When did you know you wanted to be a mountain guide?

I learned I wanted to be a mountain guide while I was young and pursuing climbing and skiing. I have always enjoyed the simple joy of being outside. Then I was extremely lucky to have people who were my heroes become my mentors and help me get on the right path. After that, it took perseverance and hard work but I was able to slowly piece together a career outside in the mountains.

You've climbed and skied around the world. What is your favorite place?

I like to say the best place to be is right where you are. Every place is so unique and special, it's not just about the conditions but mostly the people you are sharing that time with. That said, being home in Wyoming exploring my backyard is always amazing.

How has your approach to the mountains changed over your guiding career?

When I was young I thought it was all about getting paid to climb or ski the hardest thing possible. It took time but with experience, I realized it is all about the people and amazing experiences that I have been able to be a part of and memories that last a lifetime.

What conditions are you looking for when deciding to enter or avoid avalanche terrain?

I am paying attention to the weather and the terrain. How much change has occurred? The snowpack doesn't like stress so I am looking for patterns that would have allowed time for adjustment to changes which would have created stress within the snowpack. I am constantly identifying the terrain I am in or under - is it avalanche terrain? If so, how do I need to manage my exposure based on the information I have for that day? It is different every day.

Why do you use Safeback SBX?

It's a lightweight system I feel comfortable carrying in the mountains that increases my margin of safety if I make a mistake.

How does SBX fit into your understanding of snow safety?

SBX is a tool that allows me to travel through the mountains with a higher margin of safety. It is light, small, reusable almost instantly, and increases my survivability in an avalanche burial.

This allows me to take it with me more often.