Ryan Gross

Throughout his career and studies, Ryan has worked and studied in a wide variety of places. During his undergraduate studies at the University of Evansville, Ryan spent semesters studying in Brisbane and Madrid, and after finishing his degree, he volunteered at an orphanage in Honduras for two years. Though new to Global Works, he has led trips to Ecuador, Costa Rica, Peru, Nicaragua, Mexico, Bahamas, Fiji, and Curacao. He has done a variety of service projects including work on wildlife rehabilitation, coral reef repopulation, school infrastructure, community center development, community irrigation canals, and much more. He is excited to do similar work in Puerto Rico this summer. He has worked in Washington, Alaska, and Hawaii, but he primarily resides in Colorado where he works as an alpine ski instructor in Vail. In addition to being a fully certified alpine ski instructor, he is a certified scuba instructor through PADI. Ryan loves listening to podcasts and audiobooks while running and mountain biking. He is proud of completing his first unassisted 50km run last fall, and after leading trips this summer to Puerto Rico, Patagonia, France, and Holland, he will be training to run rim to rim to rim at the Grand Canyon.

Where did you grow up?
Churubusco, Indiana

Where do you call home now?
Avon, Colorado

Year started at Global Works?
2023

What’s your favorite part about leading trips?
Sharing in the excitement of exploring a new place.

What’s something you can’t live without while you are traveling?
A toothbrush

Tell us about a favorite memory from a trip you have taken
I always love exploring things off the beaten path.

Where is your favorite place you have traveled to?
On top of any mountain

Fun fact, special talent, or favorite memory
My hometown is famous for a fictitious turtle

What do you like to do in your free time?
Exercise, game nights, multi-tasking.

What languages do you speak?
English, Spanish, Portuguese, & French

If you had to give one piece of advice or words of encouragement to someone on their first travel experience, what would it be?
It’s okay to splurge and do the things you most want to do.