Chris Kaipio: Producer and Co-host
Chris Kaipio has been working in the adventure guiding industry as a guide, instructor, trainer, manager, consultant and change maker for the past thirty-four years.
What drives Chris is his passion for helping people to deliver exceptional adventure experiences to themselves and others.
Chris has delivered adventure to thousands of guests while guiding hiking, biking, teaching canoeing and skiing. He has also trained over one thousand guides and instructors in leadership, risk management, relationship building, customer service and experience delivery.
Chris is currently developing the Managing Risk on Snow Instructor Certification for the Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC). Once complete, this will be a comprehensive online risk management training course for Snowsports Instructors and Guides.
Chris has also developed the Managing Risk on Snow Risk Management Training Program for the Whistler Blackcomb Snow School. He has adapted part of this training resource into Managing Risk on Bikes. This program has been used to train staff working in Whistler’s Bike Park as well as other Bike Parks in the US.
Chris currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Mountain Guides and the Recreational Canoeing Association of BC. He founded and co-chaired the ACMG Stewardship and Access Committees.
In 2020, Chris wrote the Stewardship and Interpretation Chapters for the ACMG Core Skills manual.
In 2016, Chris developed and launched the Day Guide Certification Program on behalf of the Recreational Canoeing Association of BC. He also worked with the development committee on the Expedition Guide program as well as re-writing RCABC’s waiver.
In the winter, Chris teaches skiing for Whistler Blackcomb and works as a course conductor for the PSIC.
In the summer, Chris trains Canoe Guides in Whistler, where he has trained over 900 staff since 2002. He guides a number of different activities for Whistler Eco-Tours where he serves as the Technical Director.
He instructs outdoor skills and backpacking for Canada West Mountain School. He also works as an instructor for Capilano University’s Outdoor Recreation Management Program teaching Outdoor Leadership.
In addition to working in the adventure guiding industry, Chris has written the book Power to Influence: How to get the best out of yourself and others, which is available on Amazon.
Chris is a Level 3 PSIC and Level 3 CSIA Ski Instructor, PSIC LPT Trainer, PSIE LPT Trainer, CASI level 1 Snowboard Instructor, ACMG Hiking Guide, OCC Overnight Field Leader Trainer, RCABC Day Guide Trainer, RCABC Lakewater Level 2 Instructor and a Leave No Trace Canada Master Educator.
Jordy Shepherd: Co-Host
Jordy is an internationally certified Mountain Guide, guide trainer, an avalanche educator, rescue specialist, and a former park warden.
Jordy currently serves as the Vice President of the Association of Mountain guides. He has been on the ACMG Board of Directors for more than a decade as the Rockies Director. Jordy founded the ACMG Mentorship and Public Engagement and Services Committee, and serves as the Chair on both committees. He is also a member of the Scholarship Committee.
His work experience includes Canadian Avalanche Association Course Leader for Avalanche Search and Rescue Advanced Skills, Provincial Park Ranger, National Park Warden, Wildlife Conflict Specialist, Wildland and Structural Firefighter, Mountain and Industrial Rescue Specialist, Heli-skiing Operations Manager and Lead Guide, and Licensed Real Estate Agent.
In addition to all of his work in the adventure guiding industry, Jordy runs a successful real estate company in Canmore Alberta where he currently lives with is family.
