Canadian Mountain Holidays | About CMH - Our Team

For booking please e-mail info@cmhinc.com or call 1-800-661-0252.

Canadian Mountain Holidays
217 Bear St.
Box 1660, Banff, Alberta
Canada T1L IJ6

Phone: (403) 762-7100
Fax: (403) 762-5879
info@cmhinc.com

For booking please e-mail info@cmhinc.com or call 1-800-661-0252.

Canadian Mountain Holidays
217 Bear St.
Box 1660, Banff, Alberta
Canada T1L IJ6

Phone: (403) 762-7100
Fax: (403) 762-5879
info@cmhinc.com

We employ over 100 guides at peak season, making us the largest single employer of mountain guides worldwide. Collectively, this group represents over 700 years of guiding experience. Approximately 70% of our guides are Canadian with the remainder coming from Austria, Germany, Switzerland, USA, France, New Zealand and Italy.

CMH guides are active members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA). Guides must demonstrate a high level of competence in a variety of skills and techniques. Training courses and certification exams are designed to teach and assess guiding ability in realistic guiding scenarios, which involve exposure to significant hazards. In addition, the candidates are assessed on the following general categories: client care, risk management, technical systems, professionalism, instructional techniques, terrain assessment, application of guiding techniques, mountain sense, natural history and movement skills. On average, it is a similar investment of time and money to achieve guide certification, as it is to attain a university degree. The standards and ability level required to pass are continually rising throughout the international guiding community.

Becoming a Mountain Guide ( 210KB PDF)

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	Roger Atkins ACMG Ski Guide and SnowBase Guru Roger was born in Utah and although he loves all outdoor activities, his most favourite is powder skiing. Roger started working as a Heli-Ski guide for CMH 10 years ago after 8 seasons working with Wasatch Powderbird Guides in Utah. He is an ACMG ski guide and " a closet Nerd" with a degree in physics and a special interest in snow science. For the past couple of decades he has spent his "Nerd" time developing computer systems for data management and access to information pertinent to snow and avalanche conditions, culminating with the SnowBase program used in the CMH areas. For Roger the best part about guiding is that he gets paid to do his favorite activity and to share his passion with so many interesting people. And he particularly enjoys finding obscure and challenging routes through mountain terrain.

	Pat Baird IFMGA Mountain Guide Pat grew up in Calgary and has been a keen skier as long as he can remember. He initially started climbing to learn how to use ropes so he could ski steeper pitches. Pat has worked for CMH since 1998 as both a summer and winter guide. In his spare time he likes to fish, downhill mountain bike and is our resident surfer-dude, who chases waves and warm water all over the world. A highlight of guiding for Pat is helping guests accomplish something – a challenging climb or a new line on a steep run – that is beyond their expectations.

	Jon R. Bezzola (aka "Colani") IFMGA Mountain Guide and Mountain Safety Manager "Colani" grew up in the Engadin Valley of Switzerland. He became an IFMGA Mountain guide in 1971 after graduating as a teacher and studies in geography in his home country. He came to Canada in 1974 and started heli-ski guiding at the Cariboo Lodge in the winter of 1975. Two years later he became the first manager of the new Bobbie Burns area, which he ran until the winter of 1991. At this point he took on the new challenges of Mountain Safety Manager, focusing solely on all aspects of snow stability evaluation, hazard assessment, and risk management procedures for CMH skiing operations. Colani has been involved extensively in instructing avalanche courses, CAA Education Committee work, development of the Industry Information Exchange INFOEX and the in-house SnowBase program and WebEx information exchange. While traveling regularly to the operating areas in the winter he enjoys the exchange of methods and ideas with the guides and managers. It also gives him an opportunity to visit with longtime guests that he guided while at Bobbie Burns as well as many new heli-skiers.

	Jeff Boyd IFMGA Mountain Guide and Consultant Physician Jeff was raised in the desert of Australia which triggered a liking for things cool. He guided in New Zealand, performed post-graduate research in physiology in Antarctica and migrated to Whistler as a professional avalanche controller. Jeff became mountain guide with the IFMGA in 1978 and was involved in the development of the CMH avalanche safety program in its formative years. After working with CMH since 1978 he took time out in the late 80's to develop the Emergency Medicine Program in the Banff Hospital, which included building a new Emergency Department, and certified helipad. Jeff has returned to CMH and the beloved mountains of Canada as one of the heritage staff. A highly specialized asset on our team, Jeff also loves to talk about the Himalayas and offshore sailing.

	Ernst Buehler IFMGA Mountain Guide and Manager, Cariboos Ernst grew up in Switzerland and moved to Canada in 1969. Ernst is a fully certified IFMGA guide, has been managing the Cariboo Lodge for over 20 years and has worked with the summer hiking program since its inception. Cariboo guests know Ernst for his incredible charm, patience and wonderful sense of humour.

	Steve Chambers ACMG Full Ski Guide and Assistant Manager, Revelstoke Steve was born and raised in southern Ontario where he was first introduced to the outdoors as a white-water paddler and rock climber. He migrated west in 1987 to attend the Outdoor Pursuits program at the University of Calgary. Steve started working with CMH in 1995 and was appointed assistant manager in Revelstoke in 2004. He has guided predominantly in Revelstoke during the winters and spends most of his summers guiding in the Adamants and Bobbie Burns. Steve is part of our fall promotion team and is now an official representative for CMH in southern California. Five years ago Steve moved to Venice, CA to pursue his two loves -- Megan and surfing. He spends most days off either in the water or travelling around the world in search of warm tropical waves.

	Dave Cochrane IFMGA Mountain Guide and Manager, Bugaboos Dave studied physical geography in his hometown of Montreal, PQ. He moved to Western Canada in 1976 and obtained his full guide status with the IFMGA in 1980. Dave has been working with CMH since 1979. What Dave really enjoys is guiding people, learning from others and sharing their accomplishment.

	Buck Corrigan IFMGA Guide and Manager, Revelstoke Buck started in with CMH in the good old days (1975) teaching skiing and climbing for Hans Gmoser. He worked as the assistant manager at Radium/Bugaboos for two years, and then moved to Revelstoke in 1978.

	Ken France Ski Guide, Manager, Kootenay Ken was born in Canada and raised in the Okanagan Valley of B.C. He has worked as a heli-ski guide for 24 years. Ken started working with Kootenay Heli-Skiing /CMH Kootenay in 1984 and for the past 15 years has been the area manager. Ken loves to show the guests the best ski lines we have to offer and "Thoroughly enjoys the look on guests' faces when they experience and appreciate our backyard for the first time." A man with many interests, Ken is an avid fly fisherman, and has guided fly-fishing for Steelhead in BC Rivers. He is also an aviation fanatic and has built and flies an experimental aircraft from Nakusp airport.

	Dave Gauley Ski Guide, Assistant Manager, Cariboos CMH guide and Cariboos assistant manager Dave Gauley was a professional extreme skier for 10 years, during which time he travelled all over the world in search of first descents. When he became a certified guide, he moved to Chamonix, France, where he guided steep skiing, as well as doing most of the classic lines. At CMH, he started at the Cariboos, and then toured around, working at most areas. Dave played an integral role in mapping out much of the terrain at Silvertip when it first opened. Note that Dave was nominated one of North America's top 50 skiers by Powder Magazine.

	Dan Griffith Ski Guide, Monashees Daniel Griffith, a guide in the Monashees, made Canada, the Canadian Alpine community, and CMH proud by setting an incredible world record last year. Dan summited the highest peaks on each of the seven continents within 187 days, which put him in the Guinness Book of World Records. This record has since been broken, but the achievement remains impressive. Another notable achievement: at 55, Dan became the oldest Canadian to have conquered Mount Everest. Dan's quest to climb the highest peaks began on May 24, 2006, on the summit of Mount Everest at 6:30 a.m. (Nepal) and was completed on November 27, 2006, on the top of Mount Vinson at 4:20 p.m. (Antarctica). He climbed three of the seven summits in record time with his 26-year-old son Luke -- also a CMH guide! -- and was joined on the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa by his entire family.

	Bruce Howatt IFMGA Mountain Guide and Manager, Bobbie Burns Bruce has guided with CMH for over 20 years. A passionate mountain guy, who hails from the flat lands of Edmonton, Alberta, he passed his first guides course at the age of 19, eventually becoming a fully certified IFMGA mountain guide. Bruce is one of CMH's most accomplished climbers, having spent many years climbing extensively through Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. When not up at the Bobbie Burns, Bruce spends time with his two kids, Shep and Sara, who have inherited his passion for the mountains. He is also an avid B-boy and can be found in the fitness room working on the latest break dance moves.

	Roko Koell IFMGA Mountain Guide A CMH employee since 1989, Robert "Roko" Koell is a fourth-generation mountain and ski guide from the alpine village of Matrei in Austria's magnificent East Tyrol Region. Roko is the Director of the CMH Powder Introduction and Powder Masters Programs. He holds the rare distinction of being a fully Austrian-certified ski instructor and alpine ski coach. Prior to joining CMH, Roko worked as an assistant coach with the Austrian Alpine Ski Team. The broad range of skills he brings to the program ensures that all participants benefit from leading edge ideas on skiing and ski technique. But says Roko, "That's only one of the programs goals. Learning and skiing should be fun and that's what our powder improvement programs are all about. We want to celebrate and enjoy the excitement of discovering new skills and the exhilaration of the ultimate powder nirvana and the very special environment in which we ski, here in the land where real winters are not a faint childhood memory, but part of daily life." In the summer Roko guides with CMH's Heli-Mountaineering and Heli-Hiking program.

	Roger Laurilla IFMGA Mountain Guide and Manager, Monashees Raised in Rogers Pass and Revelstoke B.C., mountains have been a constant factor in Roger's life since day one. Climbing, skiing and photography are his main source of inspiration to live and work in the mountains. Roger began working with CMH in 1979, and in 1989 he became a IFMGA mountain guide. His guiding and photography adventures have taken him all over the world. "Exploring the mountains is a source of great happiness." Roger has been the manager at the Monashee Lodge for 7 years where he claims the best thing about guiding is knowing that every day presents something new to see and experience.

	Steve Lovenuik ACMG Ski Guide Steve is an Alberta native who has been guiding for CMH and living in BC for the past 7 years. He started skiing at the age of 6 with lace up boots and bear trap bindings, and was ski racing by the age of 8. He continued competing into his early twenties while attending university in Alberta. His interest in climbing began when he was 15 years old and living in the great mountain town of Edmonton. One of his main influences was his neighbour, Bruce Howatt, the leader of the management team at the Bobbie Burns. Steve has worked at Kootenay, Bobbie Burns and is now at the Gothics.

	John Mellis IFMGA Mountain Guide and Assistant Manager, Cariboos John grew up amongst a family of skiers in Vancouver. He claims his family dragged him to Whistler and other local mountains every weekend from the time he was two. At the ripe age of 17, John moved to Lake Louise where he was influenced by a number of mountain guides and developed a passion for mountain travel. He worked at Lake Louise for 12 years -- first as foreman of the trail crew and then as team leader of the avalanche control and public safety program. During his time at Lake Louise he climbed and traveled the Rockies and Columbia Mountains, guiding friends and co-workers to new heights and abilities. After twelve years of mountain achievements and boot camp-like guide exams, he attained full mountain guide status. John joined CMH in 1992 and hasn't looked back. He is passionate about educating and guiding skiers and climbers from around the globe, and is always keen to show off the majestic mountains in his new backyard.

	Peter Macpherson IFMGA Mountain Guide and Assistant Manager, Bugaboos Our true ‘Bluenoser’, grew up on the east coast of Canada in Newfoundland and New Brunswick. After graduating with a BA in History and Political Science from Acadia University, in Wolfville Nova Scotia, he moved west to pursue his passion for skiing and hiking. A committed student, Peter received a diploma in Adventure Tourism from Thompson Rivers University and then turned his focus towards becoming a mountain guide. He started with CMH in 1997 as a hiking guided and passed his full guide exams in 2005. We think this makes him the first, and possibly only, fully certified Newfie Mountain Guide…so go easy on the jokes. A long time Bugaboo’ee, Peter stepped into the assistant manager role in fall 2007.

	Marc Piché IFMGA Mountain Guide Marc grew up in Quebec where his love of skiing started at a young age. He moved to Canmore, Alberta in 1991 to pursue his passion to become a certified IFMGA Mountain Guide. Marc has worked as a full-time guide since 1997 and was the assistant manager at the Bugaboo Lodge from 2001 to 2007. His love of the mountains has led him on adventures around the world. He co-authored the award winning guidebook, The Bugaboos, which is a comprehensive climbing guide to the Bugaboo Mountains published by Elaho Press. Marc will be co-authoring on another book project that will take him to all of the remote alpine climbing areas of Canada over the next 3 years. He is also the founder of the Friends of Bugaboo Park, an instructor/examiner for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and an active member of both the ACMG Communications and Technical Committees.

	Danny Stoffel IFMGA Mountain Guide and Manager, Valemount Danny is from Saas Grund, Switzerland where he developed a passion for the mountains at an early age. Danny is a fully certified IFMGA guide who first came to North America to study languages – he speaks English, French, German and Italian. For over 10 years he was actively involved in guide training and certification courses in Switzerland and he enjoys sharing his expertise and passion with aspiring young guides. Danny has guided in North America and in the Alps – with over 50 trips up the Matterhorn! In 1985 Danny began working for CMH with Ernst Buehler at the Cariboo Lodge and since 1994 has been the manager at Valemount Lodge. Danny is one of those fortunate people who consider his job his hobby. He is positive and well known for gently guiding and encouraging guests at every level and ability, with inspiring confidence. Beyond guiding Danny loves to spend his time outdoors continuing to do what he loves -- mountaineering, skiing, and rock climbing.

	Willy Trinker IFMGA Guide and Manager, Silvertip Willy came to Canada in 1983 to work for Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing and later joined CMH in 1985. A never-ending quest to find new and exciting skiing has resulted in first tracks in several CMH areas including the Adamants, McBride and Silvertip. A commercial pilot and journeyman carpenter, Willy has spent many of his summers building and renovating CMH buildings and pursuing a passion to create things -- over the years he has built and restored nine aircraft! As manager of Silvertip Lodge, our newest operation, Willy has found the ideal place to pursue his interests, passions, and talents on a regular basis....oh, and did we mention fishing?

	Erich Unterberger IFMGA Mountain Guide and Manager, Adamants Erich, originally from Austria, moved to Canada in 1988. He has worked with CMH for 13 years and has been the manager of the Adamant Lodge for 7 years. He is a fully certified IFMGA guide. Whether he is with a group of climbers or nature walkers, Erich's personality and professionalism will provide an enjoyable and interesting day.

	Gery Unterasinger IFMGA Mountain Guide and Assistant Manager, Bobbie Burns Gery was born and raised in Lienz, Austria where he started to climb and ski with his father at the age of 3. He became a full UIAGM mountain guide at 18. Gery came to Canada to work for CMH in 1994 and promptly fell in love and married his wife Kimby. He has worked mainly in the Bobbie Burns, with short stints at every other CMH lodge, and was appointed assistant manager in fall 2005. Until recently, Gery travelled back to Europe every summer to work as a guide in the Alps and an examiner for the Austrian Mountain Guide Association. He will now be bringing his many years of experience to our summer program. His favourite hobbies are rock and ice climbing, expeditions to beautiful mountains all over the globe, and his son Luka.

	James Vickers ACMG Full Ski Guide and Assistant Manager, Gothics James is a native Albertan who grew up in the mountains skiing, climbing, and canoeing. He holds a Bachelor of Kinesiology with a major in Outdoor Pursuits from the University of Calgary. He spent many years in Canmore working as a guide for the National Cadet Program and Yamnuska Mountain School and now lives in Revelstoke BC. James has worked with CMH for 5 years and loves to share his passion for skiing and the mountains with all the great people that come to the Gothics Lodge. When not skiing, he enjoys long canoe trips with his wife Janette and two young daughters, skiers to be, Hannah and Lillian.

	Paul Vidalin IFMGA Mountain Guide and Assistant Manager, Adamants Paul is a Canadian born guide, raised in southern Alberta who started his CMH career in the Monashees in 1997 after leaving the Parks Service where he was involved in wildlife work, mountain rescue and avalanche forecasting. What Paul loves about guiding is working with interesting people from all over the world and being able to take them places they would never get to on their own.

	Mike Welch IFMGA Mountain Guide and Manager, Galena Growing up in a small farm town in Alberta Mike happened upon skiing by accident through a school field trip to Paskapoo in Calgary, which is now Canada Olympic Park. He was 15 at the time and immediately fell in love with skiing. In 1984, after finishing school he moved to Banff to work at Sunshine Village Ski Resort. As a patroller he met several people who were into guiding and they piqued his interest and encouraged his education into backcountry travel. In 1990 Mike started working for CMH as an assistant guide in the Cariboos and moved on to Galena in 1993. He became a full mountain guide in 1995 and has been the manager at Galena since 2000. For Mike, guiding and working for CMH gives him a tremendous amount of freedom and allows him to spend most of his time outdoors being active. When not guiding Mike likes to mountain bike, fly fish and play hockey.

	Rob Whelan ACMG Ski Guide and Assistant Manager, Kootenay Rob grew up in the foothills of Alberta around Pincher Creek, and started skiing when he was 16. In 1981 he began working as a ski patroller and avalanche technician at a small ski area in the Rockies and spent summers working as an avalanche technician in New Zealand and then as an initial attack fire fighter in BC. In 1988 he started guiding for Kootenay Heli-Skiing, which became CMH Kootenay in 1996. Rob spends his summers "industrial guiding" for geologists; working as a mountain locations manager for small film and TV commercial productions; and working with a log home construction crew. He has guided ski and mountaineering trips to Mt. Logan in the Yukon and in the Alps, and has worked with a TV production crew in Morocco. Rob is a member of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA) Technical Committee and an instructor for CAA Level 1 courses. He also served on the CAA Board of Directors for one year. One of the best things about guiding for Rob is the rush from being at the top of Tenderfoot Glacier, skiing down through a series of moraines into a sub alpine forest, across a lake, through a cliff band, into a cedar hemlock forest, and finally ending at the valley bottom – 45 minutes and 5400 vertical ft of non-stop adventure skiing.

	Greg Yavorsky IFMGA Mountain Guide and Manager, McBride Greg skied as a child, but came to guiding through mountain climbing and his exposure to Rudi Gertsch and Peter Schlunegger, the first guides he ever met way back in the mid 70's. He first worked for CMH in the ski shop in Revelstoke in 1983, and then joined the guiding staff. He also did some summer guiding in the Alps through the mid 90's. Working with guides from other countries has always been a part of guiding that Greg appreciates. When he came to live in the Rockies in 1980, there were few guides and guiding companies and CMH was the company that Greg aspired to work with. When he joined, there were only 35 guides on staff, compared to 100+ today! In addition to the challenges of terrain selection and decision-making, Greg enjoys the social interaction with guests in the mountain environment. Outside of ski and mountain guiding, he enjoys playing acoustic music, black & white photography and his greatest pleasure is travelling with his kids Emily and Kristopher.