Well organized and informative AST-1 course. Chris provided an inclusive and open learning enviroment.

The feild day was pretty cold, Chris kept the group engaged and focused despite the weather.
I would highly recommend taking an AST course with Chris.

Chris led us through some stunning hikes around the Invermere area. I really appreciated all of the guidance and tips on how to navigate more challenging terrain, including steep slopes and icy paths. Chris is extremely knowledgeable about the area and its geology, flora and fauna, so we learned a lot on each hike. He is a fabulous guide and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Playwest!

Chris guided us on our Sunsets & Fondue experience on Mt. Sansea. It exceeded our expectations!!!!! We met Chris at the lower parking lot & he drove us up to the upper lot in his Yukon--somewhat bumpy at times but still comfortable. He expertly shared hiking strategies & encouragement for steep sections going up & coming down with headlamps in the dark--2 78 year olds & a 64 year old with vision limitations. The sunset & the fondue was spectacular. We toasted 56 years of marriage!! Thanks, Chris for your expertise & hospitality. Excellent fondue!!

My husband and I had an epic day hiking Pedley Pass with Chris! I was a bit nervous leading up to the trailhead, and appreciated being checked in on. We felt super safe on the trail and definitely jived with Chris’ sense of humour. He really gave us confidence on the trail and made it a memorable day! We’ll for sure be booking a guided hike with Chris again in the future.

In August we completed a 4 day backpacking trip with Chris, North of Invermere in the Purcell Mountains. It was an incredible experience. Having Chris as our guide allowed us to completely focus on the beauty around us and enjoy the experience. The food was great! Locally sourced, fresh, healthy and filling! (The charcuterie he packed was to die for!) He changed my mind about only using dehydrated meals while backpacking. We rented a tent, sleeping pad and bag from Chris. All of the gear he provided was high quality and in great shape. He was attentive to each group member’s needs throughout the hike and an awesome ambassador of the outdoors, educating us on different flora, fauna and the mountains while we hiked. Overall it was an unforgettable experience thanks to Chris and Playwest.

Would highly recommend Playwest and Chris as the hiking guide. He is very passionate about our incredible wilderness and shares this and his great humour freely. This was our first 5-day back country experience and certainly will not be our last. Chris is all of this and a great mountain chef too! An experience we will never forget. Everyone should (Re)Connect with Playwest Mountain Experience!

Late this summer, a group of friends and I completed the West Coast Trail with Playwest Mountain Experience. Chris and his associate guide Taylor were instrumental in making a spectacular adventure even better. The WCT has an amazing variety of terrain and scenery, and with Playwest, we also learned more about the land, stayed safe on this very demanding trail, and had delicious meals and snacks for us throughout the seven day trek as well. If you want to experience the WCT, I can’t think of a better way to do so than with Playwest Mountain Experience!