Dan Mead
Whistler,BC
Summary
I moved to Whistler's six years ago following a career as a mountain guide in the UK. Held various positions, including maintenance and rescue technician, operations manager, and tail guide at a backcountry lodge. Actively volunteered with Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol, contributing to safety and emergency preparedness. Proven ability to thrive in dynamic and challenging environments.
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work history
Operations manager (winter)
Callahan Country Wilderness Adventures
Whistler, British Columbia
2024.11 - 2026.05
- Oversaw daily lodge operations to ensure smooth, efficient service.
- Coordinated logistics, deliveries, and resource planning, including snowcats, snowmobiles, and helicopters.
- Managed guest and staff transfer days to the backcountry lodge, helping deliver a safe and seamless guest experience.
- Conducted snow clearing and trail grooming operations to maintain safe backcountry access routes to the lodge.
- Groomed and maintained backcountry ski and snowmobile trails, ensuring reliable access and high-quality terrain for guests and operations teams.
- Maintained a safe working environment within avalanche terrain through ongoing snowpack analysis, hazard assessment, and terrain mitigation strategies.
- Assisted with avalanche risk management by monitoring weather and snow conditions, evaluating terrain exposure, and supporting safe operational decision-making for staff and guests.
- Reduced overhead costs through efficient resource allocation and budget management.
Assistant/Tail Guide
The Journeyman Lodge
Whistler, BC
2025.11 - 2026.03
- Assisted lead guide with daily planning.
- Supported running AST 1 and companion rescue courses.
- Helped guests with equipment and transitions.
- Organised and assisted with pick-up and drop-off using snowcat and occasionally helicopters.
- Collected weather and snowpack data for daily risk assessments and avalanche forecasts.
Parks and Trails Labour Two (summer)
Resort Municipality Of Whistler
2023.05 - 2025.11
- Building, installing and maintaining park structure's, such as docks, pump houses, swing and play ground sets.
- Building maintenance and installation this includes Heating, pumping systems, waste treatment systems, roofing and flooring
- Operated range of heavy equipment on regular basis with advanced skill.
- Completed minor repairs and replacements of equipment parts to restore functionality.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Safe and effective use of chainsaws to clear any danger or fall trees near trails.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Able to adapt and troubleshot any issue or problems quickly, limmiting operational disruption
Education
Bachelor of Science - Outdoor Leadership
University of Cumbria
Lake District, United KingdomSkills
- Avalanche operations level 1
- Advanced search and rescue
- Certified emergency medical responder
- Snowcat driving and grooming
- Whistler Blackcomb patrol volunteer
- Clean UK international driving licence
- Plow truck and front-end loader operation
- Strong problem solving skills
- Calm under pressure
Languages
English
Refrences
Available upon request
Timeline
Assistant/Tail Guide
The Journeyman Lodge
2025.11 - 2026.03
Operations manager (winter)
Callahan Country Wilderness Adventures
2024.11 - 2026.05
Parks and Trails Labour Two (summer)
Resort Municipality Of Whistler
2023.05 - 2025.11
Bachelor of Science - Outdoor Leadership
University of Cumbria