, a backcountry ski athlete and photographer based in Northern Vermont. With a background in engineering and a passion for the outdoors, Adam has embarked on a unique journey of exploration, skill-building, and self-discovery. His latest adventure, the “Cascade Project,” saw him skiing 21 volcanos in 31 days—an ambitious feat that epitomizes his adventurous spirit and dedication to the mountains. 

Adam’s connection to the mountains began early. Growing up with easy access to Vermont’s rugged terrain, he honed his skills in smaller-scale backcountry adventures. While the objectives in Vermont may be more modest in scale, they provided a foundational training ground for bigger missions. “Vermont is a training ground for bigger missions,” Adam explains. Overnights on smaller peaks like Mt. Mansfield (Stowe), though less practical, gave him valuable experience for challenges in larger mountain ranges. 

Adam’s journey was as much about learning as it was about skiing. From dialing in his gear systems to managing freezing feet during long transitions, every day presented a new challenge. One of the trip’s highlights was the traverse of the Three Sisters, culminating in a 17-hour day that included a small ice climb and a rappel down North Sister, one of the most technically demanding peaks in the range. 

“I’d scoped it out a week prior and realized it was more technical than I’d prepared for,” he recalls. With more gear and determination, he returned a few days later to complete the traverse. 

Traveling solo gave Adam the flexibility to adapt to weather, snow conditions, and his own pace. “Most people don’t have the time to dedicate to an adventure like this,” he notes. However, being alone meant every decision—from route selection to avalanche assessment—rested solely on his shoulders. “You have to realize that you don’t have someone checking everything,” he says, emphasizing the importance of conservative decision-making. We’re curious on Adams thoughts of Jeremy Jones’s book, “The Art of Shralpanism" which touches upon this from an elite level as well.  

For a portion of the journey, Adam was joined by fellow Renoun athlete and ski partner Caleb Kessler. The two had previously ventured to Alaska together, making them well-suited for tackling some of the Cascade peaks as a team. Caleb joined Adam for several key summits, including Mount Adams, Mount St. Helens, Mount Hood, Diamond Peak, and Mount Bachelor. Their existing partnership allowed them to efficiently navigate the terrain, share the load, and push each other in a way that solo travel couldn’t. Having Caleb along for part of the trip provided both camaraderie and an additional safety net, enriching the experience and making these summits even more memorable.

While Adam’s training included an AAIRE 2 certification, the spring snowpack of the Cascades presented unique challenges. His strategy was to ski conservatively, choosing safe lines and prioritizing timing. “There’s no need to ski an amazing line right then and there,” he reflects. “You can always come back when conditions are better.” 

Among the highlights of the trip were hidden gems like Pelican Butte and Diamond Peak in Southern Oregon. These lesser-known zones offered infinite ski terrain on all aspects, providing endless opportunities for exploration and discovery.