The team at Gostlin Keefer Lake Lodge is made up of dedicated professionals hand-picked to make your stay with us memorable.
JEFF GOSTLIN
Jeff has a passion for the mountains, and enjoys spending time showing guests the perfect line for them to rip up.
He looks forward to meeting you, and ensuring that you have a powder vacation like you have never experienced before.
NICOLE MURRAY
Nicole Murray . . . is fantastic! She has lived in Cherryville, B.C. for over a decade, with 3 kids and a loving husband. She is our customer service and sales ninja who is passionate about her community, local products, and green living. She loves to make people smile – capricorn – and is here to do whatever she can to help ensure our guests have a truly magical experience!
DAVE GOSTLIN
Upon your arrival at the lodge you can be confident that you’re in good hands.
Dave was born in beautiful Kelowna, BC. He started his ski career as soon as he could walk, at his local Mountain- Big White. He loves his beautiful Husky, Leia (she’s his Princess ) and likes to get her out on the mountain with him when time allows. He will never say no to a great cocktail after work and can often be found creating them himself. He strives to be like Sly in “Over The Top”- If he has his hat on backwards look out …he’s the local arm-wrestling champion!
If you need anything -just ask Dave.
Dave was born in beautiful Kelowna, BC. He started his ski career as soon as he could walk, at his local Mountain- Big White. He loves his beautiful Husky, Leia (she’s his Princess ) and likes to get her out on the mountain with him when time allows. He will never say no to a great cocktail after work and can often be found creating them himself. He strives to be like Sly in “Over The Top”- If he has his hat on backwards look out …he’s the local arm-wrestling champion!
If you need anything -just ask Dave.
BRETT RITSON
Brett grew up snowboarding the out of bounds terrain at Apex, always in search to lay down a first track.
He has never been one for a desk job and routine, so Keefer Lake is his bread and butter. Around the lodge you might find Brett cutting firewood, operating equipment, fixing maintenance issues, driving the snowcat, or shovelling all the snow that falls out here.
“Everyday is an adventure for me and a learning experience up at Keefer. The best part is, it’s my job!”
Our Guides
CHRIS WHITEHEAD
Chris is Lead Guide at Keefer Lake Catskiing.
Chris has a CSGA level 3, CAA level 2 and 10 years experience guiding.
He is originally from Vancouver Island but likes to spend his winters in the mountains riding snowboards, skiing and snowmobiling.
His life long passion for these sports naturally turned into a full time winter career and he couldn’t be happier about it.
BILL PHIPPS
Bill Phipps has been skiing and tearing up the slopes for 40 years.
He currently has a CAA level 2, Avalanche control Blasting ticket, and is certified to tell really, really bad jokes.
KRIS HAWRYLUIK
Kris came to Keefer to ski, he loved the terrain and staff so much he now works here. Kris has been a professional ski patroller for 29 seasons.
Michael Wigley
I’m an international splitboarder that has ski toured on 5 continents! Plan to do all 7 one day! I’ve worked for guiding operations in far off lands in Kyrgyzstan to working ski patrol at tiny clubfields in New Zealand. From my own expeditions of camping under the northern lights in the Arctic Circle of the Yukon to touring all day long under the midnight sun in the Arctic Circle of Norway. This is my passion and I’m so excited to share days in the mountains with more passionate souls!
Jon Conway
Jeff Ruptash
Jeff is stoked to join Keefer Lake for his first season, assisting the professional guiding team. Jeff is an Aspiring ACMG ski guide, who’s one of the lucky few to marry his passion with his profession. Deep snow, big smiles and repeat.
JESSE WINKIEWICZ
Jesse loves skiing deep snowy slopes and capturing memories with his camera.
He looks forward to skiing with you whether he’s guiding or behind the lens.
COLLIN MESSELINK
I grew up in Edmonton Alberta but left the nest as soon as possible to pursue a life in the mountains. I took a guide training course and have been climbing and skiing relentlessly ever since. I’ve traveled across North and South America inspired by rock and snow, and look forward to be inspired by Keefer Lake.
Sam Lam
Sams Keefer experience started in 2017 when attending the first ever CSGA Level 1 course hosted at GKLL. Ever since then, he was hooked. Before coming to GKLL, he was a ski patroller for 5 seasons. When not skiing, you can find him taking people kayaking in the remote wilderness of the British Columbia coast.
Corey Cardinal
I’m from Vancouver Island, BC. Used to race professional motocross when I was younger but made the switch to snowboarding about 8 years ago. I climb trees for a residential tree service company and am excited to be getting into the guiding industry. I am part of the practicum program at keefer lake lodge and look forward to riding with you!
LOKI GOSTLIN
Loki is in charge of security and shreds the pow like no other. Follow his yodel down the hill.
“woof . . . . woof . . . woof!”
Lodge
MARK WESPI
Mark was born and raised in Banff, Alberta and spent a lot of his childhood skiing and exploring in the Rockies.
You may see him busting a move in the kitchen from time to time.
After graduating, Mark took 6 months off hiking most of New Zealand and spending 4 months in South East Asia. He went on to receive his diploma in Audio Engineering and has 11 years of cooking experience.
Mark basically does it all outside of work: gardening, yoga-ing, reading, hiking, mountain biking and working on his travel trailer. Mark is passionate about food especially vegetarian cuisine and healthy, nourishing food in general.
His favourite thing about working up at Keefer Lake Lodge is the remote location and being ‘away from it all’.
Mark strives to keep a balance of being grounded and ‘out there’ He’ll be here all week, come say hi!
Michael Hassall
Michael joins Keefer Lake Lodge as our Chef for the 2019/2020 season. He brings over 15 years of culinary experience from around the world to the Food Program this year. His passion for rustic cooking and local ingredients will be showcased with fresh and changing menus. Michael joins us from Vancouver Island and looks forward to diving headfirst into Winter.
SHANNON WALL
A self-professed Jill-of-all trades, Shannon can be found doing anything around the resort from housekeeping, splitting wood, driving tractor and gardening to pouring drinks at the bar and serving up the kitchen’s delicious meals. When not "on the clock" she tries to spend as much time as possible living on the road in a restored 1970’s Boler trailer with her adventure accomplice, DJ Logger Chef Shaggz finding awesome new places to indulge in their passions for hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, camping and basically anything that keeps them outside and enjoying nature.
Shannon loves living and working at Keefer for its serenity and beauty, the diversity of the job and the cool people. She looks forward to always welcoming new guests and sharing with everyone why this place is so magical.
She is also rumored to be in a long-time hot n’ heavy with GOT’s Jason Momoa (it’s true) and notorious for starting the best hot tub dance parties!
Rebecca Ramcharran
I have been a massage therapist for 10 years and indulged myself in both eastern and western massage techniques. I have been a RMT for the last 5 years. My job is to upkeep clients bodies from their daily adventures out in wilderness so they are able to continue exploring nature with less tension and can really focus on what's around them, the mountains. Each treatment will be customized and primarily focused on the needs of what each client is presenting for the day, so you are able to fully enjoy your experience at keefer lodge resort.
Laura Fleytoux
Laura is from Southern France and believe it or not, loves wine! When she is not travelling, she is sipping on a nice French Cab-Shiraz. She can do a backflip but unfortunately not on skis.
Simon Bourbonnais
Simon hails from Quebec where he brings his knowledge of farming and shredding guitars. He is also an expert beer taster and also dabbles in gin.
Jeremy West
Jeremy loves hockey, reading and all things psychology. After managing a restaurant for the last five years he is now behind the Keefer bar. Jeremy is a young entreprenuer passionate about mountains. He's been chased by 2 bears before but is still alive. We are pleased to have Jeremy safely tending bar at the lodge this season.
Shayla Aumack
Shayla comes to us from down the valley in Edgewood. When not at the lodge she loves on a farm with chickens, horse, cats and dogs. Originally from the Slocan valley she has mountains in her DNA. Shayla is very artsy. She loves felting and crochet. Shayla is planning a trip to Africa where she wants to work in an orphanage. This is her first 'away from home' job and we are happy to have her!
Dakota Rouch
Dakota loves to take photos, loves beer and LOVES to joke! He is at the lodge this season as part of the lodge and housekeeping staff.
Caleb Kouw
Caleb is a 28 year old legend joining us from Boyanup, Western Aussie Land. Here at Keefer Lake Lodge his job is to serve your smiling faces with our chef's finest cuisine. In his spare time (season permitted) you can find me chasing the biggest fish in the ocean or staring off up into the mountains dreaming about a 50 foot kicker, that I know I am completely incapable of doing! After riding an epic day, his relaxing remedy is wrapping his laughing gear around an ice cold froth doctor.
Trevor Champion
Trevor joined the team here at Keefer this past October. He has been chasing Summer for the past few years as a skydiving instructor. He decided that he wanted to get back into the snow season to shred pow! He has been shoveling snow, working in the yard and tending to our burners to ensure the lodge has heat. Once the season kicks off, he will be happy to serve you on your own amazing holiday.
Danika Seed
Danika was born and raised in Armstrong BC. If you are lucky enough to see her in the mornings you are sure to hear, "Good Morning Sunshine". It is usually the first thing she will say to you. We are thrilled that she has chosen to join our team - instead of utilizing that Civil Engineering Degree!
Operations
PETE BECHTEL
Originally from Toronto, Ontario. I played soccer in the U.S for university. After graduating I moved back to Whistler and started working at Powder mtn cat/heli skiing. I’ve been with them for 4years.
Josh Bancroft
I grew up in Northern BC and have been driving snowcats for 5 years. When I'm not at the lodge I'm usually out ice climbing or ski touring. At home my favorite thing to do is take my border collie, Doug, to the dog park.
JESSE SANBORN
Jesse can drive or repair almost any vehicle on the planet.
He even has his aircraft mechanic certification.
He helps ensure all our machinery is in top shape.
Brett Nichol
Fergus Bruce
Shawn Gray
Keefer Crew Since June 30, 2018. Radio Handel: R2-D2, the
Galaxy’s most traveled droid. Cherryville resident, and year
round employee at Keefer Lake Lodge. Yard Crew 2018-2019
Current position is Dispatch. Director of Good Times.
Professional GTSnowRacer.
KYLE SANGUIN
I am born and raised in Kelowna. I was a Wildland Firefighter for 15 years, where I developed my passion for photography; I fought the Okanagan Park Fire of 2003 and had several photos that I took on the fireline featured in different magazines and newspapers around the world. In pursuit of my passion, I attended and graduated from the Photography Program at the Centre for Arts and Technology. I am now working full time as a Photographer. In my spare time I enjoy being in the outdoors, hiking, camping, exploring and playing baseball, volleyball, golf and of course slashing the insanely deep powder in the Monashees at Keefer Lake Catskiing!!!
JEREMIE DRAINVILLE
“I jumped into photography when I was 31 and is has been the best decision. I am originally from Quebec but I have now called BC home since 2008. Let’s shred!”
Johnny Photo
After several years of appearing in photo-shoots and films, John took things to the next level and began to stand on the other side of the camera. He started what he calls "Downhill Biathlon", wherein he uses downhill skis instead of cross country skis and a camera in place of a gun. He skis ahead of his subject and takes candid shots from unobtrusive places, often unseen by the subject. John has worked with a number of high-level skiers and snowboarders and his approach to ski photography allows the athletes to enjoy their working day more, and gave movie directors and magazine editors more material to work with.
Justin "Jay" Darbyshire
Born on the coast, raised in the West Kootenays and matured in the Okanagan Jay is our resident "Jack of All Trades, Master of Some". When not at Keefer Lake manning the dispatch desk or doing "Jay Jobs" he can be found traipsing around the mountains and wilderness of BC. A fan of all seasons, Jay enjoys climbing and biking almost as much as chasing steep trees and deep snow. If you're looking for some new tunes to help keep the stoke going Jay is your guy. His tastes range from Punk Rock to Bluegrass to Acid Jazz and back again.
SEAN ARDIS
A career forest worker, affectionately known as the “Gentleman Faller.”
While his role is falling trees to create beautiful glades for skiing and cat access, he is also happy to assist skiers with their own personal falling while at Keefer Lake.
Carli Van Oene
Iain Benton
