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Sarah Hart

OnwardUP Campus

Choosing a Headlamp

Gear & Advice

MEC Ambassador Sarah Hart climbs huge remote route in Bugaboos

MEC Ambassador Sarah Hart climbs huge, remote route in Bugaboos

Culture

OnwardUP Campus

The Gear I Love: One Pro Climber’s Summer Essentials

Gear & Advice

Meet Sarah Hart!

Culture

How To Be A Rock Climber

How to be a Rock Climber

How-To

All Campus Articles

@OnwardUP_Campus

The 'OnwardUP Connectors' are a group of local her The 'OnwardUP Connectors' are a group of local heroes that inspire! They support our mission in creating connections that enable elevated outdoor experiences. 🎉We'd like to introduce, to you all, 3 new additions to our amazing Connector Team! 

✨ Ben Harnden, originally from Kelowna, has called Squamish home for nearly 20 years. A passionate climber, he enjoys all forms of climbing, with a particular focus on tackling challenging projects. When he’s not climbing, Ben is an avid skier and hiker, always seeking out new outdoor adventures. With a lifetime of climbing goals and projects ahead of him, he’s driven to continue pushing his limits in the mountains. @ben.harnden

✨ Alex Geary (he/him) is an ACMG/IFMGA-certified Mountain and Ski Guide based in Revelstoke, BC. He loves sharing adventures with people in the mountains all over the world. When not in the mountains, Alex usually spends time with his son and partner or plays drums in the back shed. @gearysguiding

✨ Project Pride made its' debut in September 2022, and was founded by Michelle LeBlanc in an effort to bring structured outdoor bouldering clinics and programs to members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community in Squamish, BC. Although there has been a yearly event held in Squamish since 2022, the concept has grown to introduce an indoor format partnering with two climbing facilities in Calgary, AB. People have come from all over Canada and the United States to attend Project Pride, and the reach is ever growing. In addition to climbing skill development, new relationships and community-building are what have kept the initiative thriving. The hope is to continue this momentum to grow visibility and representation of 2SLGBTQIA + climbers and opportunities for this community to gather & be inspired! @project.pride.bouldering @michelle.p.leblanc @keenan.et.al 

--

We are so honoured to have you all apart of our Connector Team! Interested to learn more about these inspiring folks? Check out their IG pages! Keen to learn more about our Connectors in general? Click the link in our bio! 🥳🤩

#shareinspirelearn #connectors #community #outdoors #onwardup
AGM 2025 It was awesome to have the whole @onward AGM 2025

It was awesome to have the whole @onwardup_campus team back together again, both in-person (and via zoom with Marion and Ashley). 😁 

We laughed so much and had great chats about the future, and connected together! 

Let’s go 2025! 

#agm #team #oucrew #shareinspirelearn #ridethestorm
At OnwardUP we are all about the podcasts! ... and At OnwardUP we are all about the podcasts! ... and it's pretty special when one of our team members get to be on one! 

In this episode of the @koreoutdoors podcast, host Christian Rawles talks with Rob Owens, our founder and president of OnwardUp! Rob shares the origin story of OnwardUP, with some insight into the Outdoor industry and the connection between Alpinism and Business.

Click the link in our bio to listen! 

#shareinspirelearn #onwardupteam
There is nothing we love more than building commun There is nothing we love more than building community, and welcoming new faces to the sports we all love!

We were more than stoked to be back sponsoring the Lillooet Ice Fest this year with a fleet of amazing ice gear from @petzl_official 

The beating heart of the sometimes elusive West Coast Ice is going strong, and the community is thriving! 
Thanks to all the volunteers, guides, reps, attendees and the community of Lillooet that make this event so special. 
See you next year, and keep those pointy bits in the ice! 

📸 @patvalade 

#lillooeticefest #westcoastice #community #iceclimb #climb #squamish #whistler #lillooet #shareinspirelearn
The Ergo Grip Active. An all-time favourite with o The Ergo Grip Active. An all-time favourite with our team. Why do we love them? 

These gloves are versatile — tough, adaptable, and snug enough to feel like they were custom-made just for you. A year-round MVP for outdoor escapades, they fend off chilly winds while keeping your fingers nimble enough to grip ski poles or tie knots. Built with rugged goatskin leather on the palms and a backhand so stretchy and breathable, these gloves might just outlast your sense of adventure...

Here at OnwardUP, we could talk for hours about our favourite @hestragloves. There is a lot of history in someone's favourite gloves... and we are here to share the stories!

📸 @patvalade 
🧤 @patvalade 

#shareinspirelearn #hestragloves #ourfavs
Happy New Year, everyone! It’s been so fun getti Happy New Year, everyone! It’s been so fun getting to know our team a little more over the last few months, and there is one more Team member to go! Here she is; meet Ashley Wright. Our Finance Admin, extraordinaire!

If you want to read the interview, click the link in our bio! ✨

📸
1: Selfie on the SUP!
2: Hiking in Larches – Canadian Rockies
3: Another hike, to another beautiful place! 
4: Hiking in the Alpine! 

#shareinspirelearn #ourteamrocks

“

The art of living is more like wrestling than dancing, in so far as it stands ready against the accidental and the unforeseen, and is not apt to fall.

— Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

“

The best teachers are those who show you where to look, but don't tell you what to see.

— Alexandra K. Trenfor

Who We Are

OnwardUP is a Western Canada-based outdoor-retail sales and marketing agency. We are a team of expert and passionate users and purveyors of the finest outdoor equipment.

Certified B Corporation
Where We Are

OnwardUP East
100, 107 Montane Rd
Canmore AB T1W 3J2

OnwardUP West
104-39279 Queens Way
Squamish BC V8B 0T5

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Rebecca Ferri
Lead Campus Outreach Coordinator & Pro Sales

403-953-0060
[email protected]

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.

.

Ashley Wright

Financial Administrator


[email protected]

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.

Dylan Evans

Sales Analyst

825-431-1963
[email protected]

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.

Dylan Nott

Sales and Outreach Representative

[email protected]

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.

Marion Owens

Head of Marketing

403-609-1720
[email protected]

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.

Bianca Lavoie-Mallette
Head of Operations

403-707-5656
[email protected]

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.

Photo: Pat Valade

Andrius Kirdeikis

Dealer Service Representative 

778-970-0381
[email protected]

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.

Ross Mailloux
Head of Sales: Western/Northern BC, YT

778-266-1544
[email protected]

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.

Pat Valade
Account Manager: Western & Interior BC

778-874-0955
[email protected]

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.

Jason Billing
Account Manager: AB, Eastern BC

403-609-7602
[email protected]

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.

Jason Billing

John Ouellette
Account Manager: AB, SK, MB

403-688-3350
[email protected]

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.

John Ouellette

Kim Austin

Sales & Operations Coordinator

604-202-0045
[email protected]

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.

Rob Owens, President

403-609-0960
[email protected]

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.