Blog: The Light of Aurora

Alum Highlight: Peter Mandych, AWS '05

11:15 AM - March 13, 2024

Peter Mandych, AWS ‘05, has crafted a unique and adventurous journey since his Waldorf days twenty years ago. While initially pursuing a law career in Boston, he yearned for the outdoor experiences he cherished during his time at Aurora Waldorf School. Fast-forward to today and Mandych is the owner/operator of Country Mile Vermont, a thriving outdoor education and tour business.

Leaving behind his career as a real estate lawyer, Mandych and his wife Lauren, a Naturopathic doctor, relocated to Vermont. Inspired by the state's picturesque landscapes and small villages, they established their tourism business, specializing in European-style inn-to-inn walking tours. The company caters to a diverse clientele, from young retirees to families and international travelers.

Mandych’s Waldorf education plays a significant role in his entrepreneurial journey. He emphasizes the school's impact on cultivating independence, critical thinking, and the courage to explore diverse interests. "The breadth of topics and skills we discovered at Waldorf really gave us the confidence to do more things than some of our peers," says Mandych. “I think Waldorf helped develop my creative flair and also developed the knowledge that I can be good at more than one thing.”

Guiding hiking tours and cross-country skiing feeds Mandych’s love for the outdoors, which is deeply rooted in his Waldorf experience. “Going outdoors, rain or shine, and really, that’s how you develop the curiosity for the outdoors, " said Mandych. We did our Hawk Circle eighth grade trip, that was pretty formative, and ever since then, to varying degrees, I’ve been involved in the outdoors.”

Mandych trained with the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) and is a certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and Leave No Trace Master Educator. His diverse background also includes leading multi-week expeditions in Colorado and serving with AmeriCorps.

Looking ahead, Mandych envisions expanding his business, introducing inn-to-inn ski and snowshoe tours, and enhancing outdoor education courses and workshops on backcountry ethics and skill building. His commitment to personalized service and environmental responsibility sets Country Mile Vermont apart. As he reflects on his journey, he credits the Waldorf philosophy for instilling in him the confidence and creativity needed to thrive in the world of small business ownership.

For more information on Country Mile Vermont and to book your tour, visit: https://www.countrymilevermont.com/