I am living my best life. And I could use some help to keep it going.

The Short Story

I’ve decided to make pro ski patrol (and winter guiding) a second career. And I’ve decided that Canada is the best place to do it. But damn, you need a lot of expensive certifications to patrol in Canada. I need help paying for my education so I can patrol at Whitewater this upcoming season and beyond.

The Longer Story

A few years ago I was working at a cushy, well-paid computer job. I wasn’t super stoked on it, but it afforded me (almost) enough fun. And I had an exit plan. One day (what day? when!?!?) I would quit and start a bike shop. I was volunteering as a ski patroller at Crystal Mountain and was absolutely loving it. The computer work was bearable, but less and less so every day.

And then COVID hit. My marriage ended. My job ended. I had an emotional freakout. And with the help and support of friends, I quickly came (back) to the realization that all of this is temporary. I might not wake up tomorrow. I had better start living for today.

I called my Patrol Director and got a job on pro patrol over the phone. I put a bed in my van. I moved out of the house I was renting in Bellingham. I started living.

Fast forward a couple of years. I’ve been on pro patrol at Crystal Mountain for two seasons. I’m a good patroller, and I love it. I’ve been guiding bicycle trips in the summer season. I’m good at that, and love it too. I’m living in a camper, which suits me well. My income is a fraction of what it was a few years ago, but that’s ok, so are my expenses.

I’ve decided that the best place for me to make a career as a pro patroller is my native Canada. I have a dangerous job which doesn’t offer health care in the States - health care is a right for all Canadians. I want to be a part of a ski community - Crystal Mountain is an hour away from the nearest (not a ski) town. I don’t want to live in my camper forever - housing is more affordable in the part of Canada that I’m moving to. And most of all, I am Canadian. I’ve always felt this, even though I’ve lived the majority of my life in the States. Moving back to Canada is a part of my journey into becoming the best me I can imagine.

I’ve been offered a position on the Whitewater Pro Ski Patrol, just outside of Nelson, BC. In the near future, there are opportunities to winter guide for the numerous heli and cat skiing operations close to Nelson. I intend to make Nelson my home. Come visit. It’s super nice, and the skiing (lift and touring) and mountain biking are superb.

But as I’ve recently discovered, you need a ton of expensive certifications to patrol and guide in Canada. I’m in a bit of a pickle, and could use some help. These are some of the certifications I’m currently pursuing:

Non-Urban Emergency Care 3 (completed) - $690 CDN

Avalanche Operations 1 (enrolled) - apx. $4,000 CDN

Avalanche Operations 2 (next year, needed for guiding) - apx. $3,000 CDN

The new life I’ve chosen is rewarding but it isn’t easy. And I’d have a helluva time doing it alone. If you can afford to support me financially, even just a little bit, it would be a big help. If you've read this far, chances are that you’ve already given me the best help I could hope for - your love and support. Thanks.

See you in the woods, going real fast.