Ruby Mountain

From: San Francisco, CA
Years with Ruby: 36
Why Ruby Mountain: I saw this place and was instantly attracted to these mountains. The whole thing, from exploring this range to building the business up has been a dream come true. It kept me out of trouble too early on and it's been a great thing for me and my family to have all these people around throughout the winter- we really enjoy bringing you guys into the backcountry.
Off-season: Traveling with my wife and son, hunting birds, catching fish and surfing when I get the chance. Grew up surfing and always love getting back on a board. And planning for the next season at Ruby Mountain- always have to make sure we're taking care of the guests.

From: Fresno, CA
Years with Ruby: 29
Why Ruby Mountain: I ran into Joe in 1979, rolling through Lamoille after skiing in Salt Lake and he asked what we were doing- we said skiing and it was over from there. We hit it off and went on a few trips to New Zealand together, tripping around and skiing with The North Face back then. This is a pretty unique spot- small groups, very elegant mountain range and we've gained great reputation- in that it's not production skiing here. I also don't mind how quiet it is at night in Lamoille. It really comes down from the top here and everyone makes Ruby a pretty special place to be- the teamwork and camaraderie here is great.
Off-season: I've been a rock guide for years, in Yosemite early on, but recently I've been working at Donner Summit with the Marine Corps- I spend most of my time outside throughout the year, with my wife of course. I actually just climbed a great route on El Cap this past October/November that was really incredible.

From: Lamoille, NV
Years with Ruby: 22
Why Ruby Mountain: Born and raised in Lamoille. I've been skiing, hiking and exploring these mountains all my life. It's been great to be able to share this place with the Ruby visitors and work with such a solid crew. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Off-season: Traveling, climbing, hiking and riding my motorcycle everywhere I possibly can.

From: Salt Lake City, UT
Years with Ruby: 10

Why Ruby Mountain: Met Joe through Snowbird Ski Resort. I had been mountaineering up on Mt. Ranier in Washington and really hit it off with the crew here. Probably one of my favorite parts of being here is working with this crew, that and how quiet it is in these mountains.

Off-season: Rapid Response Helicopter Firefighter with the Bureau of Land Management.

From: McCall, ID
Years with Ruby: 9
Why Ruby Mountain: I had known a couple of the guides that were previously with Ruby and they introduced me to Joe and I guess the rest is history. There's a level care here that you don't find anywhere else and I'm really into that. I think working with the crew here is another reason we all keep coming back too- it's more of a family than anything.
Off-season: I've worked for years as a river guide on the Middlefork and the Main Salmon in Idaho, but a couple years ago I started my own landscaping business in McCall. Other than that I like to travel the world and go skiing. I have a really strong connection with Nepal so I like going back there anytime I can.

From: Budd Lake, New Jersey
Years with Ruby: 8
Why Ruby Mountain: I had been patrolling for a decade and was looking for a change. I returned from New Zealand one autumn, took a shot in the dark and rang Joe. The RMH family has been a big part of my life ever since. The staff, guests, locals, mountains and of course the helicopter keep me coming back. I enjoy every aspect of it. The balance of work, skiing and laughter is great!
Off-season: I work for Porters Ski Area in New Zealand and during the shoulder seasons I pick up guiding, rescue and maintenance work in the mountains.

From: South Dakota
Year with Ruby: 6
Why Ruby Mountain: I had flown with Joe and the crew once before when they needed a pilot for a day, and after that everything just fell into place. Been here 3 years and look forward to coming back each year.
Off-season: I fly year-round- fighting fires around the western US, mostly in the southwest and northwest when I'm not at Ruby.

From: McCall, ID
Years with Ruby: 5
Why Ruby Mountain: Ran into Joe through Snowbird and had heard a lot about the operation through mutual friends. Came out to ski with these guys a few years back and haven't looked back since. The guides, this range, the guests- it's all a really great experience that we're all really into.
Off-season: I work as a carpenter in the McCall, ID area and kayak as much as I possibly can- usually on the Payette River.

From: Bellingham, WA
Years with Ruby: 3
Why Ruby Mountain: I had heard a lot about the Ruby operation and I had been going heli skiing in Alaska and a few other spots so I got ahold of Joe and things just worked out. It's really fun to be able to share peoples dream vacations in the mountains and I'm very fortunate to be here, it's been a great experience since the beginning.
Off-season: Spring/Summer I work as a mountain guide in Alaska and Europe and in the Fall I take people rock climbing in the desert. This is my lifestyle and I love it.