Smile’s Guide Team

Our Approach

This team is built on our mission to “ INSPIRE GROWTH AND EXPLORATION IN THE MOUNTAINS,” and that’s important so you know why Smile is the right choice for you.

You’ll be connected with talented, motivated, and personable guides who genuinely share a passion for helping you reach your goals. We strive to make personal, long-term connections, so that we can truly do the work that matters for you. So we know when to push you, and also when it’s time for some fun.

What you get with each Smile team member is an embodiment of our core values: PASSION, PARTNERSHIP, INCLUSION, and CREATIVITY.

We love what we do! It’s our passion. AND WE USE IT TO ENERGIZE YOUR PASSION and make you the best version of yourself.

Our team spends significant personal time climbing and skiing in venues worldwide, which gives them a unique opportunity to educate, of course, but also to inspire and motivate you on your next adventure.

Meet the Team

A man smiling outdoors dressed in a red jacket and wearing sunglasses on a cap, with a rocky landscape in the background that is black and white.

Jeff Mascaro

A woman smiling with short brown hair wearing an orange Arc'teryx jacket and a black backpack, standing outdoors with a mountain landscape and cloudy sky in the background, partially in black and white.

Meg Nickman

A smiling man with a beard wearing a red Arc'teryx jacket and a cap, standing against a rocky background.

Mike O’Connor

Woman in outdoor mountain setting making peace signs with both hands, wearing a blue cap, sunglasses, and a blue 'Mountain Guides' sweatshirt, smiling broadly.

Heidi Wirtz

A smiling man with glasses and a beard, wearing a black cap and a dark jacket, standing in front of red rock formations.

Brent Smith

A man wearing a bright orange hood, pink sunglasses, and a light blue Arc'teryx jacket is outdoors in a mountainous area with cloudy skies in the background. He has a piece of food in his mouth.

Jesse Selwyn

Jess Worley

Smiling man in a blue Arc'teryx jacket and helmet standing outdoors with mountainous terrain in the background.

Nathan Schumacher

James Kan

A woman taking a photo with a camera in front of a mountain landscape with a waterfall.

Suzanna Lourie

A woman smiling outdoors in front of red rocks, wearing sunglasses, a black sleeveless top, a baseball cap, and gray pants.

Sadie Sullivan

Smiling woman in a gray sleeveless athletic top, wearing a black mountain guide cap, standing in front of red rocky canyon walls.

Jessie Pouchet

OUR APPROACH

THE SMILE EXPERIENCE IS DIFFERENT

ABOUT US

A GLIMPSE OF OUR HISTORY

Guide Certification Training and Support

CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING

All of our guides undergo training through the AMGA and receive annual CPD. A majority of our guides hold AMGA Guide Certifications. This commitment to professionalism through certifications ensures that you work with the best in the industry, regarding security and industry best practices. We know that’s not everything to look for in a guide, but it is a really great start…

SUPPORT

Smile pays 50% of the tuition costs for all AMGA mountain guide programs to our full-time team members. Since 2023, a donor has matched our tuition, meaning our full-time team receives free continuing education for their careers, taking one of the industry's most significant burdens off their minds.

American Mountain Guides Association, AMGA Training/Certification Flow Chart

Flowchart of the American Mountain Guide/IFMGA Guide certification program, detailing different pathways for Alpine, Rock, and Ski Guide tracks, including exam durations and training courses.

Apprentice Alpine Guide = Alpine Guide Course Assistant Alpine Guide = Advanced Course Certified Alpine Guide = Alpine Guide Exam

Apprentice Rock Guide = Rock Guide Course Assistant Rock Guide = Advanced Course Certified Rock Guide = Rock Guide Exam

Apprentice Ski Guide = Ski Guide Course Assistant Ski Guide = Advanced Course Certified Ski Guide = Ski Guide Exam