About Us
Photo: Nat Segal
Open Mountains Project is a non-profit society in Revelstoke, BC dedicated to fostering inclusive mountain culture. We offer backcountry programs including ski touring, split-boarding, climbing and mountaineering. Our vision is that Revelstoke is a place where everyone can feel and be safe to enjoy all the mountains have to offer in all seasons.
Board of Directors
We are a group of mountain lovers who are passionate about the connections that mountain environments enable. Open Mountains Project Society was founded in the summer of 2016 out of our desires to see a resilient, inclusive mountain-based community grow in Revelstoke. This project was born on a skin track in Rogers Pass, and is still evolving through conversations on skis, bikes, in canoes, on the rock, or on trail runs, and also the occasional sit down meeting.
Board of Directors
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Rachel Reimer
she/they
Founder and Director at Large.
Rachel founded Open Mountains Project in 2016 and has been involved in the society as a guide, instructor and director of the board since.
She thrives most while skiing and climbing in the backcountry. Work with refugee and inner city youth and women affected by violence from conflict formed her early work life.
Rachel is a yoga teacher, offers mindfulness meditation, and believes in the resilience and inherent goodness and strength that resides in every person.
Adventure in the mountain environment as a tool for personal growth and connection is a key aspect of who she is, and she initiated the Open Mountains Project as a way of sharing this with a community she loves.
Rachel holds a M.A. in Leadership Studies and is currently pursuing her PhD. Read more about The Rise Study here.
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Kristy Cameron
she/her
Director at Large
Kristy is an all-round mountain person, mother, and member of our medical emergency response community in Revelstoke.
Her emergency medical expertise helps guide our risk management in backcountry adventures.
She is also an excellent source of wisdom on how to raise youth in our town and connected to the parents of Revelstoke and provides important insight for our youth programming.
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Jeff Mitchell
he/him
Director at Large
Jeff is an IFMGA Mountain Guide and has been skiing, climbing, and biking in Revelstoke since 2005. Originally from the East Coast of Canada, he followed his dreams to the mountains and worked hard to build an all-mountain skillset.
Jeff understands the value of a supportive mountain community to achieve the highest goals. Previously working as Operations Director Jeff has led the program in both winter and summer since its inception.
Jeff is now overseeing the Risk & Safety of the program in collaboration with the Operations Manager.
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Jules Howatt
she/her
Director at Large
Jules Howatt is an IFMGA Mountain Guide who has been guiding for over 40 years in Canada and beyond.
She bring extensive knowledge and experience from her time guiding, examiner for the ACMG and in leadership positions during her 37 years guiding for Canadian Mountain Holidays, including as Mountain Safety Manager.
Jules will be joining Jeff in overseeing our risk and safety management, as well providing mentorship for our staff, guides and participants.
Staff
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Nat Segal
she/her
Operations Manager
Nat Segal is an ACMG hiking guide, professional skier, ski coach and producer.
Nat has over 15 years working organizing events and outdoor programming and has worked with OMP since 2021.
Nat brings her passion for the mountains along with a background in marketing, fundraising and event and production management to our program.