McCOMBS ADVENTURE PROGRAM

Start your journey. Find your people.

Teton Valley, Idaho

This trip is your head start at McCombs. You’ll join your classmates for four days of community-based adventures and real conversations that prepare you for your MBA journey.

I'm interested!

What you’ll experience

You’ll have time to connect with peers over shared adventures in one of the most beautiful valleys in the West.

It’s the perfect way to kickstart your MBA before you arrive on campus.

  • Enter your MBA program with new experiences that give you comfort and confidence that you’re ready to tackle academic and professional challenges.

  • Join your peers for inclusive adventures, and walk away with stronger connections.

  • Reflect on where you are and get clear about what you want from your next two years.

“Everyone came with their own story and their own reason for being here, and it created an environment of trust that you don’t always get so early in a journey like this.”

Austen Anderson

What makes this trip different?

Our approach

  • Spacious vacation rentals, community-focused, access to remote adventures

  • Activities built for exploration, teamwork, and togetherness

  • Meaningful experiences, lasting relationships, and confidence from day one

  • Crafted by learning experts in the outdoor industry; led by recent McCombs graduates

  • Airport Shuttles
    Jackson Hole Airport pickups run from late morning through evening. Meet your trip lead at baggage claim. Our WhatsApp group will include live pickup details.

    Arrival at the lodge
    Settle in, meet your classmates, and get settled.

    Dinner together
    Community pasta dinner with salad and protein options.

    Kickoff
    Warm welcome, itinerary highlights, and a casual walk and talk after dinner.

    Evening
    MBA Q&A with student leaders and time to relax. Pack your lunch for tomorrow’s activities.

  • Morning
    Breakfast and coffee to start the day before a morning shuttle to Teton Pass trailheads. Morning hike with optional routes based on the challenge and elevation you desire.

    Midday
    Lunch break and relaxed downtime in Driggs.

    Afternoon
    Easy-flow paddle on the Teton River in tandem kayaks with opportunities to see wildlife.

    Dinner
    Slow-cooked dinner that will be ready shortly after we return from activities.

    Evening
    Free time to hang out and swap stories from the day. Optional evening small-group discussion.

  • Morning
    Breakfast window and drive to Grand Targhee Resort.

    Late morning
    Downhill mountain biking with lift service, rental, and instruction. Choose your own adventure and ride in groups of three or more for safety. Place lunch orders before riding.

    Lunch
    Casual lunch on-mountain at Powder Cache restaurant.

    Afternoon
    Teton Adventure Challenge on various downhill and cross-country trails. Teams of 4 tackle navigation, puzzles, checkpoints, and a social impact pitch. Winners take home some adventure-worthy gear.

    Dinner
    Group grill night back at the lodge.

    Evening
    A bit of surprise and delight to celebrate our adventures together.

  • Early morning
    Short sunrise outing together. Pack up and drive back to Jackson.

    Breakfast in town
    Local Jackson restaurants and time to explore the town.

    Airport shuttles
    Staggered departures back to Jackson Hole Airport.

Trip Details

  • Read more about the trip below. If you have any follow-up questions, feel free to reach out to Avery or Michael with questions.

    Avery Klunick: avery.klunick@mba.utexas.edu

    Michael Madigan: michael.madigan@mba.utexas.edu

  • Submit your $500 deposit at this link. All deposits are due by June 5, 2026 and are non-refundable.

Need more information?

We schedule trip info sessions 6-8 weeks prior to the trip. If you have any questions, please reach out to marc@stepoutside.us.

What’s included?

✔ Stay at Teton Crest Lodge
✔ Meals from arrival to departure
✔ Two full-day adventures
✔ Group discussions
✔ Unforgettable connections

Price: $1,500


✈️ Flights are not included – we recommend flying into Jackson Hole (JAC), where we’ll coordinate group transportation to the ranch. We’re planning on

🚙 We’re planning 2 shuttles from Jackson Hole based on flight arrivals. The first will leave Jackson Hole between ~10-11a and the second will leave ~2-3p.

We’ll work with participants to confirm that shuttles accommodate their flight time.

Limited Spots Available

Space is limited and spots will fill fast. If you’re interested, don’t wait!

How to Prepare

This experience is meant to challenge you in a supportive, team-oriented environment.

What to expect

  • Hikes and activities covering up to 15 miles in mountain terrain.

  • We’ll adjust our pace to accommodate participants and keep everyone safe.

  • Potential steep elevation changes

  • Outdoor activities that require mobility and endurance

Ways to get ready

  • Take longer walks or hikes

  • Break in any trail-friendly shoes beforehand

  • Focus on hydration and nutrition before and during

  • Bring a growth mindset – prepare to be challenged while knowing that you get to decide what your experience looks like.

  • Plan to be open and work together

  • Unplug and be present.

We’ll share a detailed packing list closer to the trip!