Galactic Adventures

ISSUE 17  |  MARCH 21, 2025
Camper Vans gathered at a campfire at sunset
Hello, STORYTELLERS! Welcome to the 17th issue of Galactic Adventures -- our community-focused, community-informed newsletter. We have officially kicked off the 2025 tour season with the first Overland Expo of the year! Thanks to everyone who joined us in Costa Mesa, CA. This was the first year for Overland Expo SoCal and we thought it was a great success! It's always a wonderful time seeing members of our STORYTELLER owners community, our esteemed vendor partners and folks looking to purchase their first Storyteller Overland rig. 

To stay in the loop on Storyteller events, be sure to check out the Insiders Facebook Page as well as our official Events Page

🚐 Embracing Winter with Nordic Skiing and Wolfie: Our Family’s Story


Lukas Bzark , STEALTH MODE owner

We are the Nordic Skiing Family – Kamila, Lukas, Anna, and Bella – and our winters revolve around Nordic skiing. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gliding across snow-covered landscapes, surrounded by silent forests and crisp mountain air. It’s a tradition, a lifestyle, and a passion that connects us to nature, keeps us active, and brings us closer as a family.

What is Nordic Skiing?
Nordic skiing (also known as cross-country or XC skiing) is a form of skiing where you provide all the motion. Unlike downhill skiing – where gravity pulls you along – in Nordic skiing you propel yourself over the snow using skis and poles​. There are two main styles of Nordic skiing, each with its own technique and feel:

Classic Skiing: The classic technique feels like a rhythmic striding motion (almost like walking or jogging on skis). You glide forward in parallel tracks, kicking and gliding straight ahead.
Skate Skiing: The skate technique is resembling ice skating on skis. You push off the skis side-to-side in a V-shape, generating speed with each lateral stride.

Whether you’re doing a peaceful classic tour or an aerobic skate ski session, the beauty of Nordic skiing is that you can set the pace and style to whatever you want it to be. It’s truly a choose-your-own-adventure winter sport!

The Magic of Nordic Skiing
We love Nordic skiing because it offers so much more than just a way to travel over snow. There’s something almost magical about being out on the trails, where the world falls quiet except for the soft swish of skis slicing through the groomed snow. Frosted trees line the path, open meadows sparkle, and fresh snowflakes catch the sunlight. Gliding along, your body finds a rhythm and your mind clears—it’s like a moving meditation in a winter wonderland. 

Nordic skiing is something we share as a family and with friends. It’s a sport for everyone—kids, adults can enjoy it together. There’s a wonderful sense of community on the trails, where a simple smile or nod from a fellow skier can brighten your day. For us, Nordic skiing is at the heart of our family bond. Skiing together is about creating moments that we’ll cherish forever. Whether it’s early morning glides, sweating on a climb, adrenalin of a downhill, laughing during a snowball fight, or enjoying a snack in a warming hut, these are the times that bring us closer.
Out on the trails, we disconnect from the rush of everyday life and reconnect with each other. 

And in a season when it’s easy to stay indoors, cross-country skiing keeps us moving, healthy, and happy all winter long. It’s an incredible full-body workout, one that warms you up fast yet doesn’t feel like “exercise” in the traditional sense because it’s so enjoyable.

Wolfie: Our Winter Basecamp on Wheels
Our van “Wolfie” has become an integral part of making this Nordic ski lifestyle possible. Every weekend during winter, we pack up Wolfie and drive 3–4 hours to the mountains for our girls’ cross-country ski team practice and for our Nordic skiing getaway. Many times, we sleep overnight in the van on the way or in the mountains, cozy and warm no matter how cold it gets outside. (The coldest night we’ve camped was -12 °F but thanks to the van’s diesel heater, we stayed toasty inside!)

Wolfie isn’t just a vehicle; it’s our basecamp. After a long ski day, having a warmth and comfortable space in the van to change into dry clothes is a game-changer. We often come back to Wolfie and treat ourselves to a steaming bowl of soup or hot cacao, which tastes amazing after hours out in the chilly air. The van holds all our gear – skis, poles, boots, and even the ski chariot we used when the girls were little. With all-wheel drive and good snow tires, Wolfie also keeps us safe on even the snowiest mountain roads. It gives us the freedom to chase the snow and spend our weekends in our favorite winter places without worrying about lodging. In short, Wolfie has become part of our family!

Winter Road Trip
Last year, Wolfie took us on our biggest winter van adventure yet – a 1.5-month-long, 6,000-mile road trip from California to the Upper Midwest and back for some truly special ski events. Our journey brought us to Minneapolis, Minnesota, for the first Cross-Country Skiing World Cup race on U.S. soil in 23 years. It was incredible to witness world-class skiers racing in the United States, and to feel the excitement of thousands of cheering fans. We then continued to Wisconsin to experience the legendary American Birkebeiner (or “Birkie”). The largest cross-country ski marathon in North America with more than 10,000 skiers participating every year.

Being part of the Birkie races and festivities was unforgettable, a true celebration of the Nordic ski community. On our way back west, we made another exciting stop at Soldier Hollow, Utah, for the Biathlon World Cup. Biathlon is one of the most unique and thrilling winter sports—a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. That whole road trip was a true celebration of the sport we love, combining our passion for skiing with an epic family winter adventure. And because no road trip is complete without a little extra excitement, we managed to squeeze in visits to three national parks, two snowstorms, and a battle against some extremely high winds in the Plains—because what’s a family adventure without a few unexpected twists?

Join Us on the Trails! 


We’d love for you to come ski with us! We’re hosting Storyteller Nordic Ski Days on March 30 and April 13 at the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center in Truckee, California


Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a family new to the sport, come join us for a fun day on the trails. We’ll glide through the snow together, soak in the amazing Nordic ski community, and swap winter van life tips to make the most of cold-weather adventures. 


If you can’t make it in person, let’s connect virtually! Follow our adventures on Instagram @NordicSkiingFamily, where we post photos, videos, and stories from our ski-filled journeys. We can’t wait to share the magic of Nordic skiing with you – see you on the trails!

☀️ Overland & Adventure Van Expos - Adventurous Opportunities for Everyone


Emma Walsmith, MODElt Owner

Storyteller Overland is attending all Overland Expo events as well as the Adventure Van Expo series this year. As a vendor, STO will have a booth at each of these expos where folks can learn more about the CLASSIC, DARK and BEAST MODEs, the CREW MODE, the HILT and EPIC. I recommend staying tuned to Storyteller’s social media channels prior to each event to learn what vehicles will be on display.

Many of us who own a Storyteller attended these expos prior to buying our rigs. These events really are the best way to get inside the vehicle you’re considering and serve as an opportunity to ask STO Team Members every burning question a potential buyer might have. Common questions I recall hearing asked while I was traveling with STO to these expos include:

“How do the GrooveLounge and FlexSpace work?”

“Can I travel safely with my dogs in this van?” 

“Where do people carry their skis?” 

“Can I add an extended fuel tank?”

“How long does the AC run?”

“Would Storyteller consider building a version of the MODE with an enclosed bathroom?”  

“Will Storyteller ever make a 170” MODE Van?” 

And while those of us who love our OG Floorplans were always quick to respond, “oh, you don’t need an enclosed bathroom- this setup is tops!” or, “the shorter wheelbase fits in a normal parking spot, you’ll love it!” I really admire seeing that Storyteller is the kind of company that took those questions to heart, did their research and eventually, brought the MODE XO and MODE XL floorplans to market. 

Community Assemble! 
While it might appear these expos are presented for the benefit of vendors and potential buyers only, the most exciting opportunity I find is to use these expos as a way to bring our STORYTELLER owners community together.

The Storyteller team always graciously hosts expo attendees, offering food and beverage at their booth as well as the latest Storyteller gear. I’ve found that when current owners hang out at the Storyteller booth, we not only have a great time but we also get to share insights about our rigs with potential buyers and answer questions as folks who actually use the HaloShower, DreamWeaver Bed, MPower Systems, etc. 

Both the Overland Expos and Adventure Van Expos usually offer camping options– resulting in an awesome weekend celebrating the overland lifestyle with likeminded folks. It's a chance to come together, share stories, pro tips and rig mods. If someone has a mod you admire, you very likely can go procure your own from a vendor attending the expo. I remember a few years ago at AVE in Chattanooga, TN, I purchased a spare tire carrier and later that day, fellow MODE owners helped me install it at camp. Similarly, I purchased a dashboard device holder from 67designs at OVE in Loveland, CO and later that weekend, the Mod Master himself -- Paul Pritts -- helped me complete the install. 

As they say, "teamwork makes the dream work," and it seems our STORYTELLER owners community just might be the dream team.  

Quick Links to OVE Camping Options
OVE West: https://bit.ly/3XnFvAL
OVE PNW: https://bit.ly/3QB5O2I
OVE Mtn West: https://bit.ly/3F9yX2n
OVE East: https://bit.ly/4h3V9Zb


You can review what expos Storyteller Overland will be attending here
Can't wait to see y'all this tour season! 


Happenings@HQ: March Team Member Spotlight

Congratulations to our March 2025 Team Member Spotlight Winner, Andy McKinney! 

Andy may be new to STO, but he hit the ground running. In just his first month, he gained such a strong understanding of our processes that he was already training new hires. 

Andy’s problem-solving mindset and commitment to continuous learning make him an incredible addition to our team. He’s always looking for ways to improve processes, share knowledge, and help others succeed. His patience, humility, and willingness to teach others have made a lasting impact in a short time.

Outside of work, Andy carries that same dedication and generosity into his community. He spends his free time helping others with handyman projects, building furniture, and supporting family and friends. He also builds computers and electronics, constantly seeking new skills and knowledge for the future.

Andy, your hard work and leadership do not go unnoticed.
Thank you for being a part of our story! 

We’re hitting the road in 2025 and we hope you’ll come with us!


Please note some events require ticket purchase and/or pre-registration.

March 27 - 29
The Great American RV with VanCity
Denver, CO

April 16 - 27
New York Auto Show - New York, NY 

April 24 - 25
MOORE Expo - Springfield, MO 

May 9 - 10
AVE Ventura - Ventura, CA

May 16 - 18
Overland Expo West - Flagstaff, AZ

Please note some events require ticket purchase and/or pre-registration.

March 27 - 29 - The Great American RV with VanCity - Denver, CO
April 16 - 27 - New York Auto Show - New York, NY
April 24 - 25 - MOORE Expo - Springfield, MO
May 9 - 10 - AVE Ventura - Ventura, CA
May 16 - 18 - Overland Expo West - Flagstaff, AZ

Life's Greatest Luxury is saying YES to the Next Grand Adventure! 

We'd love to hear your stories and see your pictures from the road!
Send to Emma at:

Emma.Walsmith@storytelleroverland.com

Emma Walsmith with her STO Classic MODE Adventure Van

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