Why we chose to build Made to Hike as a cooperative
Made to Hike exists because we believe hiking is about more than reaching a summit. It's about the people you meet along the way, the experiences you share, and the confidence that grows every time you step outside your comfort zone. Whether it's chatting to another walker on the trail, getting advice from an experienced guide, or introducing a friend to their first mountain, the outdoors has a unique way of bringing people together.
That's the kind of community we want to build, one that brings hikers and guides together, where everyone has a part to play in helping others discover the outdoors.
Our aim has never been simply to create another platform for booking mountain guides. We want Made to Hike to become a place where people can connect, learn, share experiences and inspire one another to spend more time outdoors. From finding hiking partners and discovering new routes to sharing gear and celebrating achievements, every part of the platform is designed with one idea in mind: making it easier for people to enjoy the outdoors together, while encouraging responsible adventures that help protect the mountains we all love for future generations.
Why a cooperative made sense
A traditional company is often built around creating value for shareholders, and there's nothing wrong with that. But because Made to Hike is centred around community, we wanted a structure that reflected those values from the very beginning. A cooperative allows us to focus on creating long-term value for the people who use, contribute to and support the platform, rather than simply chasing short-term growth.
For us, becoming a cooperative isn't about saying our way is better than anyone else's. It's about building Made to Hike in a way that reflects the values we believe in. We want to create something that lasts, grows responsibly, supports the hiking community, respects the mountains we love, and has a positive impact on the communities that call them home.
We chose Forcella as the name of our cooperative because it reflects that vision. In Italian, forcella means a small mountain pass or saddle, a place that connects one side of a mountain to another. We felt it was the perfect name for a cooperative that's all about bringing hikers and guides together and creating stronger connections within the outdoor community.
Building for the long term
That philosophy shapes almost everything we do. When we're developing new features, we're not just asking whether they'll help the business grow. We're asking whether they'll help more people get outside, make it easier to connect with other hikers, or strengthen the community we're building. Whether that's helping someone find a qualified mountain guide, discover a hiking partner, borrow equipment instead of buying it, or plan a multi-day adventure, our goal is always the same: to make hiking more accessible, more connected and more sustainable.
We're only at the beginning of this journey, and we know we can't do everything at once. We have no shortage of ideas, but building a community takes time, and we'd rather grow thoughtfully than rush. Building a cooperative isn't the easiest route, but hiking has taught us that the most rewarding journeys rarely are. We believe the best way to shape the future of hiking is to build it together.
Join the community
If you're a mountain guide who shares our vision for a more connected hiking community, we'd love you to join us. As part of Made to Hike, you'll be helping to shape a platform that's built with guides and hikers, for guides and hikers. Together, we can create something that inspires more people to get outside while supporting the communities and mountains we all care about.
