Its all about the experience at Apex Alpine Adventures in Sicamous, BC. We are surrounded by pristine lakes, record snowfalls, good people, and some of the best back country riding and access in the world. We take pride in providing you with your outdoor fix in a safe manner. Whether you are learning to ride a snowmobile or snow bike for the first time, touring the back country in a UTV, honing your riding skills, taking an Avalanche safety course or Certified off-road vehicle course – Apex Alpine Adventures has you covered.
Apex Alpine Adventures now also covers Edmonton and Grand Prairie in Alberta. Contact us for courses and bookings in this area.
Apex Alpine Adventures
Wes Gano
Wes Gano, our lead trainer and guide has over 35 years in the avalanche industry and he has been on the mountain since a young age. He originally came up through the ski patrol ranks and has been working in the snowmobile and search and rescue industry for more than 20 years. Some of his qualifications and involvements include but are not limited to:
- Avalanche Canada certified instructor
- B.C. Snowmobile Federation Instructor and Board of Directors
- Canadian Safety Council ATV/UTV instructor
- SAR – Shuswap Search and Rescue -Avalanche Tech, Snowmobile team leader, EMR
- Canadian Avalanche Association member
- Emergency Medical Licence Branch Certified Emergency Medical Responder
- Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club Safety Coordinator and Board of Directors
- Hunters Range Snowmobile Association Board of directors
Jarid Fink
Jarid Fink is a trainer, riding coach and guide that has over 30 years of experience riding snowmobiles and more than 15 years in the mountains. He is trained in Avalanche Canada Companion Rescue and Avalanche skills Training Level 1 and 2 as well as Canadian Avalanche Association Operations Level 1. With a combination of other industry training and first aid he is passionate about safety, mentoring and promoting the sport. Jarid sits on the Board of Directors for the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club as well as volunteers with Shuswap Search and Rescue.
Steve Portman
With over 25 years of hands-on experience as an avalanche technician and as a respected professional member of the Canadian Avalanche Association, Steve Portman is a seasoned expert in avalanche safety. His extensive background and commitment to safeguarding lives in avalanche territory make him an exceptional educator for individuals working or recreating in these high-risk environments.
Steve’s career began in the late 1980s when he joined the Ministry of Transportation in British Columbia. Over the years, he has worked on avalanche control and risk mitigation programs, culminating in his career as Supervisor in the Central Avalanche Program.
What distinguishes Steve as an educator is his pragmatic approach. He excels in bridging the gap between theory and real-world application. Steve’s active participation in Search and Rescue teams for avalanche-related incidents enriches his teaching, enabling him to impart vital skills for preventing and, when needed, responding to emergencies in rugged mountain terrain.
Beyond the classroom, Steve is dedicated to mentoring and volunteering. He has contributed to the development of forecasting programs and avalanche rescue training, further enhancing his value as an educator.
Jarid and Wes are not your average mountain guides, they are mountain safety ambassadors and riding coaches! They catered our trip to our groups skill level, educated us throughout the day of the avalanche risk at every location and coached all of us to further develop our riding skills. Their terrain knowledge had us exploring areas we didn’t know existed which kept us playing in waist deep powder all day! We can’t imagine going to Sicamous and not riding with you guys!
– Brian
Huge shout out to Apex Alpine Adventures for putting on an awesome AST2 course last year, I didn’t know there was so much stuff about the back country that I wasn’t aware of. Wicked group of people to work with, well trained in what they do and would highly recommend them for all your avalanche training and awareness needs.
– Jake
For anyone curious if it’s worth the money and time to complete your AST1 or 2. Stop right there! Very great program Wes has got going. Take advantage of it, and the next step to your back country riding! I could say after taking his course make me think much more and has kept me out of many bad situations! Well worth your time and coin. Stay safe out there, cheers!
– Keanen
I was able to experience mountain sledding for the first time with Apex Alpine Adventures for two days. Apex arranged the sled rental and outfitted me with a shovel, beacon, and probe. I was given a thorough review of how to use the avalanche beacon and the basic operation of the sled. Each morning I got an overview of the snow conditions and the general plan for the day. Throughout the two days I was taught several skills including throttle control, weight transfer, and how to minimize effort if I found myself stuck in the snow. If you are looking for guides in the Sicamous area that have intimate knowledge of the trails and terrain, are highly trained in avalanche safety, and have the ability to make a beginner feel like a pro, then best book with Apex Alpine Adventures.
– Justin
