Expertise & Background

• Topics of Expertise: Skiing, backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, avalanche instruction
• Education: Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management, SUNY Brockport
• Years of Writing: 5
• Years of Gear Testing: 3
• Certifications: Wilderness First Responder and AAI Professional Avalanche Level 1

Why I Chose This Career

As a backcountry guide for nearly a decade, I spend the majority of my working hours backpacking or ski touring, depending on the season. Testing gear in the field is part of my job, including skis, tents, footwear, and apparel layering systems. Progressing to reviewing and writing about gear on a professional level was a natural fit. 

How I Began My Career

I started working as a backpacking guide nearly 10 years ago, then became an avalanche instructor and ski guide to keep the outdoor work going year-round. I split my time between my home base in Montana, where I ski, backpack, and mountain bike, and guiding across the US and abroad. I have backpacked, bikepacked, skied, and hiked all over the world, and I spend summer and shoulder seasons working in the Utah and Yellowstone backcountry, then winters abroad for ski guiding. I started testing for Switchback Travel as a way to share my field knowledge in a more comprehensive format.