About Our Team
Built on Experience.
Guided by Judgement.
Kinley Aitken Guiding is a modern, professional rock climbing guide service rooted in Squamish and grounded in decades of experience.
Our team guides with intention — prioritizing safety, stewardship, and the kind of progression that builds capable climbers over time. Whether you're taking your first steps onto the rock or pursuing advanced objectives, we're committed to personalized experiences that build skill, competence, and lasting engagement with the sport.
Experienced Guides. Trusted Partners.
Kinley Aitken
ACMG Rock Guide
Kinley has called Squamish home for nearly twenty-five years. During that time, climbing has been a constant thread in her life—first as a personal pursuit, and eventually as a profession rooted in mentorship, leadership, and the craft of guiding.
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Her climbing career spans five continents and a wide range of disciplines, from long traditional routes and big walls to hard sport climbing and remote alpine objectives. She is drawn to climbing for the problem-solving, movement, and presence it demands—and for the perspective and longevity it offers those committed to the practice. That same growth-oriented mindset shapes her approach to guiding: staying curious, engaged, and balanced across climbing, business ownership, and motherhood.
In addition to guiding and coaching private clients, Kinley serves as a Lead Instructor with Thompson Rivers University’s Adventure Guide Diploma Rock Program and as both an instructor and examiner within the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides’ Training and Assessment Program. Teaching and mentorship are at the core of her work, with an emphasis on meeting climbers where they are and supporting durable skill development over time.
Kinley founded KA Guiding in 2020, built on the belief that exceptional climbing days are intentional, personalized, and professionally delivered. Kinley’s broader mountain background—including whitewater raft guiding, ski patrol, avalanche instruction, industrial rope access, and entertainment rigging—deepens her systems-based approach to risk management and reinforces the calm professionalism she brings to the field.
Outside of guiding, she can often be found in her garden or immersed in a good book. A favourite piece of personal trivia: climbing The Nose on El Capitan took exactly as long as her labour and delivery—seventeen hours.
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Multipitch
-The Nose, 5.11, A2, El Cap, Yosemite. 17 hours
-Out of Africa, 12a, Tsaramoro Massif, Madagascar
-Les Rideaux de Gwendal, 7b, Verdon Gorge, France
-Moonlight Buttress, 12a, A2, Zion, Utah
-Marriage Box, 12b, Echo Canyon, Bow Valley, Alberta
-Zig Zag, 12b, Yamnuska, Bow Valley, Alberta
-Alt Left, 12b, EEOR, Canmore, Alberta
-West Face, 5.11c, El Cap, Yosemite
-The Rostrum, 5.11c, Yosemite
-Chouinard Herbert, 5.11c, Yosemite
Al Centro y Adentro, 11c, Anfiteatro, Cochamo, Chile
-Shunes Buttress, 11c, Zion, Utah
-Primrose Dihedral, 5.11+, Canyonlands, Utah
-Steck Salathe, 5.10, Yosemite
-Drifting, 11c, Red Rocks, Nevada
-Wolverine Petting Zoo, 12a, Stanley Headwall, Alberta
-Livin’ In Paradise, 12a, Stanley Headwall, Alberta
-East End Boys, 12a, Yamnuska, Bow Valley, Alberta
-Dirty Dancing, 5.12a, The Ghost, Rockies, Alberta
-Windmills of the Mind, 5.11, The Ghost, Rockies, Alberta
-Screams from the Balcony, 11c, Mt. Rundle, Lake Louise, Alberta
-Love at First Sight & Goblin Arete, 5.11c, Lake Louise, Alberta
-Time Wave Zero, 12a, Potrero Chico, Mexico
-Southern Lights, 5.11c, Squamish
-Freeway, Squamish 5.11c, Squamish
-Road to Amritsar, 5.11c, Squamish
-Cerberus, 11d, Squamish
-Risky Business, 5.10, CMC Valley, Alberta
-Screams from the Balcony, 11c, Mt. Rundle, Rockies, Alberta
Squamish Trad:
-Zap Crack, 12d
-Man from Del Monte, 12c
-Flight of the Challenger, 12c
-Astronomy, 12b
Squamish Sport:
-Project Grizzly, 13b
-Otra Vida, 13a
-Mata Hari, 12d
-Vorpal Sword, 12d
-Animal, 12c
-The Horticulturalist, 12c
-Charge of the Light Brigade, 12c
-Minotaur Direct, 5.11+, Bugaboos, BC
-Sunshine Crack, 5.10+, Bugaboos, BC
-The Becky Chouinard, 5.10+, Bugaboos, BC
-Serra One, 5.10 , Waddington Range, BC
-Serra Two, 5.10, Waddington Range, BC
-Tiedman Tower, 5.10, Waddington Range, BC
-Homage to the Spider, 5.10, Mt. Louis, Alberta
-Super Direct, 10+, West Face of Snowpatch, Bugaboos
-Arête des Papillons, 5.9 Chamonix, France
Jasmin Caton
ACMG Rock, Ski & Apprentice Alpine
An OG Squamish crusher, Jasmin (she/her) grew up in New Denver, BC, and has built an impressive climbing resume spanning alpine, big wall, trad, and sport routes across the globe. She also runs Valhalla Mountain Touring backcountry ski lodge while raising six-year-old twins.
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With a Master’s in Hydrogeology from Salt Lake City, Jasmin combines sharp analytical skills with boundless mountain drive. Known for whipping up feasts, running up mountains like they’re anthills, and tackling big objectives with focus and flair, Jas brings energy, expertise, and inspiration to every guiding day.
Jasmin also instructs for the ACMG Training and Assessment Rock and Ski programs, sharing knowledge and passion with climbers of all levels.
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Coming Soon
Dave Gauley
ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guide
Don’t let Dave’s (he/him) mellow, easy-going nature fool you—he’s one of the most talented individuals you’re likely to meet in the mountains. Originally from Ottawa, Dave cut his teeth climbing in Whistler nearly 35 years ago and has been a certified Mountain Guide since 2003.
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A lifelong athlete and former professional skier, he has a deep love for technical climbing and the red rock landscapes of the desert.
When he's not leading unforgettable multi-pitch climbs, you might find him playing guitar, tinkering with his truck, catching waves, or building everything from cabinets to campers. Dave is passionate about helping people explore places they might not otherwise reach—experiences that often leave a lasting impact. He brings calm confidence, depth of experience, and a touch of creativity to every trip.
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Coming Soon
Keenan Gibson
ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide
Keenan (they/them) is a queer, non-binary climber, artist, and enthusiast of rocks in all shapes and sizes. They’re passionate about creating inclusive pathways into outdoor recreation—spaces that feel intentional, safe, and a clear departure from the status quo.
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Keenan sees their work as a chance to share movement and engage in collaborative problem-solving within community. A professional route setter, they love putting plastic on walls, but it’s big traditional climbing objectives that truly set their soul ablaze.
Some may recognize Keenan from their involvement with the @projectpridebouldering festival, held on the unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh people (Squamish).
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Coming Soon
Vikki Weldon
ACMG Rock Guide
Vikki (she/her) grew up in Calgary, Alberta, and began climbing at age nine at the Calgary Climbing Centre, quickly developing a love for both gym and outdoor climbing. Her first days at Grassi Lakes in Canmore sealed the deal, and she has been chasing rock ever since.
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She went on to compete internationally through her youth and early adult years, building a strong technical foundation that now shapes her guiding. Vikki especially enjoys teaching movement, tactics, and the subtle refinements that help climbers level up efficiently and confidently. Known for her composure on steep terrain (and a solid rodeo clip), she brings precision and positivity to every day on the wall.
In addition to guiding, Vikki works as an Emergency-trained Registered Nurse and is a professional rock climber supported by Arc’teryx and La Sportiva. She also instructs and mentors climbers across a wide range of abilities, sharing the same enthusiasm that first hooked her at age nine.
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Coming Soon
Terry Lui
ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide
Originally from Edmonton, Terry (he/him) started climbing indoors in 2006 and has been chasing new experiences, challenges, and laughter ever since. One of his most memorable moments came on a climb called Burning Down the Couch, where a foot slip on a long runout led to a fall so big it changed the pitch of his voice midair.
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Terry is a guide who thrives on helping others gain the confidence and knowledge to pursue their own adventures. He lives for those lightbulb moments—when everything clicks—and feels grateful to support people as they push through challenges they once thought impossible. A natural teacher and lifelong learner, he especially enjoys instructing technical skills and fostering independence.
When not guiding, Terry is probably cooking noodle soup (ramen, pho, udon—you name it), hiking and camping. His perfect climbing day includes friends, amazing views, good food, and learning something new.
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Coming Soon
Phil Binemma
ACMG Rock Guide
Originally from Greater Vancouver, Phil (he/him) has called Squamish home for over 13 years. He started climbing in 2010 through the Thompson Rivers University adventure program, a spark that’s grown into a passion for wild experiences, technical movement, and meaningful connection.
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One of his most unforgettable days in the mountains involved being caught in a blizzard on Snowpatch Spire—navigating 14 rappels in 80 km/h winds. He’s never been so cold in his life, and never forgotten the lesson. That balance of intensity, focus, and humility is what draws him to the mountains—and what he brings to his work as a guide.
Phil is especially passionate about helping others progress mentally, work through fear, and find joy in challenge. He teaches avalanche courses in the winter, and somehow still finds time to make music and shoot hoops (yes, he can still dunk).
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Coming Soon
Romaine Thomyre
ACMG Apprentice Rock
Originally from France, Romain (pronounced Roman) (he/him) found climbing in the unlikely coastal region of Brittany—better known for sailing than granite. Since then, climbing has taken him around the world, from humbling moments halfway up El Cap to unforgettable summits in the Bugaboos.
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Now based in BC, Romain is an ACMG Apprentice Rock Guide and a natural teacher who thrives on helping others feel confident and empowered in the vertical world. Whether he’s leading a multipitch day in Squamish or nerding out on efficient rope systems, he brings calm energy, thoughtful instruction, and fluent guidance in four languages.
Outside of guiding, Romain is a mechanical engineer working on the Surrey–Langley SkyTrain extension, a fan of comté cheese, and a connoisseur of bonfires and board games. His perfect day? A Chief summit hug and a cold drink at the A-Frame.
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Coming Soon
Sara-Jo Howatt
ACMG Ski & Rock Guide
Sara (she/her) started climbing a decade ago and still remembers the magic of her first trip to Smith Rock with close friends. Originally from Revelstoke and now based in Canmore, she splits her seasons between climbing and ski guiding, chasing movement, connection, and challenge year-round.
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As a guide, Sara loves meeting new people and helping them achieve their goals—whether on a multipitch route or while teaching rope rescue. She brings a calm, grounded energy to her days in the mountains, with a soft spot for good weather, good friends, and trying hard.
When she’s not climbing or guiding, you might find her skiing, running, or learning the art of pottery. Her 17-year-old cat Maui keeps things cozy at home, while pancakes remain the front-runner for favourite food.
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Coming Soon
Laura Pollock
ACMG Top Rope Climbing Instructor
Originally from Calgary, Laura (she/her) found climbing in the summer of 2022 and hasn’t looked back since. Within her first year, she was summiting Mt. Habrich and the Chief with friends who inspired and pushed her, setting the tone for a fast, passionate dive into the climbing world.
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Based in Squamish, Laura splits her time between the gym and the crag, guiding and instructing with contagious enthusiasm. She loves helping climbers break into leading sport routes and finds real joy in supporting others as they grow in skill and confidence. Her perfect climbing day? Sunshine, good snacks, great friends—and a lake to jump into after.
When she’s not climbing, you’ll find Laura skiing, running, or sewing upcycled clothing. She has recently begun the journey toward working in the ski industry and is excited for what’s to come in the guiding world.
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Coming Soon
Across the team, these are the principles that guide how we work.
Performance Grounded in Judgment
Meaningful objectives, pursued with disciplined decision-making and honest risk awareness.
Intentional Progression
Skills built deliberately — competence and confidence that last.
Inclusive Professionalism
High standards, clear expectations, and an environment built on accountability and mutual trust.
Respect for People and Place
Care for our clients, our team, and the landscapes we're fortunate to move through.
Longevity in Climbing
Methods that support a strong, sustainable relationship with the sport over a lifetime.
“The camaraderie of the rope.”
-Chris Bonington