About Mountain Sense

 Our Philosophy

The mountains are a sacred place for us. We take tremendous joy in sharing them with others and unlocking their true beauty for all to see. It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to open someone's eyes to the potential within themselves via the mountain environment and we take great pride in doing just that.

In guiding, "Mountain Sense" is defined as having the ability to elegantly apply the right technique at the right time in the right place. We are mountain specialists. Through teaching and guiding, we provide a safe, but challenging avenue for people to do what they only dreamed was possible.

 

The Guides

Shaun King - Owner

Originally from Ontario, Shaun grew up windsurfing and competing in track, x-country running and triathlons. After high school he moved to Vancouver to complete a degree in Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University and compete on their varsity track and swim teams. While shifting more of a focus towards climbing, skiing and kayaking, Shaun managed SFU's Outdoor Recreation Centre and eventually moved to Kamloops to complete the Adventure Travel Guide Diploma at Thompson Rivers University.

In 1997 Shaun became a member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and in 1999 moved to Calgary where he managed the climbing, skiing and avalanche programs at the U of C's Outdoor Centre for over 7 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 been teaching rock & ice climbing, crevasse rescue, avalanche and backcountry skiing courses for years and loves sharing his knowledge with keen learners. His patient nature and skilled pedagogy combine to provide a comfortable and fun filled learning environment. 

He has skied and climbed in the US, Asia and Europe (where he lived and guided for 7 months).  He has also heli-ski and cat-ski guided in Canada and completed many of the long ski traverses that Canada is known for.

Over the past few years Shaun has climbed several undocumented alpine routes in Kokanee Glacier Park including some first ascents.  He has also developed several local Rock Climbing areas.

Shaun is a professional ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide, CAA Level 2 Professional member, and CSIA Level 2 Ski Instructor. He lives with his wife and daughter in magical Nelson, BC.

 

Jamie Whiteside - Guide

Jamie got his first taste of wilderness adventures in the early 80's and he's been hooked every since. A graduate of the adventure travel guide program at TRU he has worked for nearly two decades in the outdoor industry.

With a big smile and a love of life, he is always keen to share adventures and special places. His enthusiasm is infectious and his client care unsurpassed.  With a Masters in Leadership from Royal Roads University, he draws on many strengths working as an instructor and backcountry guide.

Jamie has spent many years guiding and teaching in western Canada where he makes his home, but an avid traveller at heart he may be found parts of the year as far away as Patagonia, the Indian Himalaya, or the High Arctic where he leads trekking, paddling, and ski adventures.

Jamie is a professional ACMG Ski Guide, CAA Level 2 Professional member, and telemark Ski Instructor.

 

 

 

 

 

Other ACMG Guides or CAA members may be hired for certain activities. We strive to provide the best possible staff for all your adventures.  

Safety

The Association of Canadian Mountain Guides is the ONLY international governing body for Hiking, Rock, Alpine, Ski* and Mountain Guides in Canada. ACMG guides have been examined to the highest level and are required to maintain their standard with Continuing Professional Development each year. There are specific terrain guidelines for each discipline and a code of conduct that every ACMG guide must live by.

All of this regulation is in place to ensure that when you hire an ACMG guide, you are getting the very best, safest and most highly trained guides possible. Beware of imposters! To ensure that your guide is a member of the ACMG, you can search for them on the ACMG member list by clicking here. Only active ACMG members appear on the list and only active members may use the association logo. If your "ACMG certified" guide does not appear on the list then they likely do not possess the permits to guide in the National and Provincial Parks and are probably not adequately insured!

*Note that CSGA guides are not certified for backcountry ski touring.

Frequently Asked Questions

What elements comprise the total cost of hiring an ACMG guide?

• Training & Certification - in Canada it costs ~$30,000 to become a Mountain Guide and takes as long or longer than becoming a doctor
• Group & Guide Equipment - ropes, racks, tools, skis, clothing, safety gear
• Insurance - active ACMG guides carry $5 million liability insurance
• Permits - National & Provincial Park permits must be renewed every year
• Reference Materials & Resources - guide books, maps, photos, CD roms
• Ongoing Training and Recertification - 1st aid, CPD, staff training
• Administration Time - hours of logistics and planning required for most field days
• Seasonal Nature of the Work - the busy seasons are relatively short

What kind of fitness / ability do I need for these trips?

Attempts have been made within the wording of the trip descriptions to give you an idea of what to expect or the average length of the days, but generally you should be used to carrying a 20-30L pack for day trips and a 40-60L pack for multiday trips.  We find that people usually have a pretty good measure of their abilities and if anything tend to underestimate what they are capable of.

If you are uncertain of the physical requirements or whether a given trip is reasonable for you, please do not hesitate to contact us and we would be more than happy to answer all your questions.

The course I am interested in says min. 3 people, but I am alone.

Let us know the course you are interested in and your availability and we will attempt to partner you up with others who are also interested in the same course at that time.

Where can I rent equipment?

Many of our instructional courses include basic equipment. For those that don't we have some gear available for rent on our Contact & Booking page. Ski touring equipment can be rented at ROAM Shop. Split boards and avalanche transceivers can be rented at Valhalla Pure Outfitters. Both stores are located on Baker St. in downtown Nelson.

CONTACT

119 High St. Nelson, BC V1L 3Z5

Home: 250-505-5139

Cell: 250-509-0461

E-mail: info@mountainsense.ca