Darryl Bangert
1975 was a big year for me, college degree in Environmental Studies and moved to Vail.
Skiing 150 days a year as a backcountry guide, 100 days/year as a river guide for the next 10 years was a dream come true!!
That time frame has been the basis for creating outdoor adventures that mean something to myself and our clients. If you read Malcolm Gladwell, this was my 10,000 hour training that gave me the expertise to take guiding to new levels.
We, my wife and now two grown children, have chosen the road less traveled, and it has been instructive. We have tried to physically travel around this amazing planet whenever possible.
We have always looked at new ways to “connect” our guests with nature in safe and different activities. We have had many firsts. First commercial raft trips on the Eagle River, first Jet Boat Company, first to run many different river sections here in Colorado, first night-vision rafting trips, first Hummer Tours, etc...
Interestingly enough, studies show the same reason for outdoor recreational pursuits by Americans. They want the sense of wildness, the same for cross-country skiers, snowmobilers, hikers, bikers, rafters, jeepers and on. That is why we have offered all these means to the same end as guides.
34 years, 250,000 guests and many companies later bring us to Sage Outdoor Adventures.
We as a family are focused to bringing fun, memorable vacations to our fellow citizens as a necessary connection between family and friends in an always hectic pace of life.
Robin Leedle Bangert
I guess I'm a product of my upbringing....I love new places and new people. I grew up moving every two to three years, though the only area we never lived in was the Rocky Mountains. So after studying Horticulture and Spanish at Virginia Tech, I made my way directly to Colorado in 1978. I have this incurable curiosity to know what lies beyond the next bend or over the next rise, and not necessarily on a beaten path. This has led to the most amazing discoveries in these beautiful mountains.
Being an avid back country skier, hiker, climber, mountain runner, and river guide has allowed me to compete in “ultra” endurance events, including the British Columbia Eco-Challenge. My newest quest is learning “horse -woman-ship”...a worthy endeavor that is an act of courage each time I ride!
Playing the violin, floral design (especially for weddings!), and leadership at church are some of the things that fill my time when I'm not moving in the mountains.
Family adventures, abounding with excitement, discovery, and bonding have come from raising our children, Autumn and Cole, in this environment. River trips, to be sure, have always been the highlight. To be in business with them now is a dream, and the adventures continue... The only difference is that they now lead the way and it's getting harder to keep up!
The river is such a dynamic place of beauty, energy, and life. We look forward to sharing it with you!
Cole Bangert
I was born in 1985 right here in Vail. Not a bad place to grow up. My childhood was filled with adventures in the outdoors. I now find myself able to share my love of those continuing moments and memories
When I graduated High School I found myself signed on a factory downhill mountain bike race team that brought me to World Cup races all over the globe. In 2007 I was crowned the US National Champion, only to have 2008 filled with injuries and dissapointment that left me wanting a different lifestyle. The World Cup level of competition, travel, different cultures, trials, and triumphs has been the best "school" ever for teaching me how to relate to people.
I now find myself doing yet another thing that I love to do for a living... being in the mountains of colorado.. every day.
Having a family guideservice business in my hometown is just about the best job ever. I enjoy this place and this lifestyle more and more, and I would love to share it with you!
Autumn Eggleston (Bangert)
I was born and raised in the Vail Valley. My family has owned and operated local raft and outdoor recreation companies for my entire life, and I have loved being a part of it! I have advanced in responsibility from the very important role of making forts and playgrounds out of boats in the boatyard at age 5, to counting the days until I turned 18 so that I could actually guide those boats down the river as they were intended.
I split from the family business for about five years to pursue my dreams of being a professional photographer and to get married to my high school sweetheart. I ran a very successful Wedding and Portrait Photography Studio and I loved every second of it. I sold the business after two years to pursue a new adventure with my husband in Alaska. We ended up living in the hometown of Sarah Palin, where we were well received by the native Alaskans. We enjoyed many amazing adventures there, but Colorado called us home to its wonderful people and beautiful climate.
We are now settled back into the area and are very happy to be active members of our community. Both my husband and I volunteer for Search and Rescue and are members of the specialized Chaffee County Swiftwater Rescue Team. We enjoy being able to use our outdoor skills to help those in need or to save a life.
There is no limit to the outdoor pursuits that I love, including rock climbing, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding, skiing, hiking, backpacking and trail running. Being outdoors is home to me, and the place that I feel the most comfortable. I can’t wait to be your guide and to introduce you to my home and playground!
