Our Guides

Guide Certification, Training & Qualities
Yamnuska guides and instructors are certified as described below. In addition to certification, which only relates to a guide's technical competence, they need many other skills and qualities. They need to be endowed with patience, empathy, and a sense of humour. They must also be effective communicators and great coaches.

Yamnuska guides and instructors are certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) or other member associations of the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA) of which the ACMG is a member. Yamnuska guides and instructors operate within the certification and terrain guidelines of the ACMG. They are also certified in Wilderness First Aid and in Avalanche Safety. In addition, guide and instructor certification must meet the standards dictated by the various Land Managers who license our operations. Where jurisdictional standards are low (British Columbia) Yamnuska follows the higher ACMG standards.



Barry Blanchard

Barry is an Associate Director of Yamnuska involved in promotion of modern alpinism and mentoring of junior guides. Canadian Mountain Guide and alpinist, Barry Blanchard, was born in Calgary, March 29, 1959. Twelve years later three boys navigated the Bow River through the western side of the city on a raft of nailed together railway ties, Barry was at the helm steering the adventure. He found mountain climbing in the books of his high school library, some of which are still in his possession. A six month trip to the French Alps in 1980 set the course of Barry's life: to climb the steepest and most complicated faces of the world's great glaciated peaks. Barry has enjoyed some success: the first ascent of The Andromeda Strain, 1983; the North Ridge of Rakaposhi, 1984; the first ascent of the apocalyptic North Pillar of North Twin; the West Ridge of Mt Everest, 1986; surviving the Rupal Face of Nanga Parbat, 1988; a solo first ascent on the North Face of Kusum Kanguru, 1991; an attempt on K-2, 1993; first ascents in the St Elias mountains; M-16, a first ascent -in winter on the East Face of Howse Peak, 1999; the third ascent of the Infinite Spur on MT Foraker, 2000; the first ascent of Infinite Patience on the Emperor Face of Mt Robson, 2002. More importantly Barry has enjoyed all of his outings, even the ones not included in the narrow definition of "success". Barry moved to the mountains in 1982 to pursue his Mountain Guiding career (he is an internationally certified -IFMGA- mountain guide) and has included making Hollywood features such as "K-2", "Cliffhanger" and "The Vertical Limit" in his professional life. Barry lives in Banff, Alberta, with his wife Catherine Mulvihill, whom he met on a Mt Everest expedition in 1994, their daughters Rosemary and Eowyn, and their dogs, Finnegan and Seamus.

David Begg
Past owner of Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, David grew up in New Zealand where he began a life-long commitment to mountaineering when he was 16. New Zealand's Southern Alps were a perfect place to develop as a serious mountaineer. Upon graduation from University in 1975 he abandoned academia in favour of a mountain lifestyle. Between forays to climb in Europe and Alaska he also began working as a guide in New Zealand's premier mountain region, Mt. Cook. After qualifying as an internationally certified mountain guide in 1983 David emigrated to Canada where a few short years later he found himself at the helm of Yamnuska which he then directed for 21 years. David continues his connection with Yamnuska and particularly enjoys guiding ski mountaineering and introducing beginners to backpacking and mountaineering in the summer. He especially appreciates seeing his clients discovering the mountains the way he did 30 years ago in New Zealand. He lives in Canmore with his wife Maria, also a guide.

Steve Blagbrough

"Stevie B" is a fully certified international Mountain Guide from the UK who joined us in 2001 from a position at prestigious Glenmore Lodge in Scotland. Steve's strong commitment to guiding and instruction has produced great benefit to our Mountain Skills Semester students and anyone else lucky enough to have him as an instructor or guide. Steve has been active in the outdoors for the past twenty years, most as a professional instructor, not only in mountaineering but also in many related pursuits such as kayaking and sailing. He has a particular interest in avalanche safety and is one of the main instructors on Yamnuska's avalanche safety courses.

Jason Billing
Jason began climbing at the ripe age of 13 and hasn't really looked back since. His love for climbing has taken him to beautiful spots all over the world - Australia, France, Italy, Switzerland, Mexico, and climbing areas across the U.S. and Canada. But still he thinks: "the Rocky Mountains are the best, just so much variety in all seasons, so much space and untouched wilderness, so many amazing climbs and mountains." Though rock climbing is his first love and true talent, in High School he began ice climbing and went on to climb many of the Bow Valley test-pieces. Jason has been guiding with Yamnuska since 2007 and has become known for his patient and clear teaching style, and his approachable, friendly personality. "I love my job and am passionate about giving my guests 100% of my energy. Climbing has given me so much, and as a guide my goal is to show my guests how much the mountains, wilderness and climbing can give them. It is a real pleasure to see their eyes opened, to see them learn something new and do things that they never thought possible." An ACMG Alpine Guide and Assistant Ski Guide, Jason is on the path to becoming a fully-certified IFMGA Mountain Guide.

James Blench
James is something of a legend in guiding circles. One of the original "Yam" guides, he was involved in its founding and has been involved in the founding of the company and has been an active guide and instructor since the late '70s. James was a member of the small group of young climbers that put ice climbing and the Canadian Rockies on the map in the '70s and early '80s. He participated in many seminal first ascents including the first free ascent of Nemesis. He participated in the successful ascent of the W. Ridge of Everest in 1986 and made the first ascent of the S. Face of Gangapurna in '81. He has also climbed extensively in Peru. To this day James is an active high-end climber. James is an fully certified international Mountain Guide (IFMGA), he guides and instructs all aspect of mountaineering including avalanche safety programs. He obviously derives great enjoyment from being in the mountains as his clients can attest. He lives in Canmore with his wife Leslie and son Simon.

Patrick Delaney
Wow! I've been climbing for over 20 years... has it been that long? My vertical addiction has taken me around the world in search of rock, ice and snow. Travel allows me to climb with as little distraction as possible, no interference with "life" and its distractions. In climbing it has always been my end goal to experience "flow" during my climbing practice, being totally absorbed in the moment, fully present! Professionally, I find that guiding allows me to follow my passion. I focus 100% on my guests and their experience. My professional goal is to facilitate experience for my guests, increase enjoyment and manage risk with the highest standard in the industry. Activities such as rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, alpine climbing, expedition climbing and mixed climbing can take me anywhere. My permanent base camp is in Canmore, Alberta but I am motivated to climb anywhere on the globe. I have been working for with Yamnuska for five seasons and in partnership with Yamnuska I'm looking to promote Canadian private guiding. The future: As an ACMG full alpine guide I am motivated to lead high altitude peaks and overseas climbing trips. In Canada, I would like to help my guests explore the possibilities for new climbing challenges and help them achieve and surpass their goals.

Jesse De Montigny
Jesse moved to the Bow Valley in 1998 to take part in Yamnuska's three month Mountain Skills and Outdoor Leadership Semester program. Using this as a springboard for his skills development, he has travelled all over the world to climb and ski and has pursued his passion to become a guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Jesse began working for Yamnuska as an Assistant Rock Guide, and in 2010 completed the full certification program to become a full ACMG Mountain Guide. He is also now the Assistant Director of Operations for Yamnuska and uses his skills both in the field and in the office to provide you with the best mountain experience possible. Some of Jesse's personal mountain achievements have included: a 175km ski tour through the spine of the Canadian Rockies from Jasper to the Columbia Icefields, climbing the north face of Mt Temple, and climbing 5.12+ routes around the world. Some of Jesse's favorite personal trips include: rock climbing in Thailand, Greece and Mexico, lodge-based ski touring in the Selkirk Mountains and ice climbing in the best ice climbing area on the planet... the Bow Valley in the heart of the Canadian Rockies! Jesse lives in Canmore with his wife Christine and daughters Sierra and Kylee.

Richard Howes
Richard is perhaps our most cosmopolitan guide. An Australian/Canadian resident in Germany, Richard spends his northern summers guiding for Yamnuska in the Canadian Rockies. Richard is another guide who works extremely hard for guests and is consequently in much demand. Richard has been instructing rock and alpine mountaineering for Yamnuska for 12 years. His primary residence is near Munich in Germany though you may also find him guiding in New Zealand from time to time. Richard is an Assistant Alpine Guide.

Carl Johnston
Carl grew up scrambling granite and limestone outcrops in Ontario. His fascination with big peaks was revealed, however, while on family vacation at age 12 when he attempted a spontaneous solo crossing of the Columbia Glacier. The escape failed, but he has enjoyed surprising people in the mountains ever since.

While at university, climbing adventures yielded remote first ascents on some of the East’s biggest faces, and two local guidebooks. Back then, favourite days involved a light pack, little sleep and lots of terrain. They still do. In 1997, wanting a change, he decided to test the notion that “guiding ain’t rocket science”, and left an aerospace PhD to come to the Rocky Mountains and get a real job. He joined Yamnuska in 2000 as one of the only local Rock Guides. He has been enthusiastically sharing his addiction to the mountains and sense of humour with guests ever since. With a broad teaching background, Carl is a dedicated instructor who strives to fill each guiding day with discovery.

Besides being a guide and ACMG instructor, Carl is a paramedic and manages winter operations for a private rescue service. When not busy in the Rockies, he enjoys exploring the world’s other great ranges. He and his partner, Nadege, catch up on sleep in Canmore.

James Madden
For my second birthday I got an old pair of wooden skies which I spent every waking moment skiing around the living room with. I guess that was to be expected with a mother who raced for Canada. Growing up in a small town in BC I turned to the mountains at 16 with my older brother looking for more adventures. I grew fond of not only being out there but teaching and taking others with me to experience these great places. I have since visited Baffin Island, and Alaska as I work my way through the guiding stream. I am going into my 4th season with Yamnuska and look forward to sharing my experiences with you! James is a certified ACMG Ski Guide and an Assistant Alpine Guide on the road to becoming a fully certified ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide.

Grant Meekins
Grant is an internationally certified Mountain Guide who was born and raised in the Yukon Territory. For several years, Grant lived above the Arctic Circle and he spent most of his youth in the mountains of northern Canada. He began skiing in 1972 and climbing in 1980. In 1979 he was named Yukon's "Athlete of the Year" for his performances in Cross Country Skiing, Table Tennis and Wrestling. Grant moved to Alberta in 1997. Since then, he has numerous first ascents to his credit such as "Cineplex" (M9) and "Rocky Mountain Horror Show" (M11+). He has climbed several of the world's most difficult mixed climbs, including "Musashi" (M12). Internationally, Grant has enjoyed guiding some of the world's most beautiful mountains including Ama Dablam, Lobuche, Imja Tse and Aconcagua. Bilingual in English and French, Grant worked as a high school teacher before discovering his love of guiding. He has a calm, easy-going manner, and gets deep satisfaction out of helping people attain their dreams. Grant lives in Canmore with his wife, the world champion extreme skier Maegan Carney and their son Lincoln.

Matt Mueller
Matt started rock climbing on the East coast of Canada in the early 90's. The call of cliffs higher than 15 meters took him to Banff in '94. Shortly after arriving in Banff, Matt realized that guiding would be the future path for him. After years of training Matt took his first ACMG exam in 2003. Within hours of receiving that first certification, he was sitting in Yamnuska's office, looking to start work as a guide! In the years since, Matt has honed his skills as a Guide, climber & skier in the ranges of the globe. Despite climbing and working internationally, Matt considers the ranges of Canada home. Topping out on local peaks, skiing Canadian snow, climbing world famous ice - all world class mountain adventures right in the backyard. Matt is a certified ACMG Alpine Guide and an Assistant Ski Guide on the road to becoming a fully certified ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide.

Nicholas Rapaich
At the age of four I was placed on skis and sent down the bunny hill. Ever since it has been one of my passions and has allowed me to make the mountains my lifestyle. I spent my entire childhood and teens downhill racing and freestyle skiing. Originally from Ontario, I moved to Banff when I was 23 to work for a heli-ski company as a Registered Massage Therapist. It was there that I began my apprentice to becoming a guide with the ACMG. I began my climbing career later in life but it has been a passion of mine for the past 14 years. Yamnuska has a great thing going for its staff and guests. I feel pretty fortunate to work for them and have so since 2004. I truly love my job, which helps me to get more people interested in the passions that have defined my life. I always fell like a kid when I click on my skis, nothing gets me more motivated and excited. Sharing that experience with others and watching that kid immerge from within as they click in and follow is a hard job to beat. If you're curious about escaping the everyday routine of your life and to find out what fuels the passion that drives all our guides, come and sign up for one of our courses and you'll be sure not to be disappointed! Nick is an Assistant Alpine Guide and Full Ski Guide on the path to becoming a fully certified ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide.

Simon Robins
Simon loves the mountains. From boulders to big walls and frozen waterfalls to icy peaks. Simon has been climbing since 1991, and draws on these years of experiences to instruct and guide people through mountain terrain. From his humble beginnings as a gym rat in the flat prairies of Edmonton, Simon's adventures expanded with trips to the Canadian Rockies and then on to the mountain ranges of British Columbia, throughout the United States and South East Asia. Simon talents range from onsighting 5.13 rock climbs and spending 30 days skiing 300 km over the spine of the Canadian Rockies. Simon joined Yamnuska in 2007. Whether it is rock climbing, mountaineering or ski touring Simon enjoys being able to share these mountain adventures with all. Simon feels lucky to live in Canmore, Alberta because everyday in the mountains is a great day.

Paul Rogers
Paul Rogers was introduced to climbing in the late seventies while at college. He soon moved out of London to pursue his newfound passion for sea cliff climbing. The first half of the eighties was spent in the west country of England climbing granite sea cliffs. Ice climbing trips to Scotland and summers in the European Alps was a natural progression. In the mid eighties a climbing trip to New Zealand evolved in to permanent residency, and the Southern Alps of NZ began to shape Paul as a climber. Paul's passion for granite continued with expeditions to the Trango Towers region of Pakistan and a long lasting drive to explore the granite walls of Fiordland National Park (NZ). In 1992 Paul started his Mountain Guide training, completing his certification in 1996. Throughout the nineties, Paul mixed summer guiding with Outdoor Experiential Education, instructing for the NZ Army, The NZ Antarctic research program, and the Sir Edmund Hilary Outdoor Pursuits Center. For the past ten years Paul had focused on full time high guiding. Three summers in Antarctica, four summers in Canada and the rest spent in New Zealand and Argentina. Paul regularly guides in Nepal and has lead expeditions to Tibet and Russia. As a guide Paul has worked on Everest, Cho-Oyu and Lhotse, summiting Cho-Oyu in 2006 and leading a Lhotse expedition that put two clients and four Sherpas on the summit in 2008. Most of Paul's expedition work has centered around Aconcagua (Argentina), Mera Peak, Ama Dablam, Island Peak and Lobuche East (Nepal). A passion for photography and rock climbing always follows Paul's travels. Working in the Rockies and the mountains of BC has become a regular and most enjoyable experience, this being his fifth season. When not climbing Paul can be found planting trees in Wanaka, the resort town in Southern NZ, where he also volunteers in the local Search and Rescue team. New route development in the Fiordland Mountains still figures strongly when time permits!

Erica Roles
Erica has been working as a guide for Yamnuska since 2006. Born in the UK, she moved to Canada with her family in 1998. She fell in love with the mountains of Western Canada and made her home in the Bow Valley. Initially she began her ski career as a Pro Ski Patroller at Lake Louise. Wanting to share her passion for the mountains with other people led her to a career in guiding. She now works year-round as an ACMG guide - rock climbing in the summer and skiing in the winter.

Nick Sharpe
Nick Sharpe is another import from the UK, moving to Canada in 2002. He began rock climbing and mountaineering in his native Lake District in NW England. At 16 he joined the Royal Air Force and soon after discovered and joined the RAF Mountain Rescue Service. A 22 year association with this Service allowed Nick to hone his mountaineering and instructional skills leading up to the running of a 36- man rescue team and eventual post as the Chief Instructor for the RAF Mountain Rescue Service. Throughout the 80's early 90's Nick was an extremely active climber surprising the locals with on-sight ascents of some of the leading climbs of the day, both in summer and winter. He has many European Alpine seasons under his belt and has climbed around the world. Highlights include India in '86 (Shivling 2nd ascent East Ridge), Norway (Troll Wall), Nepal in '98 (SW ridge Ama Dablam) and Mt McKinley in '89. Nick was also a team member to successful expeditions to Diran in '92 and the North Ridge of Everest in '01. Nick trained and certified in the UK and Europe with the British Mountain Guides attaining the coveted IFMGA Mountain Guides Carney. Now resident in Canmore and a member of the ACMG, Nick actively climbs and guides year round. Nick is also enjoying introducing his two boys Ben and Alex to their vast Canadian playground.

Olivia Sofer
Originally from Montreal QC, Olivia's love for the outdoors began when she put on her skis at the age of 6. She was part of the Rod Roy ski school which took her to numerous ski hills inspiring her desire to always see new places. While at McGill University she started ice climbing in the winters and raft guiding in the summers. It was 5 years later that she came to the Canadian Rockies to raft guide and climb the peaks of her dreams. She took an Intro to Mountaineering course with Yamnuska and never turned back. Since her arrival in the West, she has guided on rivers across BC and Alaska, she has guided hikes and treks around the Rockies and interior ranges of BC and ski guides in the winter months. "What captured me was not only the beauty and love for the mountains that I have found but the peace that it brings me and the smiles it brings to those around me. I continue guiding to share that love and bring out the 'down to earth' side in people. Out there we are all on the same playing field." She has also climbed peaks in South and Central America and India. Olivia is an ACMG Hiking Guide and Assistant Ski Guide.

Dave Stark
Dave Stark has been instructing and guiding in the mountains of Western Canada since 1981. His climbing resume spans the globe with climbing and mountaineering experience on five continents. He has guided groups on high alpine peaks in Asia, South America, Antarctica and North America. As the Director of Operations at Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, Dave is in charge of the guides and all aspects of the field programming. In addition to his supervisory and training duties he still actively guides and stays current with all technical facets of Mountain Guiding. He has written curriculum and evolved programs from ideas into full scale operations. He directed the Mountain Skills Semester at Yamnuska for over ten years. He has coordinated mountain safety crews and rigging staff on many film projects. He helped develop the curriculum for CAC Avalanche Skills Training Courses and has been teaching avalanche awareness courses for the past thirty years. Dave's primary focus with Yamnuska, involves education, technical training, safety systems and assessment of risk. His specialty is providing maximum benefit in programming and skills learning.

Mike Stuart
Mike Stuart decided to pursue a career in guiding after coming to visit Banff and realizing the potential for outdoor adventure to be found in the Canadian Rockies. It was perhaps due to his exposure to those Manitoba winters which resulted in Mike choosing ice climbing as his first climbing experience and that soon became his sport of choice. His skills and knowledge rapidly accelerated following his move to Canmore and it wasn't long before he was climbing Grade 6+. Having climbed many of the Rockies "classics" such as the Weeping Pillar, The Sliver, French Maid, Sea of Vapours, Nemesis, and the Replicant, Mike is happiest with tools in his hands and spikes on the ice. As a guide Mike loves taking people into the mountains and enjoys watching them learn and grow through personal challenge and self-discovery. "Watching people make that personal connection with themselves and with nature through their climbing pursuits is very rewarding and being able to share in that experience is one of the many reasons I have chosen guiding as a profession". As a climber his focus is on pure lines and big peaks in the alpine and meeting the challenge of the technical demands that this style of climbing inevitably entails. Mike is a certified ACMG Alpine Guide and an Assistant Ski Guide on the road to becoming a fully certified ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide.

Tim Auger
Tim began climbing in the early 1960's on the west coast. During high school and university he climbed on The Chief at Squamish, (incl. The Grand Wall - 2nd ascent, University Wall - 1st ascent). In 1977, a summer job in Yoho National Park introduced him to the Rockies, and led to a lifetime career as a national park warden where he specialized in the Visitor Safety and SAR Programs. Part of the job included training of other warden staff in mountain travel and SAR skills. In the winter seasons Tim worked in the Park's avalanche forecasting and control programs and public avalanche information service. He also participated in the creation and subsequent operation of a special program to test pilots who will be accepted for helicopter mountain rescue services in the National Parks of Canada. In 1974 Tim obtained his Full Mountain Guide certification (ACMG/IFMGA). Tim's love of climbing has never changed. Climbing highlights include: California ('71-'74) the Triple Direct and West Faces of El Capitan in Yosemite and a winter ascent of Keeler Needle on Mt Whitny in the Sierras; Yukon, Mt Steele and the east ridge of Mt Logan; Nepal, Mt Pumori (23350), and the 1982 Canadian Mt Everest Expedition. Here at home in the Rockies: the 1st ascents of the ice-climbs Bourgeau Left and Righthand in 1972, the 1st ascent of the southeast face of the south tower of the Goodsirs, north face of Mt Temple, east buttress of Howse Peak, the east face of Mt Babael (3rd ascent), the north faces of Mt Robson, Edith Cavell and Mt Alberta. On the rock, for obvious reasons, he prefers trad routes. Some of his favourites include the older Yam classics,(eg.Kahl Wall and Forbidden), Ultra Brewers on Castle, and countless ascents of Mt Louis (First Ascent - Homage to the Spider). In 2004, after nearly 35 years, Tim retired from the park service and since then Tim has worked, part-time for Yamnuska Mountain Adventures.

Abby Watkins
Born and raised in Australia, Abby Watkins spent her youth in the spectacular Aussie surf and bush, whilst training as an elite gymnast through her teenage years. She went to U. C. Berkeley on gymnastics scholarship, which opened the doors to her mountain career. Learning the ropes in Yosemite, she quickly transferred her athleticism and grace to climbing. She has completed one day ascents of El Capitan and Half Dome in record time, finished on the podium at international rock and ice climbing competitions, established all female first ascents in Pakistan and has stood on the summit of Himalayan classic Cholatse (6440m). In her spare time, she is an aerial dance artist with Aeriosa Dance Society in Vancouver. Living and guiding for the past decade in Canada, Abby has been working for Yamnuska since 2001. She is the director of Alala Women's Mountain Adventures.