About Us

The Guides of IAG

Jan Neuspiel

Jan’s guiding and teaching career has spanned more than 20 years and at least that many mountain ranges. Most of this time has been spent working and living in the Himalayas guiding, climbing and trekking in Nepal (he speaks fluent Nepali) and running a helicopter skiing operation in India. Jan has climbed and skied in BC’s Coast Range, the Rockies, the interior ranges, all over the mountainous west of the USA, Europe, Alaska, the Canadian Arctic, the Himalayas and of course, in Vancouver Island’s mountains. For a number of years now, Jan has called the Island home. Jan says the unique beauty of these mountains has captured his heart and he looks forward to sharing these most special places with you. Jan brings his vast experience and dedicated professionalism plus a sense of fun to his work as a teacher and a guide.

Cliff Umpleby

Cliff's passion for backcountry skiing and mountaineering was ignited two decades ago in the Rocky Mountains near his hometown of Calgary. He has since migrated to the west coast and makes his home in the quaint village of Cumberland, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, ocean vistas and stellar mountain biking trails. Cliff has been guiding for over a decade with winters spent guiding ski tours and as a lead guide Heliskiing. His guiding career has taken him from the European Alps, to the glaciers of Kluane National Park and Mount Logan. Cliff has also guided expeditions in the Canadian Rockies as well as the Coast Ranges. He’s also found the time to work with the British army, training troops in backcountry travel. Cliff's enthusiasm for the outdoors spills into all aspects of his life. Whether he’s flying downhill on a mountain bike, or standing atop a snowy peak, Cliff finds a certain perspective and fulfillment in the beauty of the outdoors. There’s nothing Cliff would rather do than spend time with people who share this connection to the natural world

Both Jan and Cliff and all our guides at Island Alpine Guides are certified through the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides and are professional members of the Canadian Avalanche Association.

ISLAND ALPINE GUIDES