The People
of Keefer

Jeff Gostlin

Owner/Operator/Guide

Keefer Lake has been Jeff's dream to create since he was a teenager. Jeff's dad took him and his brother Catskiing at the original Catskiing operation in the Selkirk Mountains. He was hooked immediately. He continued as a guest there for 7 years, and then after taking the required courses, applied to work as a tail guide. That was in 2000. Since then, he has continued his guiding career working at several different heli and cat operations throughout BC. In 2014, Jeff approached his father for support, and together they offered to purchase the tenure and property at Keefer Lake. Construction of the lodge started as soon as the snow melted in the summer of 2015. That winter, they opened the terrain for Catskiing, and the dream became a reality. There has been no looking back since then, as the Gostlin family continues to expand and develop what Keefer has become today, a year round 5 star resort catering to ecotourism with a touch of class.

Jeff lives at the lodge year round, and is always happy to take you on a tour of the property and tell you his story. In the winter you find Jeff with his skis on with his dog Loki ready to show you the best lines out there. In the summer, he is usually soaking up the sun on the dock with his kids having a blast enjoying the lake and the energy of Keefer Lake.

Dave Gostlin

General Manager / Guide

As the General Manager of Keefer Lake Lodge, Dave has been a key figure in the lodge's growth and success since its inception. Having started skiing as soon as he could walk and snowboarding at the age of 12, Dave brings a lifelong passion for the mountains to his role. His deep connection to the sport, combined with his leadership and experience, ensures that every guest at Keefer Lake Lodge enjoys an unforgettable blend of adventure and luxury in the heart of the backcountry. Dave is proud to be a part of a team that has created one of BC premier Catskiing destinations.

Brett Ritson

Operations Manager / Guide

Brett, (code name Skywalker) is basically the MacGyver of Keefer Lake! He grew up in sunny Summerland B.C. and spent most of his time outdoors. Growing up on a cherry orchard allowed him to develop skillsets at an early age that he still utilizes today. He and his wife Jessica currently reside in Cherryville B.C. with endless adventures available by just walking out their front door. Around the lodge Brett is usually behind the scenes ensuring the power is on, water is flowing, and the lodge is warm, as well as a myriad of other things.

Emma Buck

Executive Asst. to GM

Emma (Keefer Star Wars name: Ahsoka Tano) has been part of the Keefer family since 2018, when she and her husband George first joined the Lodge team. After spending some time back in the UK, Emma returned to Keefer in 2022 as a year-round team member and now proudly calls it home.

As Executive Administrator and Assistant to the General Manager, Emma plays a key role in keeping the lodge running smoothly. With her experience spanning multiple roles over the years, she knows Keefer inside and out—whether it’s managing operations, crunching numbers, or keeping projects on track.

When she’s not behind her laptop, you’ll likely find Emma outside in the mountains either hiking, mountain biking, or shredding fresh pow!

Brooke Astells

Executive Asst. to GM

Brooke grew up in Pemberton, BC, where she learned to ski at Whistler Blackcomb, and has lived in the Okanagan since 2008. She has worked at Keefer Lake Lodge for four years—spending three years leading Guest Relations and stepping into the Assistant General Manager role this season.

Brooke loves skiing deep powder and feels truly at home at Keefer, drawn to the lodge’s unique energy, strong sense of community, and that unmistakable Keefer magic.

When she’s not working, Brooke can usually be found chasing fresh turns—or adventuring with her dog Atlas, an energetic puppy currently in training to become a future ski touring dog.

Shannon Wespi

Guest Relations Manager

With a wealth of knowledge and care for Gostlins Keefer Lake Lodge, Shannon has been a cherished part of the team for 8 years. Shannon has been many things to the lodge, including Lodge Manager, and is now honing her passion and expertise to focus on Guest Relations and delivering an amazing summer event experience. Shannon decided "West is Best" when she moved from out East once upon a time, and fell in love with anything and everything that these beautiful, majestic mountains can show her. Shannon (and of course her dog Jasper in tow) enjoys exploring the beautiful area of Nakusp and beyond where she lives full time. Shannon is as excited as ever to see the lodge grow and continuously flow into new and exciting versions of itself!

Justin "Jay" Darbyshire

Winter Mtn. Operations Manager

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". Jay - AKA Han Solo - started at Keefer as the relief dispatcher and has worked his way into the pilots seat as our Winter Mountain Operations Manager.

When not at Keefer taking care of the long list of "Jay Jobs" he can be found traipsing around the interior mountain ranges of BC or leading his local Search and Rescue Team as a Search Manager and Operations Officer.

A winter resident of Rossland, where he's a Volunteer Ski Patroller, Jay is a super-fan of the steep trees and deep turns the Monashee range is known for.

During the summer months we lose him to the wilds - he can be found riding bikes and building trails across the country with the International Mountain Bike Association Canada and the Indigenous Youth Mountain Bike Program.

Having explored every resort in the interior of BC, Jay can point you in the right direction if you're looking for some pre-trip turns to get your legs ready for the big days at Keefer and if you're looking for some new tunes to help keep the stoke going Jay is your guy! His musical tastes span nearly every era and range from Punk, to Bluegrass, to Acid Jazz and back again.

Grace McAuley

Lodge Manager

Grace is stepping in as the Lodge Manager at Keefer this season, where she continues share her love of the mountains with every guest who walks through the door. A proud BC native, Grace grew up on the coast, surrounded by the natural beauty of ocean vistas and towering forests. However, six years ago she discovered the charm and close-knit community of small-town mountain life. Now, she happily divides her time between the coast and the peaks, embracing the best of both worlds.

Grace has a wide array of interests, embracing everything from the adrenaline rush of sledding to the thrill of dirt biking and countless adventures in between. Her quick wit, warm smile, and heartfelt care for others make her an indispensable member of the Keefer team. With her upbeat personality and dedication to creating memorable experiences, Grace ensures every guest feels welcomed, valued, and ready to embrace their own mountain adventure. 

Victoria Robert-Gostlin

Assistant Lodge Manager

Born and raised in Kelowna, Victoria has been chasing snow for as long as she can remember. She came to Keefer Lake Lodge for the deep powder, big terrain, and the kind of turns that stick with you long after the season ends. After years in fast-paced guest-facing roles, she now brings that same upbeat, welcoming energy to every group that arrives at the lodge. 

When she's not out chasing fresh lines, you can almost always find Vic curled up with a good book, recharging for the next powder day. 

Tegan Allpress

Guest Relations Assistant

Home base: Kiwi living in Vernon

Years riding or skiing: 3 seasons

Home mountain: The Remarkables

Interests and hobbies: Mountain biking, photography, learning Spanish, trail running, boogie-oogying and suffer fests

Years in hospo: 10 years

Career highlights: Opening up arts and culture community centre in Queenstown, NZ and being involved in a photography exhibition from an expedition to South Georgia Island.

Why are you at Keefer: I’m at Keefer because I wanted a new adventure – something I wouldn’t get at home, and I just really love working with people and being a part of creating life-long memories for people

Stephanie Runge

Guest Relations Assistant

Home base: Revy

Years of riding: 25+

Home mtn: Revelstoke Mountain Resort 

Hobbies: skiing, biking, hiking, reading

Years in hosp: 8

Career highlights: degree in business and tourism. She worked for a big European outdoor brand before coming to Keefer

Why are you at Keefer: Stephi is at Keefer because the mountains are her greatest passion and they just feel like home. There’s nothing she loves more than sharing this special place and helping guests soak up an unforgettable experience. If people leave feeling inspired, connected to the mountains and feeling a little extra stoked, then it’s been a great day.

Marissa Blaney

Marketing Coordinator

Marissa, a proud native of Lumby, BC, is in her third winter at Keefer, overseeing all our Marketing and Social Media initiatives. As the creative force behind our Keefer social media pages, she brings our brand to life online. When she’s not working, Marissa loves exploring the Monashees, hiking to the peaks during the summer, and has recently discovered her new passion for Pickleball. After an incredible season last year, she couldn't resist returning for another winter. She's excited to share her love for the Monashees and everything the backcountry has to offer once again this season.

Chris Whitehead

Supervising Guide

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.

Jon Conway

Lead Guide

Jon is a Lead Guide at Keefer Lake Catskiing accredited by the Canadian Ski Guide Association, and is a Canadian Avalanche Association Avalanche Professional. Back for his 6th year at Keefer, Jon says his favorite part about Keefer Lake is the friendships with guests and the staff. "At the end of a day of shredding pow, I usually find myself laughing till my stomach hurts with the crew while chewing on a slice of pizza fresh out of the woodfired oven. It doesn't get better than this"

Tim Shanks

Lead Guide

Jonathan Mart

Lead Guide

After spending over 23 years in the British Royal Air Force working with and training multiple military agencies in personal development through Physical Education, Adventure Training and Parachute Jumping, Jon returned back home to Canada. Over the last 15 years he has been involved with Ski Patrol, Teaching Avalanche Safety Courses and Ski Coaching. Along the way, he has gained his Canadian Ski Guide Association Level 2, Canadian Ski Instructor Association Level 3 and is a Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Associaiton. Jon is very proud to say he is part of the Keefer guiding team, a dream job for sure!

Bill Phipps

Lead Guide

Bill's professional ski career is vast and varied. He has been an avalanche forecaster for ski patrol (yeah the guy that throws the bombs), has taught avalanche courses, was an author/forecaster of a public avalanche bulletin, has worked for Avalanche Canada and has worked as both as a cat and heliski guide. In his spare time Bill manages a climbing gym called On The Rocks and teaches future climbing/mountain guides at Strathcona Park Lodge. When not working, Bill spends his time skiing, climbing, mountain biking, motorbiking and hanging out with his family. Bill loves to be outside as much as the next person and he looks forward to sharing a ski adventure with you.

Michael Wigley

Lead Guide

Michael is an international splitboarder that has ski toured on 5 continents! He plans to do all 7 one day! Michael has worked for guiding operations in far off lands in Kyrgyzstan to working ski patrol at tiny clubfields in New Zealand. From his 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 his passion and he is so excited to share days in the mountains with more passionate souls!

Guillaume Crepault

Lead Guide

Meet Guillaume, aka G$, our towering Québecois who traded poutine for powder and never looked back. In his search for the finest snow in the west, he found Keefer 4 years ago during his CSGA 1 course and never left. You can find him at the back of the pack to find the best secret stashes, the biggest features, or the worst puns.

Joey Ganie

Lead Guide

Back for his fourth year on the guide team at Keefer, no one can deny Joey’s passion for the mountains. He has traveled the world honing his backcountry skills from touring in the Southern Alps, base-jumping in the Utah desert to climbing remote granite spires. After a day shredding pow, you'll likely find Joey donning a headlamp and getting in more turns by touring the slopes behind the lodge. Armed with an arsenal of cheesy jokes, he is excited to share his passion for the mountains with you!

Levi Lawrence

Lead Guide

Jeff Ruptash

Tail Guide

Jeff is back for his 6th season guiding with the Gostlin Keefer lake family. Sharing unforgettable turns and lifetime memories with our guests, is definitely his favourite part of his job. Jeff's favorite new run is BIG NATURALS.

Andres Dean

Tail Guide

Like many who grew up in the mountains, Andres has been skiing since the age of two. Spending his life growing up in and exploring the Kootenays he developed a passion for nature and the wilderness surrounding him. When not enjoying deep snow at the back of the group on cat days at Keefer, Andres is running his business from his rural acreage in the Monashee Mountains, or volunteering with his local search and rescue team.

Bryn Mitchell

Tail Guide

Bryn Mitchell hails from Nelson, BC. He has been a tail guide at Keefer Lake Lodge for 3 seasons. Before working at Keefer, he worked as a ski patroller for 5 years on Vancouver Island.

He grew up skiing in the Rocky Mountains and knew from an early age that he wanted to spend his life on his skis, filling his mind with great memories. In the summertime he works as a grizzly bear/ polar bear viewing guide on the coast of BC and in Northern Manitoba.

George Buck

Practicum Guide

George first came to Canada in 2017 in pursuit of deep champagne powder and was not disappointed! After following the snow around British Columbia, George and his partner Emma first found Keefer in 2018 when they came to work in the lodge as servers and bartenders. 3 years later they are both back and this time you will find George outside chopping wood (or ski-touring) with his little orange dog Rodney.

Cody Rawlinson

Practicum Guide

Meet Cody, he was born and raised in Calgary AB. Spending his youth on the slopes of Sunshine Village, he quickly got bored with the groomers and ventured through the boundary gate. First with snowshoes and then with a split board, he explored every nook and cranny of Kananaskis, Highway 93N and S, and eventually graduating into the deeper snowpacks of BC, spending many nights sleeping in the parking lots of trail heads, and in cozy backcountry huts. In 2022 he left a long career as a tattoo artist to pursue a life in the interior with his fiancé and focus on his dream of becoming a Splitboard guide. In the summers he builds beautiful log homes in the Sicamous area.

Zendhar Rockall

Practicum Guide

Brydan Tollefson

Practicum Guide

Andrew Manuel

Practicum Guide

Andrew grew up in St. John’s and like many Newfies before him he moved to Alberta after finishing school. Thankfully he got lost on the way to Fort Mac and ended up in Banff chasing a snowboard dream. He has spent the last 18 years doing back to back seasons between Banff and New Zealand, coaching a handful of Slopestyle athletes and mentoring the next generation of freestyle coaches. Since 2016 Andrew has been spending more time in the backcountry and is super pumped to spend more time away from icy park jumps chasing pow in the woods with the Keefer team this winter.

Kris Hawryluik

Dispatch

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.

Loki Gostlin

Tail Guide

Loki is in charge of security and shreds the pow like no other. Follow his yodel down the hill. “woof . . . . woof . . . woof!”

Kyle Sanguin

Photographer

Kyle was born and raised in Kelowna. He was a Wildland Firefighter for 15 years, where he developed his passion for photography; Kyle fought the Okanagan Park Fire of 2003 and had several photos that he took on the fireline featured in different magazines and newspapers around the world. In pursuit of his passion, he attended and graduated from the Photography Program at the Centre for Arts and Technology. Kyle is now working full time as a Photographer. In his spare time he enjoys 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 “Jalapeno” Drainville

Photographer

Jeremie “Jalapeno” hails from Gatineau, Quebec. His love for snowboarding brought him to BC in 2008 and he’s been a resident of Nelson, BC for the past 10 years. At the end of the 2014 winter, Jeremie fractured his left kneecap snowboarding in a freeride competition called Wrangled the Chutes.

We first met Jalapeno when he was part of the crew that built the Black Bear Lodge known as Gostlin Keefer Lake Lodge.

After building the lodge Jeremie ventured to Peru to complete a 12-day Full transformational Ayahuasca retreat. From there he learned to confront his fear and enrolled into the Professional Photography program at the Centre for Arts & Technology in Kelowna, BC where he graduated with the best student award.

Soon after graduation Jeremie and Jeff were chatting together, and Jeff invited him to a tryout at Keefer for the photographer position during the Catskiing season. Jeremie’s two weeks tryout turned into 4 weeks and every other winter after that.

Not only can he take good Catskiing photos, but he’s also going to be dropping all the cliffs in sight with his camera gear on!

Since the spring of 2022, Jeremie is now Keefer Lake social media coordinator. We are inviting you to say hello to him on all of our platforms.

Jackson Prebushewski

Lead Cat Operator/Road Builder

Jackson was born and raised in Cherryville. He loves all things outdoors and is back for his 3rd year at Keefer!

Liam Sanborn

Cat Operator/Road Builder

Born and raised in Cherryville Liam has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and the opportunity to spend his time in the surrounding mountains. Growing up Liam and his family spend all their time at Keefer lake and he is super stoked that he gets continue spending time at Keefer!

Jim Lagerquist

Cat Operator

"Hello there" -Obi-Wan Kenobi

Jim (recently promoted to “Obi-Wan”) was born and raised in Cherryville, BC. Since he was 18, he’s been working out in the woods Timber Cruising and Firefighting, and now Jim is running passenger snowcats at Keefer Lake Lodge since the 2022/23 season. In the evenings, he can often be found playing music in the lodge!

Jason Lafaut

Cat Operator

Born and raised in the mountains of B.C. Snowboarder by design, operator by choice. Jason Lafaut, 54, is a seasoned snowboarder with a passion for carving up the slopes. Known for his larger-than-life personality and signature bold look, Jason brings energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. Whether he's hitting the mountain or enjoying a chill day with friends, his love for adventure and the outdoors never fades. Big in stature and spirit, Jason proves that age is just a number when it comes to living life to the fullest.

Travis Hoogland

Cat Operator

Travis grew up on a chicken farm in Armstrong BC. In his teens he discovered skiing and fell in love with being in the mountains. From then on, he spent his free time during the winters skiing up at his home mountain of Silverstar and spent his summers dirt biking and camping. After moving around BC for a few years and doing some college, Travis joined the Maintenance team at Keefer Lake Lodge in the fall of 2021 and has now began operating the Keefer snowcats!

Pete Bechtel

Cat Operator

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.

Daniel McCormack

Property Supervisor

Meet the thunder from down under, ready to shred our finest frozen Canadian waves! Hailing from Australia, Daniel brings the heat and energy to the slopes while also making sure the Keefer property is looking always spiffy. He's eager to carve through fresh powder and tackle every challenge with style this winter.

Nate Riehl

Head Carpenter

His rugged looks may make him look like a Duck Dynasty brother, but he is way more than that. Nate, also known as K2SO, is originally from High River but is now a proud Cherryville resident. As Keefer’s in-house carpenter, Nate has an eye for beautiful, finished furniture and has all the necessary skills to construct anything to help the vision of Keefer come true.

Dakota Becker

Labourer

James Hanes

Labourer

Shane Rapin

Labourer

Devin Himmelspeck

Labourer

Shawn Gray

Labourer

Shawn, also known as R2D2, was born in Winnipeg but has since made the move to become a Cherryville resident and a long-time legendary member of the Keefer family. Shawn knows the ins and outs of Keefer’s operations and has many skills that have contributed to making him Keefer’s very own Galactic pyro cannon master.

Evan Roberton

Executive Chef

Chef Evan Robertson is a graduate of SAIT and has over two decades of industry experience at notable restaurants across Western Canada, including Edmonton’s Hardware Grill, the Aerie Resort on Vancouver Island, and had great success making Calgary a culinary destination by building the Pig and Duke into one of Canada’s best gastropubs and elevating the national dining scene at MARKET on the trendy 17th Ave before moving out to BC’s beautiful Okanagan Valley. Dedicated to training, mentoring and cultivating culinary passion, Chef Evan is a member of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Val d’Okanagan.

Chef Robertson has been featured on the Food Networks popular TV series “You Got To Eat Here”. And his love for the outdoors, foraging wild ingredients and gourmet cooking were combined together and showcased in the Canadian backcountry TV series, Chef vs Wild.

Most recently Evan received Gold Medal Plates recognition for his sustainably sourced, local menu while building relationships with neighbouring farmers and artisan producers at Naramata's Hillside Winery.

“It is inspiring having the tallest peak in the Monashee Mountain range out my kitchen window… I am humbled and excited that Keefer Lake Lodge decided I would be a good fit for their already successful Luxury Backcountry Lodge. I look forward ensuring the Lodges culinary program continues to promote the very best of the Okanagan Valley region to our International guests by working closely with the amazing local farmers, ranchers and artisan producers.”

Eric Martin

Lead Chef

Eric is based in Penticton and brings 17 years of hospitality experience to the Keefer team. Eric’s passion lies in creating memorable guest experiences and continuing to grow within the hospitality industry.

A defining moment in Eric’s career was making the bold decision to leave everything behind in his hometown and move to Penticton without knowing anyone, a leap that opened the door to new career paths and opportunities. Outside of work, he enjoys unwinding with video games and getting hands-on with woodworking and epoxy projects.

Eric is at Keefer to further his passion for hospitality and push his career to the next level, embracing new challenges and opportunities along the way.

Jason "Jay" Embree

Sous Chef

Jason is based in Okanagan Falls and brings 25 years of hospitality experience to the Keefer team. A passionate mountain enthusiast, he has spent 12 years snowboarding, 5 years skiing, and recently added splitboarding to his winter repertoire, with Baldy as his home mountain.

Outside of work, Jason enjoys mountain biking, paddle boarding, painting, and playing guitar — creative outlets that mirror his hands-on approach to hospitality. A career highlight includes receiving recognition in Vancouver magazines for his Okanagan-based coffee shop.

Jason is at Keefer for the balance it offers between meaningful work and an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle.

Liam Coulombe

Sous Chef

Liam is based in Penticton and brings 8 years of hospitality experience to the Keefer team. A lifelong skier with 13 years on snow, he calls Apex his home mountain and thrives in fast-paced, creative environments.

Liam’s career highlights include buying and operating a food truck, staging at ARVI, and being part of a team voted Best New Restaurant in Canada in 2019 — milestones that reflect his drive and entrepreneurial spirit. Outside of work, he enjoys making things, whether that’s money, adventures, or love.

Liam is at Keefer for the great energy of the team and as a fantastic way to stay busy and inspired through the winter season.

Carey Haslam

Chef De Partie

Carey is based in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and brings an impressive 37 years of hospitality experience to the Keefer team. Although new to skiing and riding, Carey is passionate about food, people, and creating unforgettable experiences for guests.

Career highlights include cooking for the Winter Olympics and working as a private chef for Mr and Mrs Washington — experiences that reflect both skill and versatility at the highest level. Outside of the lodge, Carey loves entertaining and travelling, always drawing inspiration from new places and cultures.

Carey is at Keefer for the lodge lifestyle — a work-hard, play-hard environment, a strong sense of community, and, most importantly, the people.

Gavin Bremmer

First Cook

Gavin is based in Penticton, BC and brings 8 years of hospitality experience to the Keefer team. A dedicated skier with 17 years on snow, he calls Apex his home mountain and feels most at home in the mountains.

Outside of work, Gavin enjoys long sessions of Frosthaven, along with other board and card games, video games, and building PCs for himself and friends. When he’s not gaming, you’ll likely find him skiing, hiking, or out on the disc golf course.

Career highlights include surviving three years at the Gunbarrel and backpacking in the mountains alongside his chef — experiences that reflect both resilience and a love for the outdoors. Gavin is at Keefer because he loves the mountains, loves skiing, and values being part of an amazing team.

Emilee Nelson

First Cook

Emilee is currently based wherever the wind takes her with Penticton as home for now. With 18 years on snow and Powder King as her home mountain, she brings a deep love for winter and the outdoors to the Keefer team.

When she’s not in the kitchen or on the mountain, Emilee can be found drawing, journaling, cooking and baking for friends, spontaneously heading out on road trips, and connecting with nature whether that’s touching ferns, mushrooms, and trees, or learning and sharing in her friends’ hobbies.

Emilee began her hospitality journey as a summer dishwasher, where working alongside Chef Evan and his team opened her eyes to the depth, creativity, and passion behind food. She’s at Keefer because she was offered an opportunity she couldn’t resist and for the chance to keep working with an incredible team in the mountains.

Eric Marin-Lamette

Cook

Shadoe Rowe

Prep Cook

Erin Green

Massage Practitioner

Erin is back for her third year at Keefer and is the first recipient of the C3PO Sparkle Award. Her magic hands make everything sparkle, from organizing the retail area, to giving magical post ski massages. Be sure to book a massage with her this season, pure bliss! No matter your mood, Erin’s upbeat attitude will put a big smile on your face.

Erin grew up in Blue River and Jasper, making the mountains forever in her heart. She lives in Cherryville, which is not too far from here. A big hugger, Erin loves her days off at home snuggled up with her husband watching comfort shows. In the Summer they enjoy fishing which can’t be argued as Erin has a picture in her wedding dress out on the boat. 

Lachlan Dennis

Sommelier

The original Lachlan at Keefer……

Born in Adelaide South Australia and from a young age was immersed in the rich wine and food culture for which the region is famous. While completing a Bachelor of Commerce he began working in restaurants and became very interested in the wine and beverage aspects of the business. After moving to Perth Western Australia, he began working for Warren Mead as the wine and beverage manager at the Meads Restaurant group. While working for the Mead group, Lachlan started his formal wine education completing the WSET program up to the Level 3.

Taking the opportunity to travel on a youth visa program, Lachlan spent the next 3 years travelling extensively through the wine regions of the world using London as a base, working for Coe Vintners Wine Importers. Whilst working for Coe’s he completed his WSET Level 4 diploma.

Like many of his compatriots, Lachlan then came to Canada for ski season in 2003 and never left…. For the last 20 years he has been working as a wine importer, educator and sommelier for some of Toronto’s and Ottawa’s premier Restaurant’s.

3 years ago, in a culmination of his 2 great passions, skiing and wine Lachlan returned to BC and Keefer Lake Lodge.

Nathan Milligan

Sommelier

Nathan grew up in Kelowna since the age of 2, where he developed a love for every season the Okanagan has to offer! He found a passion for the outdoors and board sports by the age of 10 through snowboarding, skateboarding, wakeboarding and skimboarding.

Nathan graduated from Okanagan College with a BBA, majoring in Tourism and Hospitality and minoring in Marketing. His post secondary education, and Italian heritage, inspired him to pursue his passion for wine and the rapid growth of the Okanagan’s wine industry. He has level 3 WSET and has developed a career centred around wine for the past 12 years.

As an avid traveler (36 countries explored) Nathan is always planning his next adventure/culture shock. In the summer seasons when he’s not traveling, Nathan spends most of his time on golf courses or visiting local vineyards.

Alex Ross

Bartender

Rax Kavloor grew up on the rugged coast of Nova Scotia, carving turns on icy hills and building the foundation of a lifelong passion for snowboarding. Twenty years ago, that passion pulled him west to Whistler, where he found his true home in the mountains and discovered the deep magic of West Coast powder and backcountry adventure.

After visiting Keefer Lake Lodge for the first time last summer, Rax immediately connected with the lodge, the landscape, and the people. Now in his second year with the team, he leads and elevates the beverage program, bringing his expertise, creativity, and passion for great cocktails to every guest experience.

With two decades of experience in the bar and restaurant industry, Rax has played a key role in launching venues across Canada, from luxury hotels to high-energy nightclubs. His hospitality expertise is matched only by his love for the outdoors. When he’s off the clock, he’s usually exploring the backcountry—touring on his splitboard or sledding through pristine alpine terrain.

Known to some by his given name, Alexander Ross, and to many by his Star Wars–inspired trail name Rax Kavloor, he brings personality, passion, and professionalism to every guest interaction. His love for hospitality, deep mountain experience, and dedication to exceptional service make him a strong and valued member of the Keefer Lake Lodge family.

Tamara Goodridge

Lodge Hand

Tamara joins us from the wonderful community of Cherryville and is excited to be part of the Keefer family while staying close to home. Originally from the Shuswap, she’s always loved the Interior’s strong sense of community and connection.

An outdoor enthusiast through and through, Tamara makes the most of every season. In the winter, she loves getting out in the snow, especially snow biking, and when summer arrives, she switches over to dirt biking and exploring the trails.

Energetic, adventurous, and community-minded, Tamara brings a positive spirit to the team, and we’re thrilled to have her.

Crysta Emerson

Lodge Hand

Crysta is from Lumby and is happy to experience her third winter as part of the Keefer family. Like many of the Keefer staff, she is originally from Ontario and has lived in beautiful BC for a few years now. Crysta is excited to be one of our housekeeper fairies, you won’t see her often but you’ll know she has been working hard!

Crysta has a kind, gentle attitude, which makes sense since she is a busy mom of 3 kids and 2 pups! Her and the family love a good road trip, long drives singing along to their favourite songs. Crysta enjoys living a quiet life surrounded by nature and animals. She has been a vegetarian for many years and loves cooking up tasty veggie meals.

Shevon Purcell

Lodge Hand

Originally from Edmonton but now a local living in Edgewood. Moonlights as a hairstylist. Has one husband. Two goats. And some geese. Been in hospitality for 20 years.

Is currently obsessed with pickleball and holds the title as the YOUNGEST pickleball player on the Edgewood team!! On a slow day will find her avidly dancing with the elderly community of Edgewood and the most recent dance accomplishment is the "Meat and Potatoes" dance. Please ask for a demonstration whenever you see her!

Madi Robertson

Lodge Hand

Madison brings 7 years of experience in the hospitality industry and a genuine passion for creating great guest experiences. When she’s not at work, you’ll likely find her outdoors—camping, swimming, or fishing whenever she can. Big White is her home mountain, and during her first year here at Keefer, she’s especially excited to try Catskiing. When it’s time to slow things down, Madison enjoys cozy days at home with her pup, working on crochet projects and getting creative with arts and crafts.

Riley Ferguson

Lodge Hand

From Squamish and on skis since she could walk, Riley loves ski touring, trail running, and hiking. An apprentice ACMG hiking guide in the summers, she previously worked in the snowboard industry—though she’ll still remind you she’s a skier at heart. This winter, she’s trading coastal snot for Monashee cold smoke and making sure everyone who rides here feels just as excited about it as she is.

Alexandria Keith

Lodge Hand

Alexandria brings energy, humour, and unmistakable Italian warmth to her role as Lodge Hand at Keefer Lake Lodge. She’s been skiing since she was little and is happiest when she’s busy, social, and making guests feel relaxed and at home.

When she’s off shift, you’ll usually find Alexandria climbing, baking cakes, crafting, making homemade pasta (a skill she takes very seriously), or adding to her ever-growing collection of goose-themed dishware.

Bianca Gostlin 

Lodge Hand

Bianca has been at the Keefer Lake Lodge since she was six years old! But this year is the first year she will be working at the Lodge and facing her fears of hitting the big Keefer slopes! Bianca’s home base is Kelowna, and she has grown up skiing the slopes of Big White, until recently where she has switch to snowboarding. She is new to the hospitality world but keen to make her mark at the lodge and experience what the mountains around Keefer have to offer.

Lachlan "Lochie" Wallis

Shop Foreman

Lochie is the younger of the two Lochie’s on staff and also from Australia. Raised in a small ski town called Jindabyne, Lochie was skiing and snowboarding from a young age and also trained on snow machinery at his home resort of Thredbo. This Lochie’s second season at the lodge and he is keen to get out and enjoy the mountains on his sled and snowboard.

Brent Mazu

HD Mechanic

Along with some of the other staff brent was born and raised in Cherryville. Brent was here at the very beginning of the operation and after working in Vernon for a few years is back for more! He is excited to get out on the mountain and enjoy the winter.

Brittnea Murray

Bookkeeper

Britt comes to us from California where she obtained her accounting degree from California State University. Britt learned to ski in Lake Tahoe at 5 years old and moved to Canada in 2016 where she became a dual citizen. In her free time, Britt plays tennis and spends the summers in the Gulf Islands of western Canada. Britt helps to ensure Keefer’s financial health and is excited to contribute to our growth!