When they first moved to Philadelphia, Sofia Lisanti and her husband, Michele Tavecchio, admit that it was tough to get accustomed to living in the city. As natives of northern Italy, they were used to its rich mountains and all the accompanying outdoor activities.

Both employees at The Wistar Institute, Lisanti and Tavecchio didn’t hesitate to get involved with Penn Recreation. Although not formally affiliated with the University, Wistar employees can access certain Penn resources. When Jason Erdman came in and started revamping Penn Rec’s Outdoor Adventure program a year ago—the couple couldn’t stay away.

“I’m drawn to it because it gets us out of the city and meeting new people that share similar interests,” Lisanti says. “It’s a good way to break the cycle of the workweek.”

Erdman, assistant director of the Outdoor Adventure program, calls Lisanti and Tavecchio “regulars,” as they frequent the planned activities—such as hiking and outdoor climbing trips—almost every month.

Day trips, which run from about 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., consist of outdoor climbing, hiking and backpacking, paddle sports, biking, or snow sports, depending on the weather. There are planned activities every weekend, except between mid-November and mid-January. Events occasionally take place during the week, such as night hikes.

Some trips last the entire weekend. For instance, during the recent fall break, Erdman took a group backpacking in West Virginia. He says he has similar plans for someplace warmer for spring break.

Transportation is provided, either by van or by bus, and participants typically meet at the Pottruck Center, 3701 Walnut St. Erdman likes to keep the groups small—about 10 participants tops—mostly for safety reasons.

Typically, two to three instructors attend the trips. Erdman has hired 15 part-time employees—some are students, others are longtime guides from outside Penn—to help him run the activities. They are required to have certification in wilderness first aid.

“That’s in case something happens and someone gets injured, they’re able to take care of the injury in the outdoors,” he says.

Prices vary on the sport and the equipment that is needed. Outdoor climbing usually costs about $40 for Pottruck Center members, and $50 for non-members. Hiking and backpacking is $25 or $35. Paddle sports can cost about $65 or $75.

Snow sports include skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, and cross country skiing. Erdman says in the past, he has chartered a bus that can fit about 50 people. The base price for all participants is $75 each, which includes a lift ticket. If a participant wants to rent equipment or take lessons, extra fees will apply, although at a discounted group rate.

For day trips, Erdman sends out emails to all registered participants about a week in advance to let them know where to meet and what to bring. For weekend trips, Erdman usually holds a pre-trip meeting.

The events are open to all Penn students, alumni, faculty, and staff, and a Penn Rec membership is not required to participate. Most activities are beginner-level. A Penn affiliate may register one person outside of the network to join the trip.

No matter the age of the participant, Erdman says outdoor activities are an important part of life.

“They promote a healthy lifestyle,” he says. “It’s an alternative to coming [to the Pottruck Center] and just getting on a treadmill and looking at the television while you’re exercising. You can get outside the city if you don’t have a car. It helps with stress management. Plus, the activities that we’re doing are life-long.”