Why You Should Upgrade Your Avalanche Skills: Q&A With Marty Schaffer
December 23, 2017
|In Gear & Advice
403-953-0060
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Rebecca “Bexx” is an extroverted introvert who thrives in both the serenity of the great outdoors and the quiet moments spent with a crisp glass of wine and her art. Born in Calgary, Alberta, and raised on an apple farm in Southern Ontario, her journey has taken her across Canada and beyond.
She holds a degree in Geography from Guelph University and furthered her creative passions with a diploma in Applied Photography from Sheridan College. After her studies, Rebecca returned to her western roots, settling in the rugged Coast Range mountains of British Columbia for six and a half years, while traveling the world and deepening her connection to nature.
In 2012, a job with The Alpine Club of Canada brought her back to Alberta, where she now calls Canmore home. Rebecca has become a vibrant part of the local community, whether she’s teaching art classes or coaching rock climbing. Known for her versatility and involvement, she’s affectionately considered the “glue” of the community.
Professionally, Rebecca balances her role at OnwardUP with her work as an emcee for the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival, a Top Rope Climbing Instructor (TRCI), and a Climbing Gym Instructor (CGI). She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG).
Living in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Rebecca’s love for adventure shines as she spends her time rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, mountain biking, and enjoying every moment surrounded by the majestic mountains she currently calls home.
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Born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Ashley attended Wilfrid Laurier University for Kinesiology and Physical Education. After five years of living and travelling abroad, she landed in the Bow Valley in 2005.
Ashley has worked with many local small businesses and not for profits – Cross Country Canada, Farm Box (fun fact: Ashley and Bianca crossed paths here), the Paintbox Lodge and Talus Backcountry Lodge. In 2023, she joined OnwardUP as financial administrator. Ashley loves to travel and spend time in the mountains trail running, hiking, biking, skiing and practicing yoga. She currently lives in Canmore, AB with her teenage daughter, Sofia.
825-431-1963
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Alberta born and raised Dylan grew up on a horse farm near Bragg Creek. Now residing in Cochrane, with his wife Mimi and their dog, Mylo.
Dylan’s passion for the outdoors began early, growing up skiing, camping and working on the farm with his family. Dylan started his career in the outdoor industry while in university, working at an Atmosphere store in Calgary, where he was first introduced to OnwardUP through product knowledge sessions. After completing his business degree at the University of Calgary, he advanced his career at FGL Sports as an Analyst. He then transitioned to MEC, where he served as an Analyst and Assistant Merchant in footwear. Dylan continued working with OnwardUP account managers during his time on buying teams in corporate retail and in the Summer of 2024 joined the OnwardUP team as a Sales Analyst.
Dylan is an avid fly fisherman, skier, and hiker, and he recently took up CrossFit. His love for nature and all things outdoors is evident in both his professional and personal life.
Growing up in Eastern Ontario, Dylan fell in love with the outdoors through canoe guiding and working as an outdoor educator all over the province while completing a degree in history from Trent University. After making the move to BC in 2018, he quickly found his passions in climbing in the summer and ski touring in the winter. Dylan was introduced to OnwardUP through product knowledge sessions while working at an outfitter in Squamish and jumped on an opportunity to join the team in the spring of 2024. Being outside with good people is what makes him happiest. Dylan is lucky enough to call Squamish, BC, home.
403-609-1720
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Born and raised in Germany, Marion came to Canada on a one-year visa, which turned into a lifetime with her now-husband Rob. Marion holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, with a specialty in Marketing and Event Management. After many years of organizing corporate and sporting events of all sizes, she transitioned into Strategic Marketing. She has been a part of OnwardUP since its inception in 2009. Marion is a proud mom of two amazing boys and happiest on her mountain bike, on a climbing date with her husband, travelling the world or somewhere remote with her family.
403-707-5656
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Born and raised a Montreal city-slicker, ten years ago Bianca hopped on a Greyhound headed West and didn’t look back. Climbing’s her jam, especially when it involves her passport. She’s a total foodie and loves spending time in her pottery studio. Her professional roles have varied over the years, having managed a number of small businesses as well as gotten her hands dirty with jobs like tree planting and organic farming. She began working with OnwardUP in 2017 and supports both offices (Canmore and Squamish). To the OnwardUP team, she is affectionately known as ‘Queen B’. Bianca lives in Nelson, BC, with her partner, Adam.
778-970-0381
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Originally from Lithuania, Andrius moved to Canada in 2016, drawn by the allure of climbing in its majestic peaks. Skiing and climbing quickly became the cornerstones of his Canadian journey, leading him to a role as a hard-goods buyer for a specialty outdoor gear and clothing company in Squamish and Whistler. Andrius’ career path harmoniously echoed his love for the outdoors, naturally guiding him to become a devoted team member at Squamish Search and Rescue and a part-time ski patroller at Whistler Blackcomb.
Andrius has nurtured a lasting connection with OnwardUP over the years, starting with his introduction during a product knowledge session at MEC. Progressing in his role as a buyer, he closely collaborated with OU sales representatives. In December 2023, Andrius officially became part of the OU team as a Dealer Service Representative.
Beyond the slopes, Andrius finds joy in trail running, biking, camping, weightlifting and capturing moments through his lens. Currently living in Squamish with his wife, Raminta, they embark on adventures exploring the stunning landscapes of British Columbia together.
778-266-1544
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Ross started out in the outdoor industry by working in outdoor retail while pursuing a passion for being outdoors. This path led to a move to Canmore, AB where Ross was a manager and buyer for one of the leading stores in the area. He joined OnwardUp in 2009. Spending time in the mountains brings Ross immense joy. He enjoys ski mountaineering, climbing, running, mountain-biking and hiking in the Coast Range near Squamish, BC where he lives with his partner Erin and their dog, Osa.
778-874-0955
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Born in small-town Quebec, Pat was lucky when his parents decided to move out west and pursue a life in BC. From a very young age, he climbed and skied, taking his passion from competitions and climbing world cups to longer routes, bigger mountains and bigger lines. He funded his college and mountain lifestyle working in a number of reputable outdoor shops. Pat combined his passion for the outdoors with a profession in the industrial rescue industry as well as working as a photographer after obtaining a BFA from Emily Carr University. If it involves coffee, bikes, skis or rock he’ll be there. Pat currently lives in Squamish BC, with his partner Alycia.
403-609-7602
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Jason began climbing and skiing at a young age and was drawn to the mountain town of Canmore, where he moved after high school. While pursuing his passion for the outdoors, Jason worked at two of the premier shops in the Canmore area for several years where he became familiar with the outdoor industry and sales. Over several years Jason successfully navigated the path to becoming an IFMGA Mountain Guide and worked full time as a guide for many years before taking a position at OnwardUp to find balance and a new challenge. Jason lives in Canmore, AB with his wife Amy, daughter Lily and dog Nahla.
403-688-3350
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In his teens, John became immersed in climbing; working at a local climbing gym, a local outdoor store, and adventure education/ climbing instruction operations in Southern Ontario. After attending McMaster University, he moved to the mountains of Alberta in 2003 and managed a mountain equipment outdoor store in Banff. John understands and values specialty retail and has been a sales rep for top outdoor and ski brands since 2007. He has climbed and skied extensively in the Canadian Rockies and abroad, and also has discovered newer passions for fly fishing, ice hockey, and mountain biking. John lives in Banff with his wife Laura, sons Logan and Nolan and puppy Orion.
604-202-0045
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Growing up in BC, the outdoors has always been Kim’s playground. She started skiing at a young age and has continued to feed her love for the mountains into adulthood. After moving to Squamish in 2014, she combined her passion for the outdoors and her career, bringing together all the things she loves into one place: operational organization, technical gear, and working with people who share her passion for the outdoors. You can find Kim climbing, hiking, practicing yoga, or snowboarding when not in the office. She currently lives in Squamish, BC, with her partner Phil and their young son Theo.
403-609-0960
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Rob began his career as a sales representative in 2001 when he started as a field rep for Petzl. At the time he was also a professional climber (alpine and ice) and a pioneer of ice, mixed and alpine climbs in Western Canada and Alaska.
Rob began the path toward becoming an IFMGA Mountain Guide, which he completed in 2010, and has extensive experience in facilitating personal growth through outdoor experience. While pursuing his path as a guide and athlete Rob organically took steps to evolve and grow his role as a sales rep into the agency, OnwardUp Sales & Marketing. Rob lives in Canmore, AB with his wife Marion and two young boys, Keenan and Finlay.
