Chugach Powder Guides

Our Team

For more than 20 years, the folks at CPG have skied, snowboarded, and otherwise explored the Alaskan mountains from Talkeetna to the Pacific. We live here, work here, play here. Meet the team…

All Guides Staff

Partner Nick Thomson

PARTNER / BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Heath Thomson

GENERAL MANAGER Henry Munter

Operations Manager/ Head Guide Rich Peterson

Snow Safety Director/ Lead Guide George Creighton

Lead Guide/ Forecaster Brian Sienkowski

Lead Guide Ryan Smeeding

Lead Guide Paul Forward

Lead Guide/ Marketing Manager Dan Starr

Lead Guide David Shuman

Guide Mark Dalpes

Guide Zach Alexakis

Guide Brady Deal

Guide Peter Ostroski

Guide Max Durtschi

Guide Reiker Durtschi

Guide Desi Sherwood

Guide Mike Davidson

Guide Melanee Stiassny

Guide Zach Husted

Guide Matt Yoder

Guide Eva Bingham

Guide Paul Barendregt

Guide Zach Behney

Guide Logan Demarcus

Guide Andrew Waldo

Guide Saraj Gottstein

Office Manager Riley Ebel

Accounting and Human Resources Jill Tieskoetter

Equipment Manager / Ski Tech Corey Anderson

Partner

Nick Thomson

Nick chairs the Board of Directors and oversees the business while providing strategic governance, business development, and product development expertise to CPG. Nick has built his career around launching, building, and adding value to a variety of businesses. An avid snowboarder, skier, surfer, sailor, fisherman, and mountain biker, he’s convinced that Alaska is the best place on the planet to enjoy all these sports. He splits time between Alaska and Idaho with his wife and two sons.

Experience

Entrepreneur & Business Executive
CPG Board of Directors
Over 15 years of skiing, snowboarding, surfing, and fishing in Alaska

Certifications

CPG Board of Directors
Avalanche I
WFA

PARTNER / BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Heath Thomson

Heath provides strategic governance, business development, and product design expertise to CPG. In the summer months, Heath is also is the chef, and founder of Metes & Bounds, a table-to-farm pop-up restaurant business in Sonoma, California. In the winter months, he is an avid skier and snowboarder and believes there is nowhere better to enjoy both than CPG. Heath splits his time between Alaska and the San Francisco Bay Area.

Favorite CPG Run: Wylie’s Wall

Experience

Entrepreneur
Business Executive
Over a decade skiing, snowboarding, and surfing in Alaska
Designs, plans, and leads multisport adventure trips

Certifications

CPG Board of Directors
Avalanche I
WFA

GENERAL MANAGER

Henry Munter

Henry is CPG’s General Manager, overseeing Operations, Sales, Marketing and Product Development. Henry began backcountry skiing growing up in Ketchum, Idaho. He worked as a ski patroller at the Yellowstone Club in Big Sky, Montana, where he was involved in snow and avalanche research, before moving to Girdwood in 2008. In addition to ski guiding, Henry worked as an avalanche educator and consultant, a mountain guide, and a river guide. Between seasons, Henry has kayaked class V whitewater in more than 10 countries and 20 states. As General Manager, he seeks to make every aspect of CPG a great experience for our valued guests.

Experience

CPG guide since 2008
CPG lead guide since 2010
4 years ski patroller
3 years mountain guide
Alaska Avalanche School course instructor

Certifications

Avalanche Level 3 Certification
HSUS Level 3 Guide
Outdoor Emergency Care
Winter Weather Forecasting Course

Operations Manager/ Head Guide

Rich Peterson

As operations manager, Rich oversees guiding operations across the company (as well as too many other things to list here). Competent on both skis and snowboard, Rich enjoys guiding clients of all levels and is particularly popular with our snowboarding guests. Born and raised in Salt Lake City, “Rico” now calls Girdwood his home year round.

Experience

CPG guide since 2008
CPG Lead guide since 2012
CPG Head Guide and Operations Manager since 2015

Certifications

HSUS Level 3 Heli Ski Guide
Avalanche Level 3 Certification
WFR

Snow Safety Director/ Lead Guide

George Creighton

George loves skiing and being in the mountains. Originally from Boise, Idaho he grew up competing in freestyle skiing and was a member of the U.S. Ski Team for three seasons. After his freestyle career George spent two winters ski bumming in France exploring the highest peaks in the Alps. Today he makes his home in Girdwood skiing as much as possible for both work and play. In the spring he travels to Iceland to ski guide and works as a carpenter and firefighter for the forest service in summers.

Experience

CPG guide since 2017
CPG Lead Guide Since 2021
CPG Snow Safety Director Since 2022

Certifications

HSUS Level 3 Heli Ski guide
Avalanche Pro 2 Certification
WFR

Lead Guide/ Forecaster

Brian Sienkowski

Brian began guiding for CPG in 2012. Before that he worked as a ski patroller at the Yellowstone Club for 6 seasons. While he was there, he often tried to sneak away in the spring to explore the mountains and the outstanding skiing they had to offer. Brian has heli skied all over AK, including the mountains around Haines, the Chugach and the Tordrillos. He is an EMT, a professional member of the AAA and holds a level 3 from American Avalanche Institute. During the summer months, Brian guides fly fishing in Montana and Yellowstone National Park. His favorite run is 47 mile headwall.

Experience

CPG guide since 2011
CPG Lead Guide Since 2016
6 Years Ski Patroller- Yellowstone Club

Certifications

HSUS Level 3 Ski Guide
Avalanche Level 3 Certification
Outdoor Emergency Care

Lead Guide

Ryan Smeeding

Ryan has been travelling the Chugach since 2003, and now splits his time between Girdwood, Durango, and Baja. Regardless of the circumstances, Ryan’s sense of humor is always a welcomed presence. On the flipside, his passion and professionalism for effective guiding is always there too.

Experience

CPG Guide since 2010

Certifications

HSUS level 3 guide
Avalanche Level 3
WFR

Lead Guide

Paul Forward

Paul grew up in Alaska and lives here full time. As a physician, he spends his off-seasons working in Kotzebue, a remote village in the northwest corner of Alaska. Famous for his expression “all snow is good snow,” Paul is as passionate about skiing as anyone, and loves to see his guests enjoying the mountains as much as he does. On his time off, Paul ventures into the mountains to ski, bow hunt, fly fish, mountain bike, and paddle in other parts of the world.

Experience

CPG Guide Since 2013
CPG Lead Guide Since 2015

Certifications

HSUS Level 3 Heli Ski Guide
Avalanche Level 3 Certification
MD

Lead Guide/ Marketing Manager

Dan Starr

Dan Starr has resided in Girdwood since 2010. When not guiding he loves backcountry ski touring and speedflying in his favorite mountain range, the Chugach. After many years guiding clients to the top of Denali, Dan now spends his summers as the marketing manager for CPG. He can be found riding his mountain bike as much as possible and is usually seen with a camera in hand.

Experience

CPG Guide Since 2014
CPG lead guide since 2021
7 years Denali Guide

Certifications

HSUS Level 3 Heli Ski Guide
Avalanche Level 2 Pro
WFR

Lead Guide

David Shuman

As a retired Pararescueman (PJ) after 25 years of military service and a certified rigging for rescue instructor, Dave is highly versed in all aspects of mountain travel and rescue. Originally from California and now a long time Alaskan resident, David spends his free time traveling the world and recreating in multiple outdoor disciplines. Whether you call him Shumanji, Shuman the Human, or Shu, you’ll never forget a day spent with Dave.

Experience

CPG Guide Since 2014
CPG Lead Guide Since 2022

Certifications

HSUS Level 3 Heli Ski Guide
Avalanche level 3 certification
National Registry Paramedic
SAG Stuntman
Instructor at Rigging for Rescue

Guide

Mark Dalpes

Mark has been with CPG since 2010. Previously, he ski patrolled at Arapahoe Basin and Alyeska Resort. He also guides sea kayak trips around the world. Mark resides in Talkeetna, Alaska with his wife and two kids.

Experience

CPG guide since 2010

Certifications

HSUS Level 2 Heli Ski Guide
Avalanche Level 2 Pro Certification
OEC Certification

Guide

Zach Alexakis

Zack joined the CPG team as a snowboard guide in 2019. His calm, cool and collected attitude lends well to his summer job as a firefighter/smokejumper for the B.L.M.

Experience

CPG Guide since 2019

Certifications

Avy Pro 1 Certification
Wilderness First Responder

Guide

Brady Deal

A born and raised Alaskan, Brady joined the CPG guide staff in 2019. Brady has skied, climbed and paraglided all over Alaska and beyond. A former Denali guide, Brady now serves as a firefighter/ paramedic for the Anchorage Fire Department.

Experience

CPG Guide since 2019
4 Years Denali Guide

Certifications

HSUS Level 2 Heli Ski Guide
National Registry Paramedic
Avalanche Pro 1 Certification

Guide

Peter Ostroski

Peter grew up ski racing and mountain biking in his hometown of North Conway, New Hampshire. He went on to race at the collegiate level and then spent many years as ski coach while also racing his bike on the Enduro World Series. Pete now pursues backcountry adventures on his skis and bike, and is a welcome member of the CPG guide team since 2021.

Experience

CPG guide since 2021

Certifications

HSUS Level 2 Heli Ski Guide
WFR

Guide

Max Durtschi

Max is one of the only guides who can claim they are “from” Girdwood. Max grew up as a local shredder, and has competed in big mountain skiing competitions across North America. If you see an inverted skier in a CPG guide uniform, it’s probably Max. He also captains a commercial fishing boat in the summer and plans to become a helicopter pilot.

Experience

CPG guide since 2021

Certifications

HSUS Level 2 Heli Ski Guide
WFR

Guide

Reiker Durtschi

Reiker grew up in Girdwood and has been exploring the Chugach Mountains his entire life. Reiker joined our guide team in 2023. When not ski guiding or captaining his commercial fishing seiner, Reiker is usually in the mountains on his snow machine, speedflying, hunting or boating.

Experience

CPG Guide Since 2023

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder
Avalanche Pro 1 Certification
HSUS Level 1 Ski Guide

Guide

Desi Sherwood

Born and raised in town, Desi has been a familiar face in the Girdwood ski scene since he was a kid. He grew up racing for the Alyeska Ski Club before becoming a race coach himself. Desi now spends his time guiding heli skiing for CPG and Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, and guiding fly fishing in Alaska and Central America. Whether skiing, fishing, or relaxing, Desi’s permanent stoke is always contagious.

Experience

CPG Guide Since 2020
Tordrillo Mountain Lodge Guide Since 2013
12 Years Ski Coaching

Certifications

HSUS Level 2 Ski Guide
WFR

Guide

Mike Davidson

Raised in Anchorage, Mike grew up skiing in the Chugach. A longtime guide at CPG Mike began his ski industry career as a Ski Patroller and Avalanche Control Technician at Alyeska Resort in Girdwood. Mike looks forward to ensuring that CPG guests are able to have the experience of a lifetime during their trip to Alaska and enjoys the many friendships he’s been able to form with his clients. When not guiding at CPG or working at his job as a Battalion Chief and Paramedic with the Anchorage Fire Department you can often find Mike spending his time with his daughter and wife on the slopes in Girdwood or flying his small plane in the wilds of Alaska.

Experience

CPG Guide since 2002
12 years Ski Patroller and Avalanche Control Technician
28 years licensed Paramedic and EMT

Certifications

Licensed Paramedic
HSUS Level 3 Ski Guide

Guide

Melanee Stiassny

As a longtime Girdwood local and accomplished mountain extraordinaire, Melanee brings a constant stoke and love of backcountry skiing to our guide team. When not in the field Melanee is raising her three kids and running a business, yet somehow finds time to ski more than anyone.

Experience

CPG Guide since 2022

Certifications

WFR
HSUS Level 2 Ski Guide

Guide

Zach Husted

Zach resides in the Gunnison Valley of Colorado and works as a professional ski guide. His work has taken him across the globe from Japan to remote islands on the Antarctic Peninsula. Zach started his company Limitless Guiding in 2020 and continues to host trips to Japan, New Zealand, Antarctica and Colorado.

Experience

CPG Guide Since 2022
10 years professional ski guide experience

Certifications

AMGA certified ski guide
HSUS Level 2 Heli Ski Guide
EMT-1
Avalanche Pro 2 Certification
Outdoor Industry MBA Graduate

Guide

Matt Yoder

As a born and raised Alaskan, Yoder has been exploring the mountains his entire life. Yoder joined CPG way back in 2012 as a fuelie, and is now a key member of our guide team. A passionate skateboarder and artist, his work is displayed on many walls across Alaska and beyond.

Experience

CPG Fuelie Since 2012
CPG Guide Since 2017

Certifications

Avalanche Level 2
HSUS Level 1

Guide

Eva Bingham

Eva grew up inspired by the mountain views from her family homestead in the Knik River valley. She now gets to heli ski those same mountains as a valued member of our guide team since 2021. When not guiding, Eva likes to explore the tall mountains and ice fields of the subarctic north as a mountaineer. She spends her summers commercial fishing in Prince William Sound.

Experience

CPG Guide Since 2021

Certifications

Avalanche Pro 1 Certification
Wilderness First Responder
HSUS Level 2 Ski Guide

Guide

Paul Barendregt

After 25 years as a Pararescuman in the military, Paul’s professional skills and passion for skiing were the perfect recipe to become a heli ski guide. “Bear” has been on the team since 2022 and brings a wealth of institutional knowledge in the medical, rescue and operational aspects of heli skiing. Outside of work, Bear spends his time skiing and raising his three children, often at the same time.

Experience

CPG Guide since 2022
Retired Pararescueman

Certifications

HSUS Level 2 Ski Guide
National Registry Paramedic
Avalanche Level 3 Certification

Guide

Zach Behney

Zach has been a member of the Alyeska Resort pro patrol team since 2011. Since 2022 he’s been dipping his toes into the world of mechanized ski guiding, and we’re excited to have him. As a Girdwood local with unlimited energy, Zach spends his time skiing, biking and running.

Experience

Profesional Ski Patroller Since 2011
CPG Guide since 2022

Certifications

HSUS Level 2 Ski Guide
EMT
Avalanche Pro 2 Certification

Guide

Logan Demarcus

Logan grew up in the arctic village of Utqiagvik, at the northernmost tip of Alaska. After 4 years in the military, Logan turned his attention to guiding and now spends his summers bringing clients to the top of Denali. He spent four winters ski guiding out of Cooke City, Montana, before moving to Girdwood full time to join the CPG team.

Experience

Denali guide since 2016
4 years ski guiding in Montana
CPG guide since 2023

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder
HSUS Level 2 Ski Guide
Avalanche Pro 2 Certification

Guide

Andrew Waldo

“Waldo” moved to Alaska in 2013 as a fisheries technician for USFWS and eventually became a biologist for Alaska Department of Fish and Game in 2018. He has since transitioned to commercial fishing because in his words “it allows me more time to ski!” Waldo started as a fuelie for CPG in 2021 and quickly became an excellent ski guide. When he’s not skiing and fishing professionally, he’s usually found skiing and fishing recreationally.

Experience

CPG Guide Since 2023

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder
Avalanche Pro 1 Certification

Guide

Saraj Gottstein

Saraj has been a member of the CPG family for more than a decade, serving in various roles over the years. She’s now a licensed professional counselor with an emphasis in trauma and outdoor based therapies. Even with her busy career, Saraj couldn’t stay away and spends her weekends guiding at CPG. Always full of energy and always planning the next party, Saraj has often been referred to as CPG’s “spiritual leader.”

Experience

CPG Guide Since 2022

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder
HSUS Level 1 Ski Guide
Avalanche Pro 1 Certification

Office Manager

Riley Ebel

Riley grew up in Vail, Colorado and has been skiing since she could walk. She moved to Alaska in 2013 to raft guide on the Matanuska River. She fell in love with Alaska and has lived here ever since. When not working in the office or as a geologist, Riley loves to ski and whitewater kayak.

Experience

Certifications

Accounting and Human Resources

Jill Tieskoetter

Jill started at CPG in 2011 and has been a valuable member of our team ever since. Jill and her husband Rob own a home in Denali, Alaska where they spend their summers. During the long winter months Jill and Rob come to Girdwood to enjoy the ski town atmosphere.

Experience

Certifications

Equipment Manager / Ski Tech

Corey Anderson

Corey has been Girdwoods favorite ski tech for the past 16 years, and has been with CPG since 2011 as our equipment manager. In the summer Corey serves as lead guide for Chugach Adventures, a local rafting and hiking guide service.