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MAS Guides & Instructors
MAS prides itself on
working with some of the best guides and instructors
in the business. MAS staff are hired for their technical and personal
skills and have proven themselves as professional educators, mentors
and leaders. The MAS staff takes pride in leading
safe, educational and fun programs.
MAS understands that
your time and money are valuable and therefore strive to provide the
best customer service and top-quality experiences whether the program
is held 10 minutes or 10 miles from your car. MAS routinely receives
strong accolades for instructor and course quality. We think you will
notice the difference.
"Another great
day courtesy of MAS. Tony is an excellent guide and we had a great
day of climbing. I don't know how you and Aaron find them but you must
have excellent hiring practices because everyone associated with MAS
is first class! I look forward to my next adventure with MAS and thank
you again for a great day."
(Ken Smith, June 2005)
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Aaron
Johnson is
one of the owners and lead guides at MAS. Aaron has been an active
leader in the outdoors for over 20 years and has spent most
of his adult life recreating and leading folks in
the mountains. Aaron is an enthusiastic rock climber, telemark
skier and business developer at MAS.
Certifications: Wilderness
First Responder (WFR), PSIA Level III Telemark Instructor,
Level I Alpine Instructor, AIARE Level I Instructor; AMGA
Rock Instructor Course.
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Kimi Johnson is
also an owner and guide at MAS. Not only is Kimi in charge of
the books at MAS, but you will often see her teaching
telemark, mountaineering, and rock climbing programs. Kimi
summitted Denali via the West Rib route in 2003.
Certifications: Wilderness
First Responder (WFR) and a PSIA Level III Telemark Instructor,
AIARE Level I Avalanche Instructor
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Paul Henrickson has
been working with MAS since 1997. Paul commands a wealth of knowledge
from the nordic ski world and is also an experienced avalanche
educator, mountaineer and rock climbing instructor. Paul has
received countless accolades for his depth of knowledge, clear
communication and great sense of humor.
Certifications: Wilderness
First Responder (WFR), PSIA Level III Telemark Instructor, and
Level III Cross Country Instructor.
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Michael McCarthy originated
in the Pacific Northwest and started guiding with Mountain Madness. Michael
moved to Bay Area in 2003 and started working with MAS shortly
thereafter. Michael is a well rounded mountaineer with vast
amounts of teaching and guiding on glaciers, ice, snow and rock.
Certifications: Wilderness
First Responder (WFR), AIARE Level III Avalanche
graduate, AMGA Ski Guide Course graduate, AMGA Rock
Instructor Course graduate, AIARE Level I Avalanche
instructor
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Tony Brown lives in Gardnerville Nevada where he has quick access to Calaveras Dome, Bear Valley and our HIghway 50 climbing areas (Lovers Leap, Phantom Spires and Sugarloaf). Tony is a active climber that enjoys
sharing his skill and knowledge to enthusiastic climbers.
Certifications: Wilderness
First Responder (WFR), AIARE Level II; AMGA Certified Rock Guide
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Steve Heerema is based out of Bear Valley during the winter when he does most of his work with MAS. Steve is an avid freeheel skier who is accomplished on the slopes, tracks and backcountry. Steve teaches all aspects of winter backcountry recreation and enjoys sharing this skills.
Certifications: Wilderness
First Responder (WFR), PSIA Level II Telemark Instructor, and
Level II Cross Country Instructor, AAA Avalanche Level I, Lake Alpine Nordic Backcontry Patrol. |
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Mark Lilly also lives in Gardnerville Nevada. Mark is most busy with MAS during his summer break as a High School English teach. Mark has a refreshing way of expressing his knowledge and enthusiasm for rock climbing and takes his time on the rock with clients seriously and always seems to keep everybody smiling and engaged during the course.
Certifications: Wilderness
First Responder (WFR)
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Daryl Teittinen lives in Murphys and is an experienced rock climber by summer and senior ski patroller at Bear Valley during the winter. Daryl is equally comfortable on the boulders, big walls, crack climbs and snow slopes while applying his skills and outdoor leadership skills.
Certifications: EMT + Outdoor Emergency Care, AAA Avalanche Pro, AAA Level II
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MAS guides work hard to provide top quality outdoor programs and experiences.
Tipping your guide or instructor is a customary
way to acknowledge that you have had a great experience.