Josh Smith

About Josh

I grew up in Colorado and was introduced to the mountains at an early age through family camping and fishing trips.  Then, at the age of nine, I was introduced to skiing and was instantly hooked.  As I recall, “it was like sledding, but way more fun!”

Skiing soon became my main passion and central focus in life.  My family only skied a few days each winter and I remember counting down the days till we got to go skiing, like it was Christmas.

In high school, I started my competitive skiing career, skiing for the Team Summit Freestyle Ski Team.  I also started competing in Park and Big Mountain events, which lead to future aspirations of skiing professionally.  I spent three years after high school pursuing this dream.  During this time I lived in Austria, Breckenridge, CO and Jackson, WY, after which time, I decided to attend the University of Colorado where I earned a BA in Communication while working as a coach for the Freestyle Ski Team.

Career Background

I got a job as a Mountain Bike Guide when I was 16.  Little did I know, this summer job would turn into a career.

After college, I moved to the Pacific Northwest to begin working as an alpine guide on Mt. Rainier and in the North Cascades for International Mountain Guides.  I spent two winters as a Professional Ski Patroller at Crystal Mountain, WA.  I then immigrated to Canada to pursue certification through the Canadian Avalanche Association and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides.

I’m on track to become a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide.  I am currently an ACMG Assistant Rock Guide and ACMG full Ski Guide. I live in Revelstoke, BC where I work as a Heli-Ski Guide for Canadian Mountain Holidays.

Treatment Procedure and Recover Plan

I had a history of shoulder instability and after several dislocations I was not going to be able to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a Certified Mountain Guide unless I was to have a surgical procedure.  On September 16, 2013 I underwent a Later Jet procedure on my left shoulder, which involved a bone graft in addition to the repair of the labrum.  I returned to work ski guiding several months after surgery.  I have made a full recovery and returned to guiding rock and alpine climbing in the spring.

Testimonial

"What the Kees Brenninkmeyer Foundation did for me was nothing short of a miracle! Even as I write this, I shake my head as I think about the level of care I received and the generosity of the Brenninkmeyer family."

- Josh Smith