Meet Dante, the newest member of OnwardUP.
We are super excited to welcome Dante to our team as Sales & Outreach Representative. He is based out of our Canmore, AB office. Read on to learn a little about him.
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Any fun nicknames?
Dentyne Ice, Donny, Donatello
Where do you reside?
“Canmore”
What is your job title at OnwardUP?
“Sales & Outreach Representative”
How would you describe your role at OnwardUP?
“I get to learn about the coolest new gear with the coolest group of people and share it with the coolest community.”
How long have you been a team member?
“Since February (of 2026).”
Share with us how you got into the outdoor industry?
“Selling outdoor adventure gear at my local outdoor store and instructing at my local climbing gym, both in Ottawa!“
Do you have a mentor?
“Many, and the list keeps growing. It started with my great friend and climbing partner, Ottawa-local, one-eyed crazy alpinist, James Laframboise, who originally got me into climbing with little choice.”
What’s your ideal work-life balance?
“Long, challenging work days involving creative solutions, followed by long, challenging mountain days involving creative solutions.”
What can always make you feel better after a bad day?
“The biggest bowl of ramen I can find.”
What makes you laugh the most?
“Probably running silly bits and pranks on my friends.”
How do you like to spend your free time?
“Big long mountain objectives on rock, snow or ice!“
What are you most proud of yourself for?
“Bringing a positive attitude and approach to life.”
What is your biggest irrational fear?
“Snakes, but this is completely rational.”
What do you feel most passionate about?
“Chasing what you love when you know what that is.”
Do you live by any words of wisdom?
“Do things that scare you and make a fool of yourself. That’s how you learn and grow!”
Book / podcast / recommendations?
“Ologies with Alie Ward has been my favourite podcast recently.”
One thing you have learnt in the mountains that you wish everyone knew?
“The mountains aren’t concerned with how you’re feeling. They’re always changing, and you’ve gotta adapt!”
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
“Night Owl.”
What type of music are you into?
“Depends on the week you catch me! Generally, a healthy mix of rock.”
What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?
“If I’m not in the mountains, I’m drinking coffee, playing the guitar, reading and spending time with friends.”
Upcoming adventure plans, you’d like to share?
“Nothing’s ever set in stone, but a bike/climb trip with my girlfriend Emma, and an alpine rock trip with my friend Ashton. Stay tuned!”
Do you have a favourite quote?
“Currently it’s: “[Mentors] come in all shapes and sizes and ages. I’m the sum of everyone I’ve ever ridden and travelled with, as I always observe, listen, and ask questions.” – Jeremy Jones”
What is the best concert you have ever been to?
“Childish Gambino!”
What’s the one item of clothing you couldn’t live without?
“Hat. Bad hair day? Too lazy to look pretty? Need to complete an outfit? Hat.”
A value you feel you align with, with OnwardUP’s values
“Advocacy! It’s so important that the outdoors and the community surrounding it are accessible and welcoming to everyone.“
What keeps you going?
“The unique mountain moments of quiet bliss, a feeling of smallness and connection with nature, and it immediately being disrupted by your best friend’s terrible joke.”
Favourite place within walking distance of your house?
“The coffee shop!”
Activity of choice?
“Climbing Rocks!”
How did you get into [said activity]?
“Aforementioned buddy James”
A Highlight from last year?
“Climbing in the Bugaboos with my good friend Ashton and staying in the Tyvek homewrap bivies he made us.“
What’s one piece of gear that is always in your backpack and why?
“My butt really appreciates the Nemo Chipper.”
How cold is too cold?
“Cold is manageable, heat is the problem.”
If you weren’t working for OnwadUP, what would you be doing?
“I’d love to start a gear store and climbing school!”
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