The Mountains have always called Jim Young

The Mountains have always called Jim Young

Jim Young is a NZMGA Aspirant Mountain Guide and general mountain enthusiast. He has been part of our Brand Ambassador whānau for a really long time.

About Jim

I hail originally from the flat lands of Ōtautahi Christchurch.  As a city youth, a professional skateboarder was my first career aspiration before I got a taste for the freedom of the hills.

Being brought up and let loose in the hallowed environs of Temple Basin Ski Area gave me a passion for the backcountry at a very young age. And with it a feeling of freedom that I had not experienced before.

Getting an avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel and an avalanche training course at age 14 was like getting keys to the city. This sparked something that led me to following my dreams of working in the mountains. Humble beginnings as a snowboard instructor at age 18 and working my first winter job overseas teaching J turns on the magic carpet.

Jim Young puts skins on his skis

Fast forward to today and I have worked in all facets of the industry over the last 18 years. From ski patrol, professional alpine rescue, heli skiing, ski touring and tertiary level avalanche education. Today I’m an Aspirant Mountain Guide and public avalanche forecaster working towards my International Mountain Guide status (IFMGA).

Skiing is my first love but rock climbing is a close second. As part of the journey toward being an IFMGA guide I have had to work hard on the transition of being a “skier who climbs”.  I have learned to love the mental and physical challenge of rock climbing both at the local crag and on long alpine routes.

This diverse range of experience has given me a unique perspective and connection to the New Zealand mountain industry. And also the people who work within it.  It’s rare these days for me to have more than 1 degree of separation across any of the mountain professions.

Brand Ambassador

As part of my work as a brand ambassador I have been sharing my knowledge and experience. The aim is to raise awareness and educate the community via a multitude of short video projects. This has been on a wide range of topics, targeted at novice through to experienced mountain users. I’m very passionate about improving safety standards and it’s been great to partner with Southern Approach in this space.

As a professional user I rely on quality equipment to have a safe and enjoyable day in the mountains. Which is why I really value my relationship with Southern Approach and the support of their brands.  Black Diamond, PIEPS and Scarpa represent the pinnacle in quality and performance. This gives me the confidence to use their products, day in and day out, in the harshest of conditions and mountain environments.

Catch you at the crag or in the backcountry!

Follow Jim Young on social: