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.

Originally from the Czech Republic, Katka first fell in love with the mountains in Ischgl (Austria) where she spent two winter seasons working at the office of a local ski school and one summer season enjoying lots of hikes in the beautiful Paznaun Valley. Among her favourite hikes in Austria are the Hoher Riffler or the 90km Berliner Hohenweg. Katka enjoys climbing, slackline, traveling and hiking. She recently walked the famous pilgrimage St James Way from Portugal to the Spanish Santiago de Compostela. While working at Yamnuska Katka hopes to learn as much as possible about climbing and reach some beautiful peaks of the Canadian Rockies.

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.

Merrie-Beth Board (MB) has been exploring and working in the Canadian west since she came from small town Ontario at 19 years old. A drive and passion for vertical adventures and places less traveled led her to completing the ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide certification. MB has guided in Chile, Alaska, New Zealand and has been working with Yamnuska since 2008. Whether teaching mountain skills, guiding technical peaks on foot or skis, ice or multi-pitch rock climbing, MB is most at home in the mountains and enjoys sharing the local ranges with everyone she meets. Merrie-Beth is an ACMG/IFMGA internationally certified Mountain Guide and holds Level 2 certification with the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Adam grew up in Thunder Bay, spending most winter weekends at the amazing 225 metre local ski hill and in the summer trying to rock climb in running shoes at the local bluffs. He started his lifelong guiding career in Ontario as a sea kayak, white-water canoe and rock climbing guide, and has expanded his repertoire to include hiking, backpacking, ski touring, heli-skiing, via ferrata and mountain rescue. Adam has followed his passions around the world, bicycle touring in New Zealand, paddling the Northwest Territory’s South Nahanni River, thru-hiking the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trails, sea kayaking in Belize, surfing and climbing volcanoes in Mexico, mountaineering in Alaska and climbing all over Canada and the US. Adam has worked with Yamnuska since 2006, guiding and instructing ski touring, avalanche courses, rock climbing, hiking and backpacking for Yamnuska. He lives in Canmore with his wife Joanna and their two kids. Adam is an ACMG Mountain Guide and holds his level 2 CAA certification.

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.

Patrick was born in Ottawa, Ontario where he also experienced climbing for the first time on a school program at age 14. This introduction quickly fueled his drive for the mountains and sparked his life-long climbing practice. For Pat climbing, skiing and general mountain life are a calling, a way of living. Pat has traveled extensively and has achieved a high level of competence in all of the mountain guiding disciplines. After living in Squamish, BC, where he started his professional guiding career, Pat moved to Canmore to work for Yamnuska and to pursue his obsession for winter climbing. For 15 years now Pat has been delivering a multitude of private and public programs for Yamnuska. He is dedicated to excellence and helping guests achieve their goals and enjoy every experience he shares with them. Regardless of your goals, experience or abilities, Pat is happy to adventure, guide, teach and mentor you or your group.

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.

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.

Richard is perhaps our most cosmopolitan guide. An Australian/Canadian resident in Germany, Richard spends his summers guiding for Yamnuska in the Canadian Rockies and winters translating German / English medical papers and articles as well as embarking on climbing trips all over the globe. Because of his globetrotting he has an amazing resume of climbing experience including significant first ascents in the Himalayas. Richard is yet, another guide who works extremely hard for our guests and is consequently in much demand. A long time Yamnuska guide, Richard has been instructing and guiding rock and alpine programs since1997. When not in Canmore he is based in Munich with his wife and son.

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.

Originally from Manitoba, Renée was initially introduced to climbing in St-Boniface and later took it up regularly when she moved to northern Thailand. She lived and worked as a teacher in Chiang Mai for four years where she discovered steep limestone sport climbing. It was in Thailand that Renée decided to move to the Bow Valley to become a rock guide. She started teaching indoor climbing in 2005 and has been guiding outdoor climbs since 2013. With a broad teaching background, Renée is a dedicated instructor who quickly puts students at ease and helps them to achieve their goals. Some of Renée’s favorite personal trips include rock climbing in Thailand, Laos, Greece and Red Rocks. Reneé speaks French and English, lives in Canmore and works in the field of information management during the winter. Renée is an ACMG Rock Guide.

Daire is originally from Ireland, having made the leap to Canada in 2008 to do a “diploma” in adventure guiding where he got a crash course in; rock, ice and alpine climbing - a far cry from the hills and small bluffs he was used to. Using this program as a base to develop his mountain skills, Daire is working his way through the ACMG Mountain Stream. Vagabonding in the mountains around Western Canada for many years, he eventually settled in Canmore with his partner in 2015 and began working with Yamnuska in the summer of 2016. When not working Daire is either in the mountains or in the gym training for his next guides exam. Daire has also received his Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level 2 certification.

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.

Originally from Manitoba, Kathy relocated to Alberta in 2010 and moved to Canmore in 2015. Kathy spends her summers paddle boarding and fishing (when the fish are biting) and enjoys rock climbing, hiking and biking. When the weather turns cold, Kathy can be found using her artistic talents at ArtsPlace, creating pottery masterpieces.

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.

Lisa works for Yamnuska both in the summer and winter on everything from avalanche courses, ski mountaineering weeks, to backpacking trips! While completing her Master’s of Science Degree at the University of Alberta, Lisa began Ski Patrolling and working as an Avalanche Forecaster at Mt. Norquay in Banff, AB. She then moved on to work with BC’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure as an Avalanche Technician in the North Cascades. Over the last few years, Lisa has also worked her way through the Thompson Rivers University courses to become an ACMG certified Hiking and Ski Guide. Lisa also spends several weeks of the winter in the Cariboos working as a heli-ski guide. Lisa is a Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association and a member of the CAA’s Complaint and Investigation Committee, and also chairs the ACMG’s Communication Committee. Lisa lives in Canmore, AB where you can find her skiing, biking, climbing, hiking. Her passion for the mountains is infectious, and she makes it her goal to share the joy the mountains bring with everyone. Lisa Is an ACMG Ski Guide, ACMG Hiking Guide and holds Level 2 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.

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. Nick is also enjoying introducing his two boys Ben and Alex to their vast Canadian playground. Nick is an IFMGA internationally certified Mountain Guide and member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and the British Association of Mountain Guides.

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. Cherring 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. Cherring 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.

Dave Stark has been instructing and guiding with Yamnuska since 1986. 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 oversees the guides and all aspects of the 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 initially 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. Dave is an IFMGA certified international Mountain Guide and holds Level 3 certification with the Canadian Avalanche Association.

Takeshi, otherwise known as Tak, is originally from Japan. Tak started his mountain career with ski patrol and Search & Rescue in Nagano prefecture in Japan, which has 21 peaks over 3,000m and great skiing in winter time. Prior to coming to Canada, he also patrolled at Niseko ski area in Hokkaido, lucky guy. He moved to Canada in 2012 to start climbing more seriously and took the mountain world by storm. He climbed, and continues to climb hard routes in the Canadian Rockies like Wild Things 1400m M7 ED1, Greenwood Locke 1200m M6 ED1 in winter conditions. He has also done several first ascents in the Rockies and Bugaboos over the last few years. Tak guided Japanese clients on hiking trips for Yamnuska Mountain Tours and in 2015 started rock and alpine guiding with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures. A serious and humble man, he is a great addition to our guiding team.

Zenn hails from Canberra, Australia spending his youth hiking and climbing in the bushland surrounding his hometown. A desire to escape the corporate office world led Zenn to Canada in 2010 where he participated in the Yamnuska Mountain Skills Semester program. Zenn works on Yamnuska’s Rock programs in the summer and in the winter he is employed as a Ski Patroller thus fulfilling his dream to work in the outdoors year round. Zenn is a permanent resident of Canada and proudly calls Canmore home. When he is not working he is usually off on his next climbing or mountain biking adventure.

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.