Turo

by Turo

posted on July 30, 2019

Sample the lifestyle of a world-renowned photographer, alpinist, and Oscar-winning filmmaker

Just in time for summer, Turo and Jimmy Chin have teamed up to offer up the opportunity for unforgettable adventure. Jimmy has listed his campervan — the van that has been with him through years of exploration — on Turo while he spends the next few months traveling the world.

The van is located in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, a nature lover’s nirvana right at the foot of the Tetons where Jimmy spends much of the year. Equipped with beds, solar power, and a stove, this is the perfect vehicle in the perfect place to experience the wild of the American West.

The mountaineer

Jimmy Chin is a photographer, alpinist, and Oscar-winning filmmaker. His experience and passion for the outdoors have led him to work with many of the world’s foremost professional climbers, skiers, and adventurers, capturing extraordinary stories in some of the most challenging environments on Earth.

Jimmy has led climbing and mountaineering expeditions on all seven continents. He is credited with a number of first ascents, and was part of the first American team to ski Mount Everest. Being up in the mountains is what fuels Jimmy, so he’s always searching for the next summit, traveling to far-flung destinations to get inspired and inspire others through his work.

“As I’m getting ready for another summer of travel,” says Jimmy, “I have decided to partner with Turo and list the van I lived in while filming ‘Free Solo.’ Pretty stoked to give others the opportunity to tool around in my van.”

Jimmy codirected “Free Solo” with his wife, Chai Vasarhelyi. The film broke numerous records on its way to winning Best Documentary Feature at the 91st Academy Awards. The film documents the incredible quest of Jimmy’s close friend Alex Honnold to climb the face of Yosemite’s 3,200-foot El Capitan — without a rope. Both Jimmy and Alex lived in their campervans during the preparation and filming of the astonishing ascent.

Aside from its behind-the-scenes role in the filming of Free Solo, the van has been with Jimmy through countless adventures. Instead of letting it sit idle while he’s away hunting new frontiers, Jimmy is sharing the van on Turo so it can help others discover their own next great adventure. “My van has taken me on climbing and skiing trips all around North America. I can’t wait to hear about the kinds of adventures people experience in it this summer.”

There’s a reason that campervans are the preferred vehicle of so many of the world’s foremost mountain sports athletes. “The flexibility of van life is perfect for adventure,” says Jimmy. “When you’re living out of your van, climbing and hiking wherever you want, there’s no rush. It’s a simple life. I did it for a long time, and I’d do it all over again. Since I can’t live that life full-time anymore, at least someone else can have a taste of it in my van.”

Head out West

You may not be able to quit your day job for a life of conquering untamed peaks, but you can certainly experience the lifestyle of a veteran explorer. Jimmy’s van is available to book in Jackson through the end of August, but no matter where in the West it takes you, just know the backcountry is ready.

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