Our Team

Nick took perhaps an unlikely trajectory to guiding. Born in Ontario, he grew up in warm and sunny Hong Kong before moving back to Canada for university. He discovered climbing through a guided day of ice climbing with his university Outdoors Club, then shortly afterwards came to Canmore to take an 8-day first aid course. Several years later and still in the Rockies, he kicked off his guiding career instructing BATUS ski groups for Yamnuska in the winter of 2017. While he enjoys all forms of outdoor activities in his time off work, his main love is alpine, ice and mixed climbing. Climbing highlights include the north face of Mount Temple, first ascents on the wild spires of the Waddington Range, and the many fantastic ice lines of the Icefields Parkway. Nick is an Apprentice Alpine Guide and ski instructor, working his way through the ACMG’s mountain certification process.

Greg moved to Canmore in 2017 after discovering a passion for ice climbing and quickly fell in love with the Bow Valley. Since then, he has climbed all of the famed Kallen 34 routes on Mount Yamnuska, along with many of the classic ice and mixed climbs on the Stanley Headwall, the Icefields Parkway, and in the Ghost River Valley. More recently, Greg has focused on establishing new routes of his own. In winter, he seeks out steep mixed terrain leading to hanging ice daggers, while summer finds him exploring alpine faces in search of new rock climbing objectives. As a director of TABVAR (The Association of Bow Valley Area Rock Climbers), Greg is passionate about giving back to the climbing community by helping maintain aging routes and mentoring others in responsible route stewardship. As a guide, Greg enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for climbing and helping guests build skills, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the mountains.

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 -UIAGM- mountain guide) and has included making Hollywood features such as “K-2”, “Cliffhanger” and “The Vertical Limit” in his professional life. Barry lives in Canmore, Alberta, with his partner, Nicole, and his two daughters, Rosemary and Eowyn.

The outdoors has always been an important part of my life, with cross-country skiing as my introduction to all that the outdoors can offer. As a young adult I switched my focus from competition to exploration in various disciplines. I went on to live in Bolivia, bike across the United States and paddle white water. I then travelled to Alaska and its glaciers and roamed the continent to climb and ski full-time in my van for a year. Living in Canmore is the perfect place to continue pursuing my love for the mountains. Here, I can embrace the whole array of climbing, from alpinism to hard sport routes and everything in between. As a professional, I want to help others experience the great outdoors. Working with Yamnuska Mountain Adventure helps me achieve just that.

Jacob grew up in Ontario and while studying at the University of Ottawa discovered rock and ice climbing. In 2013, between two semesters, he took a two-week trip to Canmore to climb and trail run and hasn’t looked back since. Jacob now calls Canmore home and continues to explore new places climbing and skiing, while pursuing a career in guiding. Since moving to the Rockies, Jacob has climbed and skied all over Western Canada, Alaska and the Lower 48. But the walls of Mt. Yamnuska are still one of his favourite places to spend the day. His friendly, kind, and patient demeanour make him a great teacher and guide to spend a day with. Whether you are a first time climber, want to upgrade your skills, or are looking to climb a big alpine route, he is committed to helping you achieve your goals while having safe memorable experiences.

From the moment Jean had his first rock climbing lesson, climbing became his passion. Now an accomplished climber and guide Jean was born in the quiet town of Klaipeda, Lithuania and relocated to Newfoundland, Canada in 1996. It was there in 1998 that Jean visited St. John’s first indoor rock climbing gym and was soon thereafter tying into the lead lines on the beautiful sea cliffs of Newfoundland. His love of climbing eventually brought him to the west and he now calls Canmore his home. Jean has climbed many of North America’s classic climbing areas. From the cool cliffs of Newfoundland to the busy rocks of Ontario, to the fiery Mexican spires, the granite monoliths of California to the rock face amidst the scorching deserts of Jordan and now the mountains and cliffs of the Rockies and the Coast Mountains of Canada. To Jean, climbing is a metaphor for life. Every day, like every climb, is different and the experience you have depends on the route you choose and the moves you make. In addition to guiding Jean is a photographer and a filmmaker with two feature documentary films under his belt.

On his way to the Bow Valley, Shea took a circuitous route from his childhood home on Vancouver Island, finishing his studies in Australia and traveling extensively through Europe and Latin America. The mountains always offered respite from the endless horizon, but it wasn’t until he landed in Banff for a winter season at a local ski resort that he truly found his place among them. After taking a few courses and sampling some of the local ice and rock climbing, Shea climbed the Kain Route on Mt. Louis with a friend and was immediately enchanted by the alpine. Discovering his passion for climbing later in life, Shea feels particularly fulfilled in connecting his client's journey with what the mountains have to offer. Besides kicking rocks and playing with snow, he can occasionally be found strumming a few chords here and there. Shea lives in Canmore with his partner, Kasia, and their daughter, Sierra.

Thomas discovered climbing as a teenager during his first visit to a local climbing gym in his hometown of Leutkirch, Germany, and has been passionate about it ever since. His love for guiding and sharing outdoor experiences began while working as a glacier guide in Iceland. Drawn to the Bow Valley's world-class, year-round rock and ice climbing, Thomas moved to Canmore in 2018 and became an ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide in 2023. He has been guiding with Yamnuska since 2024. Thomas especially enjoys long multi-pitch adventures, helping climbers develop the skills and confidence to become more self-sufficient, and sharing the importance of caring for the mountain environments we all enjoy.

Nic grew up in Calgary where he was introduced to mountain adventures through an outdoor leadership program in his high school. However, the allure of the ocean drew him west, to Victoria, where he found a new interest: road cycling. Nic spent nearly a decade travelling the world racing bikes as a professional athlete, which in the end, turned out to be a great way to get fit for his future career of mountain climbing! When his cycling career ended, his love for the outdoors was reinvigorated and he enrolled in the Adventure Tourism program at Thompson Rivers University. After trading wheels for ropes and spandex for skis he hasn't looked back! Nic works part time for Yamnuska (since winter 2021) splitting his time running his own business and guiding heli-skiing. He thoroughly enjoys instructional programs - helping our guests discover their own potential as climbers and skiers is what fuels his fire to continue to grow as a guide! He and his partner live in the small ski town of Kimberley BC, and when he has time off he can be found route building and exploring the mountains there.

Peter Alvarado Henostroza is from the toe of the Cordillera Blanca mountains near Huaraz, Peru in South America. He discovered his passion for the outdoors at the early age of 16, when he joined a 20-day trekking expedition into the heart of Cordillera Blanca as the Expedition Cook’s helper. Since then, he has been going to the mountains more and more, following his curiosity to see what is behind the rock, snow, and ice walls, and to see how the world looks from the summits. Peter became an IFMGA/UIAGM/ AGMP Certified Mountain Guide in 2006. His life as a Mountain Guide has given him many rewards and opportunities to meet people and guide private and organized trips in various countries including Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, and Mexico. While chasing his passion on climbing projects, guiding a day of rock climbing, or a multi-day alpine expedition, Peter is happy sharing his time in the mountains with friends and guests. He considers each day in the mountains an opportunity to learn and further develop his skills. Peter believes each day out in the wilderness is a new experience and learning opportunity because climbing the same mountain can be totally different each day. His main goal is helping people complete their dream climbing projects in a safe manner. Peter is an easy going and friendly person, whether he is in a tent on a mountain on a stormy day or out enjoying blue sky summer days. In 2018, Peter settled in Calgary, where he has easy access to the Rocky Mountains, and continues to pursue his love for the mountains and the adventures with Yamnuska.

Originally from Beijing, Sarah spent nine years working in international investment banking before following her passion for the mountains. She moved to Canada to pursue a Diploma in Adventure Studies at Thompson Rivers University in British Columbia and has since made Canmore her home. As a hiking guide and climbing instructor, Sarah enjoys helping people build skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to the mountains. She values creating supportive learning environments where participants feel empowered to challenge themselves and grow through their experiences. When she's not guiding or teaching, Sarah can usually be found climbing, skiing, or exploring the Canadian Rockies with her young family.

Niki Lepage has called the Bow Valley home since the late 1980s. She began her career in the avalanche industry in 1990 and earned her Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) certification in 1998. Since then, Niki has gained extensive experience working in local ski areas, mountain parks, and both backcountry and mechanized ski operations, including helicopter and catskiing. A passionate instructor, Niki loves sharing her knowledge and inspiring others to explore and enjoy the mountains with confidence.

Maryse is an Apprentice Alpine Guide working towards her full mountain guide certifications. She was born in Quebec and first came to the Rockies for cross-country ski racing. At the first opportunity, she moved to Alberta and completed a degree in Geology at the University of Calgary, and discovered a greater passion for the outdoors. Soon she began spending most of her free time climbing rock and ice, and in 2019 decided to make it her full time career. Maryse's career is now split between guiding and ski patrolling at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. Her passion in guiding stems from a love of connecting with others and inspiring guests to find their own passion for the outdoors. When she is not climbing, Maryse loves skiing – downhill and backcountry - and making delicious baked goods, notably working on perfecting the ideal chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Sean Isaac is a fully certified Alpine Guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. He has been ice climbing for 30 years and instructing ice for the past 20 years. During that time, he has taught more than a thousand people the art of moving safely over frozen waterfalls. Based in Canmore, Alberta in the Canadian Rockies, Sean was a key member of the modern mixed climbing movement in late 90s and early 2000s establishing classics like Caveman, Cryophobia, The Asylum, Mixed Monster, Uniform Queen and The Real Big Drip to name a few and repeating test pieces like Musashi (M12). He has travelled all over the world in search of new routes to the remote ranges of Alaska, Patagonia, Peru, Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan. Sean is also author of several ice and mixed books including Mixed Climbing in the Canadian Rockies by Rocky Mountain Books, Mixed Climbing by Falcon Guides, Ice Climbing Leader Field Handbook by the Alpine Club of Canada and most recently How to Ice Climb by Falcon Guides. In addition, he has been the editor of the Canadian Alpine Journal for the past 14 years. He has appeared with featured segments in a number of climbing films including Beyond Gravity (2000) and Higher Ground (2008).

Growing up scrambling limestone in Eastern Canada, Carl’s fascination with the Rockies was revealed early on – at 12, while on family vacation, 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. In 1997, wanting a change, he left an aerospace PhD to come to the Rocky Mountains and get a real job. Settling in Canmore, he joined Yam in 2000. Carl is a senior Core Guide with Yamnuska and is also an instructor and examiner for the ACMG guides training program. In addition, he is a paramedic with 10 years of mountain rescue experience. With a broad teaching background, Carl is a dedicated instructor who strives to fill each guiding day with discovery. When not busy sharing his sense of humour and passion for the Rockies, Carl enjoys exploring the world’s other great ranges and has organized climbs on 6 continents. Recent trips include Patagonia’s Cerro Torre, high altitude volcanoes in Ecuador and East Africa, and the granite big walls of Madagascar’s Tsaranoro. Carl is an ACMG Alpine Guide and holds Level 2 certification with the Canadian Avalanche Association.

With a BSc. Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University. and a Diploma in Adventure Tourism from Thompson Rivers University, Shaun joined the ACMG in 1997, and in 1999 moved to Calgary where he managed the climbing, skiing and avalanche programs at the U of C’s Outdoor Centre for almost 8 years. Having climbed and skied many of the well-known (and not so well-known) routes in the Rockies and Interior Ranges, Shaun knows these areas well. He has also skied and climbed in the US, Asia and Europe (where he lived and guided for 7 months). He has heli-ski & cat-ski guided in Japan and Canada, and completed many of the long ski traverses that Canada is known for. Author of the Lake Louise / Sunshine / Banff & Area Ski Touring guide book, Shaun has also edited and co-authored four different ski touring & mountaineering map guides in the West Kootenays. He has been teaching rock & ice climbing, crevasse rescue, avalanche and backcountry skiing courses for decades and loves sharing his knowledge with keen learners. His patient nature and skilled pedagogy combine to provide a comfortable, safe and fun filled learning environment. Shaun is an ACMG/IFMGA certified Mountain Guide and holds Level 2 certification with the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Hailing from Toronto, Drew moved to Banff at the age of 20 and later made Canmore his home, driven by his love for snowboarding, which soon turned into a passion for splitboarding. An avid climber and mountain biker, he balances his outdoor adventures with his love for punk rock and live concerts, finding as much thrill in the mosh pit as on the slopes. When he's not out exploring, he's in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes, surrounded by his many pets.

Brendan was born in Australia but the draw of the mountains took him to the Southern Alps of New Zealand. Learning to alpine climb in NZ set him up well for trips to Alaska and Europe, climbing many classic routes including the Cassin ridge on Denali and “Shaken not Stirred” on the Moose’s Tooth. Before guiding, Brendan worked in industrial rope access which took him all around the world, from offshore and heavy industry work to constructing radio towers in the jungles of Papa New Guinea. Heading to Canmore to sample the world class ice climbing he fell in love with the mountains here and decided to call the Rockies home. The past few years have been endless winters ski guiding between NZ and Canada. He enjoys introducing people into the backcountry and sharing the wilderness that is the Canadian Rockies He lives in Canmore with his wife Kristyn and daughter Ellie.

Originally from Ontario, James moved to British Columbia in 2016 to pursue a life in the mountains. A lifelong skier and snowboarder, he quickly developed a passion for rock, ice, and alpine climbing after arriving in the Canadian Rockies. He is currently an Apprentice Alpine Guide, working toward full mountain guide certification. James has followed a diverse path to guiding, with previous careers as a Red Seal mechanic, wildland firefighter, ski patroller, and paramedic. These experiences have shaped the calm, thoughtful, and steady approach he brings to the mountains. His favourite days are spent on long alpine ridges, ski traverses, and multi-pitch rock climbs with good people. As a guide, James enjoys building meaningful connections and helping others develop their skills and confidence in the mountains. When he's not guiding, you'll likely find him tackling word games, relaxing in a café with a good book, or playing guitar. James lives in Golden, British Columbia.

Dave is originally from Vancouver where he obtained a degree in Geology in the early seventies. His mining exploration work on the Northern BC coast and in the Yukon fueled hs passion for the mountains. He started climbing as a result and by 1979 was teaching rock climbing and outdoor skills at Plas Y Brenin in Wales then lived and worked for 5 years at Outward Bound in Keremeos first as an instructor then a Course Director. Dave was instrumental in developing a mountaineering program backed by the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC in the late eighties. Although he had been guiding for almost 10 years, it was during that time that he achieved his certification with the ACMG. Dave moved to Alberta with his family in 1989 and spent the next 4 years running the mountain operations at the Banff Cadet Camp. Soon after that he took a 10 year hiatus from guiding to raise two kids that are now a teacher and an architect. Since 1994 he has owned and operated a “working at heights” consulting company which has advised and trained over 130 companies in safe work procedures and rope rescue strategies. Dave could not have achieved what he has without the support of his lovely wife Jana, who has been with him since 1977. His passion for guiding, mentoring and teaching continues to inspire outdoor enthusiasts of all ages. Dave is an ACMG Assistant Ski Guide and Assistant Alpine Guide.

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, whether it be a beginner taking their first steps on a glacier or as an examiner on the Canadian Mountain and Ski Guide Program. Grant lives in Canmore with his wife, a world champion extreme skier Maegan Carney and their son Lincoln. Grant is an ACMG/IFMGA internationally certified Mountain Guide and holds Level 2 certification with the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Jesse moved to the Bow Valley in 1998 to take part in Yamnuska’s three- month Mountain Skills Semester program. Using this as a springboard for his skills development, he has traveled all over the world to climb and ski and has pursued his passion. He now also acts as an examiner with the ACMG’s Training and Assessment program to help others obtain their certification. Jesse is the Managing Director 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 Canadian Rockies! Jesse lives in Canmore with his wife Christine and 3 children. Jesse is an ACMG/IFMGA internationally certified Mountain Guide and holds Level 3 certification with the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Hailing from rural Alberta, Paul developed a connection to the mountains at a young age. He began working as a climbing gym instructor in 2008 and has been pursuing a career in guiding ever since. Paul loves rock climbing and has a real passion for alpine climbing. In the winter, he is hooked on ice climbing and tries to get out splitboarding whenever possible. Paul loves sharing his passions and appreciation for the mountain with clients in a fun and safe setting. When he isn’t playing outside he enjoys time with his family and projects around the house. Paul is an ACMG Apprentice Alpine Guide and has his Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level 2 certification.

Tim moved to the mountain over 20 years ago and has not looked back since. With a deep passion for skiing and climbing you can find him out in the hills most days. Tim spent 14 seasons working as a ski patroller and avalanche forecaster at several Rockies ski resorts and works as an ITP instructor for the Canadian Avalanche Association. Tim has worked in multiple sectors including recreational guiding, industrial avalanche work and as a rope access technician taking him to several exciting work locations all over the world. Tim joined us full-time in September of 2018 as one of Yamnuska’s Program Directors. He currently lives in Canmore with his wife Wanessa and two kids Ella and Miles. Tim is a fully certified Mountain Guide, and holds CAA Level 3 and SPRAT Level 3 Rope Access Technician certifications.

Originally from Quebec, Maxime moved west over 10 years ago and has never looked back. An avid skier and climber, Max spends as much time as possible working and exploring in the mountains. He is passionate about sharing his love for the outdoors and helping guests build confidence and skills in the mountains while enjoying memorable experiences. As he progresses through the ACMG Mountain Guide program, Max currently holds ACMG Apprentice Ski Guide and Apprentice Rock Guide certifications, as well as Avalanche Canada Operations Level 2 certification.

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 Carnet. Now resident in Canmore and a member of the ACMG, Nick actively climbs and guides year round and is an IFMGA internationally certified Mountain Guide.

Eli grew up in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Water Valley, Alberta. Ironically, it wasn’t until discovering gym climbing while traveling in the flatlands of the Netherlands that he discovered a passion for climbing. After returning to Canada, Eli applied to the Adventure Studies program at Thompson Rivers University where he completed his studies in 2018. Since then Eli has been working through his ACMG guiding certifications. He has spent time climbing and skiing throughout the US and Canada, and worked as a via ferrata guide, ski patroller, and avalanche forecaster. Eli has a passion for teaching people new skills and brings a calm and methodical approach to risk management in the mountains. He lives in Canmore with his partner Caeli.

Chhering Dorjee Sherpa was born in a remote mountain village of Nepal, at an elevation of 4200m. He moved to Kathmandu at the age of nine to attend school. At the age of seventeen, Chhering began his career in the mountains as a kitchen boy for an expedition to Mt. Shisapangma (8011m). He successfully summited Mt. Everest for the first time in 2008, at the age of 19, as a climbing sherpa. Chhering has summited Mt. Everest seven times, all through the Khumbu Icefall, south side route. After working as a climbing sherpa for a few years, he got the chance to lead an Everest Expedition in autumn 2010, successfully recording the first Autumn ascent of Mt. Everest in 10 years. Chhering has also successfully led and summited three expeditions to Mt. Manasalu (8163m) and two to the summit of Mt.Cho-Oyu (8201m) within three days without the use of oxygen. He has done numerous summits of other peaks in Nepal such as Island Peak, Lobuche, Mera, Parchamo, Gyajikhang, Pisang, and Chulu East. Besides the Himalaya, Chhering has also been guiding in North and South America where he guided two successful summits of Aconcagua, Denali, Mt. Rainier, and many peaks in the Canadian Rockies. Chhering began working with Yamnuska during a 2012 expedition in Nepal where he worked together with Dave Stark on an Island Peak expedition. He has since settled in Canmore with his family and now works full time with Yamnuska. Chhering is an IFMGA/UIAGM internationally certified Mountain Guide. He is also a certified mountaineering instructor in Nepal.

Sarah grew up in Canmore, racing biathlon and adventuring in the outdoors. She started the guiding journey in 2014 working for Yamnuska as an Apprentice Hiking Guide. Sarah is now an Apprentice Ski Guide and Hiking Guide, finding balance between family time with her husband and two young children, and heli-ski and touring work. 

Born and raised in Canmore, Ben developed a strong connection to the mountains through years of backpacking, skiing, and exploring the Canadian Rockies. These early experiences inspired a lifelong passion for mountain travel, climbing, and adventure. Ben began climbing in 2012 and has since gained extensive experience on rock and alpine terrain throughout the Rockies. He started guiding with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures in 2022, bringing together technical skill, local knowledge, and a genuine enthusiasm for helping others build confidence in the mountains. A passionate sport climber, Ben often spends his days off at the crag, working on projects and sharing time outside with friends. He is a certified Apprentice Rock Guide and Apprentice Ski Guide, and is currently working toward full ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide certification. Ben is dedicated to creating rewarding, educational, and memorable mountain experiences while emphasizing sound judgment, personal growth, and respect for the mountain environment.

Lindsey grew up exploring the wild landscapes of Alberta with her dad, fostering a lifelong love for the mountains and the natural world. Since 2014, she has been professionally sharing her passion for climbing and the outdoors with people of all ages. Lindsey's favourite part of guiding is empowering others to build confidence, connect with wild places, and discover they're capable of far more than they imagined.

James Walter is a Banff based alpinist who grew up on the Alberta prairies. He discovered rock climbing on a middle school class outing and quickly fell in love with all aspects of mountaineering. Inspired by the mountains around his home, James continues to push his personal climbing with a particular taste for wild multipitch rock climbs, unlikely alpine faces and steep frozen waterfalls. James brings a calm and methodical approach to the mountains while safely providing his guests with the opportunity to challenge themselves, develop new skills and have real adventures in the mountains.

Sylvia graduated from our Mountain Skills Semester in 2002 and then, deciding to relocate to Canmore from Ontario, she joined the Yamnuska team. In 2005 Sylvia was promoted to the Office Manager, overseeing the accounting and finance and assisting with logistics and marketing projects. She is a keen rock climber and skier and competes in many running & cycling events. Sylvia is a certified nordic ski instructor with the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors. She now focuses primarily on marketing. Sylvia lives in Canmore with her husband Kevin and her twins Keira and Caden.