About Our Team

Experienced Guides. Trusted Partners.

Rooted in the climbing community, our team brings deep experience, disciplined judgment, and a shared commitment to high professional standards. We guide with intention — prioritizing safety, stewardship, and the kind of progression that builds confident, capable climbers over time.

Kinley Aitken

ACMG Rock Guide

Kinley (she/her) has called Squamish home for nearly twenty-five years and has spent much of that time climbing, guiding, and working across the outdoor industry. Her experience spans five continents and a wide range of disciplines, from hard sport and trad routes to big walls and alpine objectives.

  • Alongside guiding and coaching private clients, Kinley is an instructor with Thompson Rivers University and an instructor and examiner with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides’ Training and Assessment Program. She brings a thoughtful, growth-oriented approach to guiding and values meeting climbers where they are in their journey.

    Balancing climbing, work, and motherhood has shaped Kinley’s perspective on longevity, curiosity, and showing up with intention—on and off the rock.

Jasmin Caton

ACMG Rock, Ski & Apprentice Alpine

An OG Squamish crusher, Jasmin (she/her) grew up in New Denver, BC, and has built an impressive climbing resume spanning alpine, big wall, trad, and sport routes across the globe. She also runs Valhalla Mountain Touring backcountry ski lodge while raising six-year-old twins.

  • With a Master’s in Hydrogeology from Salt Lake City, Jasmin combines sharp analytical skills with boundless mountain drive. Known for whipping up feasts, running up mountains like they’re anthills, and tackling big objectives with focus and flair, Jas brings energy, expertise, and inspiration to every guiding day.

    Jasmin also instructs for the ACMG Training and Assessment Rock and Ski programs, sharing knowledge and passion with climbers of all levels.

Dave Gauley

ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide

Don’t let Dave’s (he/him) mellow, easy-going nature fool you—he’s one of the most talented individuals you’re likely to meet in the mountains. Originally from Ottawa, Dave cut his teeth climbing in Whistler nearly 35 years ago and has been a certified Mountain Guide since 2003.

  • A lifelong athlete and former professional skier, he has a deep love for technical climbing and the red rock landscapes of the desert.

    When he's not leading unforgettable multi-pitch climbs, you might find him playing guitar, tinkering with his truck, catching waves, or building everything from cabinets to campers. Dave is passionate about helping people explore places they might not otherwise reach—experiences that often leave a lasting impact. He brings calm confidence, depth of experience, and a touch of creativity to every trip.

Keenan Gibson

ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide

Keenan (they/he) is a queer, non-binary climber, artist, and enthusiast of rocks in all shapes and sizes. They’re passionate about creating inclusive pathways into outdoor recreation—spaces that feel intentional, safe, and a clear departure from the status quo.

  • Keenan sees their work as a chance to share movement and engage in collaborative problem-solving within community. A professional route setter, they love putting plastic on walls, but it’s big traditional climbing objectives that truly set their soul ablaze.

    Some may recognize Keenan from their involvement with the @projectpridebouldering festival, held on the unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh people (Squamish).

Vikki Weldon

ACMG Rock Guide

Vikki (she/her) grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and began climbing at age nine at the Calgary Climbing Centre, quickly developing a love for both gym and outdoor climbing. Her first days at Grassi Lakes in Canmore sealed the deal, and she has been chasing rock ever since.

  • She went on to compete internationally through her youth and early adult years, building a strong technical foundation that now shapes her guiding. Vikki especially enjoys teaching movement, tactics, and the subtle refinements that help climbers level up efficiently and confidently. Known for her composure on steep terrain (and a solid rodeo clip), she brings precision and positivity to every day on the wall.

    In addition to guiding, Vikki works as an Emergency-trained Registered Nurse and is a professional rock climber supported by Arc’teryx and La Sportiva. She also instructs and mentors climbers across a wide range of abilities, sharing the same enthusiasm that first hooked her at age nine.

Terry Lui

ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide

Originally from Edmonton, Terry (he/him) started climbing indoors in 2006 and has been chasing new experiences, challenges, and laughter ever since. One of his most memorable moments came on a climb called Burning Down the Couch, where a foot slip on a long runout led to a fall so big it changed the pitch of his voice midair.

  • Terry is a guide who thrives on helping others gain the confidence and knowledge to pursue their own adventures. He lives for those lightbulb moments—when everything clicks—and feels grateful to support people as they push through challenges they once thought impossible. A natural teacher and lifelong learner, he especially enjoys instructing technical skills and fostering independence.

    When not guiding, Terry is probably cooking noodle soup (ramen, pho, udon—you name it), hiking and camping. His perfect climbing day includes friends, amazing views, good food, and learning something new.

Phil Binemma

ACMG Rock Guide

Originally from Greater Vancouver, Phil (he/him) has called Squamish home for over 13 years. He started climbing in 2010 through the Thompson Rivers University adventure program, a spark that’s grown into a passion for wild experiences, technical movement, and meaningful connection.

  • One of his most unforgettable days in the mountains involved being caught in a blizzard on Snowpatch Spire—navigating 14 rappels in 80 km/h winds. He’s never been so cold in his life, and never forgotten the lesson. That balance of intensity, focus, and humility is what draws him to the mountains—and what he brings to his work as a guide.

    Phil is especially passionate about helping others progress mentally, work through fear, and find joy in challenge. He teaches avalanche courses in the winter, and somehow still finds time to make music and shoot hoops (yes, he can still dunk).

Romaine Thomyre

ACMG Apprentice Rock

Originally from France, Romain (pronounced Roman) (he/him) found climbing in the unlikely coastal region of Brittany—better known for sailing than granite. Since then, climbing has taken him around the world, from humbling moments halfway up El Cap to unforgettable summits in the Bugaboos.

  • Now based in BC, Romain is an ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide and a natural teacher who thrives on helping others feel confident and empowered in the vertical world. Whether he’s leading a multipitch day in Squamish or nerding out on efficient rope systems, he brings calm energy, thoughtful instruction, and fluent guidance in four languages.

    Outside of guiding, Romain is a mechanical engineer working on the Surrey–Langley SkyTrain extension, a fan of comté cheese, and a connoisseur of bonfires and board games. His perfect day? A Chief summit hug and a cold drink at the A-Frame.

Sara-Jo Howatt

ACMG Ski & Rock Guide

Sara (she/her) started climbing a decade ago and still remembers the magic of her first trip to Smith Rock with close friends. Originally from Revelstoke and now based in Canmore, she splits her seasons between climbing and ski guiding, chasing movement, connection, and challenge year-round.

  • As a guide, Sara loves meeting new people and helping them achieve their goals—whether on a multipitch route or while teaching rope rescue. She brings a calm, grounded energy to her days in the mountains, with a soft spot for good weather, good friends, and trying hard.

    When she’s not climbing or guiding, you might find her skiing, running, or learning the art of pottery. Her 17-year-old cat Maui keeps things cozy at home, while pancakes remain the front-runner for favourite food.

Laura Pollock

ACMG Top Rope Climbing Instructor

Originally from Calgary, Laura (she/her) found climbing in the summer of 2022 and hasn’t looked back since. Within her first year, she was summiting Mt. Habrich and the Chief with friends who inspired and pushed her, setting the tone for a fast, passionate dive into the climbing world.

  • Based in Squamish, Laura splits her time between the gym and the crag, guiding and instructing with contagious enthusiasm. She loves helping climbers break into leading sport routes and finds real joy in supporting others as they grow in skill and confidence. Her perfect climbing day? Sunshine, good snacks, great friends—and a lake to jump into after.

    When she’s not climbing, you’ll find Laura skiing, running, or sewing upcycled clothing. She has recently begun the journey toward working in the ski industry and is excited for what’s to come in the guiding world.

“The camaraderie of the rope.”

-Chris Bonington