SHAPED BY THE MOUNTAINS

Zach at home in the mountains of Idaho. Courtesy of SV Guides.

Q: Why do you guide? 
ZC: I love to explore and that pursuit is always more fun when you get to share it with others. The most impactful part of my life as a guide would have to be owning and operating Sun Valley Guides. It’s a lot of work to run a small business that inherently carries a decent amount of risk both in and out of the mountains, but it’s also extremely rewarding to see how our clients show up for an adventure and go home with memories they’ll never forget. Our sphere of influence is small, but not insignificant, and I’m very proud of the impressions we leave with our guests. It’s good medicine for anyone.

Q: Are there mentors or guides who shaped / inspired you?
ZC: I’ve had many great mentors, though none more inspirational than Pete Patterson. Pete is among the best American downhill ski racers of all time, but when forced to retire from the sport after several serious injuries, he soon became a mountain guide. Some 40 years later, there are few, if any, guides who have as much experience guiding around the world in some of the most remote places on earth. Beyond the experience, Pete is always having fun, spreading joy with everyone who is lucky enough to spend time traveling, hiking, boating, cycling, skiing and climbing with him.

Q: What do you hope that your clients take with them after an experience with SV Guides? 
ZC: I hope that our clients leave with a greater appreciation for the natural world. We have an incredible public lands resource in Idaho, and we need to protect it. If you don’t know much about it, you won't care about preserving and protecting it.

Backcountry skiing with Sun Valley Guides. Courtesy of SV Guides.

Q: How did your time as a competitive skier play a role in your eventual path in life? 
ZC: Ski racing is a tough sport! The preparation that goes into it is an endless pursuit, and when you finally get to the competition season, there’s only one winner and the rest are left thinking about what they could have done better. It’s humbling to say the least. After a solid two decades of professional ski racing, I left the competition path knowing there were few things I couldn’t do if I put my best effort into it. Maybe it shouldn’t have taken me that long to realize it, but, thanks to ski racing, I know I’m a very capable human.

New to Backcountry Skiing? Backcountry Basics

If you are ready to move beyond resort skiing and you are backcountry curious, Sun Valley Guides offers backcountry day tours on a private or public basis. The first Saturday of January, February, and March, head out with AMGA-certified guides who know where to find the powder in a safe, approachable way. More information at svguides.com.

Looking For A Group of Experienced Skiers? Saturday Socials

Celebrating in the backcountry. Courtesy of SV Guides.

Connect with people who share your passion for adventure. Experience the camaraderie and learn how to work as a team in the backcountry exploring the untouched beauty of our local mountains. The third Saturday of January, February, and March pack your skins and your skis and get ready for some fun in the powder. More information at svguides.com.