Otro Elements Expeditions

27/03/2026

There’s something special about working with your hands.

Not behind a screen or in meetings, but outside, together, building something real.

Each year, before the OTRO expedition season starts again, we return to our beloved home-base Alpe Selvaccia. For a few days, we live and build in the Italian Alps, with the majestic Monte Rosa overlooking the valley, preparing the place for this year's expeditions.

We repair what needs attention, build what is still missing, and set up the spaces that will later host our guests and OTRO tribe.

It’s physical work, but also simple in a good way. Working side by side, sharing the days, and seeing something take shape together brings a quiet sense of satisfaction.

To join you don’t need experience. Just a willingness to step in, roll up your sleeves, and be part of the experience.

We take care of everything on the mountain: food, accommodation, and the rhythm of the days. You just need to find your way to Rassa.

📆 OTRO Hands-On: 7–10 May 2026

If this speaks to you, you can find more info here: https://www.otroelements.com/expeditions/otro-hands-on

24/03/2026

The first expedition of the season always feels like a new beginning.

Two days ago we came back from the mountains, after a beautiful OTRO Winter Expedition 2026. From Alagna at the foot of Monte Rosa, we moved deeper into the massif, with days shifting between sunshine, white-outs, and everything in between.

Five days of being out there together. Adjusting, moving with the conditions, pushing, slowing down, and laughing a lot. In winter, you don’t follow a plan, you follow the mountain. And somewhere along the way, something begins to shift.

Some words from the group:

“An unforgettable experience… dream conditions, fantastic guides, and so much food for thought that will shape decisions going forward.” (Adzer Mulder)

“A journey inward and outward. The workout became a work-in. Together and alone.” (Pien van der Kooi)

“Fun, adventurous, great company, and deep questions. Missing our time already.” (Thalita van Ogtrop)

Grateful for the group, the openness, and for our mountain guides who make this possible.

Raymond Landgraaf Maarten Middelburg Wouter de Haan Sander Nijssen Floris Jan Masmeijer Tessa Jol Stephanie Schuitemaker Marieke Lenssen Paul van Katwijk Alberto Zucchetti Andrea Degasparis Paolo Zanoli

13/02/2026

Een week zonder bereik.
Drie uur klimmen naar 1550 meter hoogte.
Slapen onder een zeiltje, alleen in de bergen.

Journalist en fotograaf Tessa Jol nam vorig jaar deel aan Spirit of the Wild op Alpe Selvaccia. Wat zij daar ervoer, kreeg een mooie plek in het januarinummer van Happinez.

Volgende week delen we het volledige artikel als PDF exclusief via onze nieuwsbrief.

Wil je het ontvangen? Meld je dan aan voor onze nieuwsbrief via deze link: https://www.otroelements.com/

Spirit of the Wild @ Alpe Selvaccia | 26–31 mei 2026

01/01/2026

The OTRO Elements tribe wishes you an inspiring and adventurous 2026.

As the new year begins, we’re taking a moment to pause and reflect.

This simple word puzzle holds values that guide our work and our journeys: in nature, in leadership, and in connection.

Which three words stand out for you? It might say something about your intention for the year ahead.

18/12/2025

Wat gebeurt er als je de bergen niet bezoekt, maar ze werkelijk toelaat?

Journalist en fotograaf Tessa Jol nam deel aan Spirit of the Wild op Alpe Selvaccia en verwoordde haar ervaring in een prachtige reportage voor Happinez.

Haar woorden raken precies waar dit programma over gaat: het herinneren dat we geen bezoekers van de natuur zijn, maar er deel van uitmaken.

De reportage is nu te lezen in het nieuwe nummer Happinez, die sinds gisteren in de winkels ligt.

Spirit of the Wild keert terug naar Alpe Selvaccia van 26–31 mei 2026: een uitnodiging om te vertragen, te verdiepen en de natuur weer écht toe te laten.

Voor meer info: https://www.otroelements.com/expeditions/spirit-of-the-wild

10/12/2025

Our brand-new website is officially live!

After guiding so many people on their inner and outer journeys, we felt it was time to take a big step forward ourselves. The previous website has carried us beautifully for many years, and we are grateful for everything it has helped us build.

Today, we’re opening a refreshed space that reflects who we are now – calm, inviting, and shaped by the landscapes and experiences that define OTRO. A place where the imagery, the stories, and the atmosphere offer a first gentle taste of what it feels like to go on an OTRO expedition.

With gratitude to Eustachio Palumbo for crafting our new visual identity, to Caspar Diederik for capturing the spirit of our journeys through his beautiful images, to the team at Debo for bringing the website to life, and to everyone behind the scenes who continues to support this path.

We invite you to explore the new website: https://www.otroelements.com/

Here’s to new beginnings — and to meeting you somewhere along the trail.

08/12/2025

A new chapter in our journey is about to begin. So stay tuned…

25/08/2025

As beautiful as these photos may seem, they are nothing compared to the reality of actually being there in person.
To touch the fresh mountain water, smell the wildflowers, feel the wind on your skin. And in just a few weeks, you could experience it yourself.

From 6–11 September, 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐝 takes place at Alpe Selvaccia in the Italian Alps.
A program developed by 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐈𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬, it invites you to step away from the everyday and reconnect with what truly matters — in nature, in silence, in community.

Sometimes last-minute decisions lead to the most beautiful experiences. Perhaps this is yours.

👉 More info & registration: https://www.spiritofthewild.eu/alpe-selvaccia

📷 STORYTRAVELERS

10/07/2025

In a world of constant scrolling and screen time, it’s easy to feel disconnected – even from our own children.

Our 4-day Parent-Child Expedition in the Italian Alps offers a chance to step away from the screens, to slow down, to reconnect. Especially if your child is a teenager and life just moves too fast.

Due to a cancellation, one last-minute spot has opened up: will you be joining us with your child or perhaps whole family?

📍 Italian Alps
📅 14–17 August 2025

🔗 For more info and to secure that last spot: https://www.otro-elements.it/en/ouder-kind

09/05/2025

Being a mother is a full-time leadership role.

And just like any good leader, sometimes the most powerful thing she can do… is take a step back.

This Mother’s Day, give her something more lasting than flowers: time in the mountains to reconnect with herself, with nature, and with other women on the same path.

From 3-7 July, our Women’s Retreat will be guided by Marit and Marjolein – two experienced and inspiring women who bring together bodywork, presence, and the wisdom of the mountains.

A gift of space. A gift of strength. A gift of self.

➡️ More info: https://www.otro-elements.it/en/vrouwen

01/04/2025