2019 recipients: Gabe Carpendale, Mike Wigley, Scott Beauchamp, Tristan Kodors, Fannie Dufour, Tara Morris

Gabe Carpendale

Gabe is a born and raised Nelson local that has been skiing in the Kootenays since he was four years old. After high school, Gabe spent two seasons as a volunteer ski patroller at Whitewater Ski Resort where he found his passion for working on skis. This led him to do the Adventure Guide diploma program at Thompson Rivers University where he spent two years getting training and certifications in all aspects of guiding and adventure tourism. After graduating, Gabe moved back to the Kootenays, where he now tail guides for Selkirk Snowcat Skiing. Gabe just recently passed the CSGA Level 1 exam and is looking to do the CSGA level 2 in a couple of years.

Michael Wigley

I’m Michael Wigley, an avid splitboarder and mechanized guide for Baldface Lodge and Keefer Lake Lodge. I resided in Rossland BC for 13 years before relocating to Revelstoke and now Golden. I’m currently enrolled in the ACMG program to pursue a career in ski guiding. My dream is to be a splitboard guide and take people to their dream locations or down their dream run. I love being in the mountains more than anything, from pushing up the mountain to your goal, to soaking the quietness that nature gives. Being present in the mountains, being aware of your surroundings, and enjoying the moment.

Tristan Kodors

Receiving this sponsorship has given me encouragement, support, and a sense of connection within a community of dreamers who are constantly perusing and aspiring. Recently, I have been continuing my development through the CSGA and CAA, while staying current in the field within my objectives. Working locally, adapting, and making connections with others has brought me closer to my ideals. Keeping the dream alive one skin track at a time.

Fannie Dufour

My name is Fannie and I am happy to finally be certified as an Apprentice Ski Guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. After many years of hard work since I left the small mountains of Québec, I feel very proud and lucky to be guiding people heli skiing on the North Coast near Bella Coola. I also guide cat skiing and ski touring in the Monashees and the Selkirks. I am looking forward to many more years of ski guiding and exploring different mountain ranges and sharing my passion with people which is really exciting. I am really thankful for everyone that believed in me including the Nyle Mulkey Chose Bluebird Day Foundation for the financial support that went towards my guiding courses and exam.