Ongyel Sherpa is founder and CEO of US Sherpa, a Williston, Vermont-based an authentic sherpa brand that wholesales handmade wool products to US retailers such as REI, EMS, Uncommon Goods, Kittery Trading Post. Ongyel grew up in Kathmandu and came to Vermont in 1998, thanks to the kindness of one doctor he met back home in Nepal. He became the first person in his family to earn a college degree and started his business in 2005. He has gone home to Nepal many times, taking groups of people from the US and introducing them to his culture and home with treks. Ongyel will share stories and pictures from his life and journey from Nepal to the United States, his business growth, and how he stays connected to family and artisans back home in Nepal. 

GMC will host a Mingle Hour before the presentation, with support from Stowe Cider. Join us at the taproom for light bites and drinks for purchase, meet your fellow hikers and celebrate winter. Mingle hour starts at 6; Ongyel's presentation will begin at 7 p.m.

Get tickets here