In the quiet rhythm of boots and tires on dirt and the steady sweep of mountain horizons, there are those who don’t just follow the trail, they know it. In Nakusp, Alex Marshall leads with heart and vision, rallying a passionate crew of volunteers through the Nakusp & Area Bike Society to plan, build, and maintain a trail network designed for everyone – rooted in inclusivity, shaped by community, and open to all who want to explore.
While, in Invermere, Chris Skinner guides with a different kind of compass – one tuned to the awe of the Canadian Rockies and Purcell Mountains, leading visitors beyond the obvious to beautiful places that make you feel wonderfully small, and impossibly lucky to stand among such towering peaks and endless valleys. Together, they are the ones who know the way – guiding others to connection, belonging, and the wonder of wild places in the Birthplace of Adventure.
ALEX MARSHALL
Alex is the driving force behind the Nakusp & Area Bike Society (NABS) as Trail Manager in the Arrow Lake Valley. With dedication and vision, he leads a passionate team of volunteers in planning, building, and maintaining trails that connect people to nature—and to each other.
Under Alex’s guidance, NABS has created a trail network that prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility. From beginner-friendly paths near Arrow Lake to adaptive mountain bike (aMTB) routes designed for riders of all abilities, his work ensures that mountain biking is welcoming for families, seniors, adaptive riders, and visitors – not only seasoned athletes.
The Mt. Abriel Recreation Site, located 8-km north of Nakusp, has blossomed under NABS’s leadership into a hub of outdoor adventure, community connection, and local tourism. Each season, Alex leads and shapes the trail system with thoughtful design, careful construction, and ongoing maintenance, always with the goal of creating experiences that inspire and bring people together.
“I really enjoy the camaraderie and knowledge base of our local community, and the willingness to share it with others”, explains Alex.
For Alex, trail building isn’t just about mountain biking, it’s about community. His work fosters opportunities for volunteers, students, adaptive riders, and outdoor enthusiasts to connect, explore, and celebrate Nakusp together, strengthening the bonds that make this community a vibrant, welcoming place to ride and play.
“I really enjoy the open and welcoming mindset. People with all sorts of backgrounds and beliefs are side by side doing what they love“, adds Alex – when we asked what’s your favourite thing about your community’s vibe.
CHRIS SKINNER
Chris Skinner is a certified Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) hiking guide, wilderness professional, and the passionate owner/operator of Playwest Mountain Experience. As a mountain safety practitioner with Panorama Mountain Resort, he brings expertise, care, and authenticity to every adventure.
Since moving to the Columbia Valley in the mid-1990s, Chris has made Invermere his home, spending over two decades exploring, learning from, and connecting deeply with the land. His profound knowledge of local flora, fauna, geology, and history allows him to transform every guided trip into a journey of discovery, where guests don’t just see the mountains – they feel them.
In winter, Chris applies his skills as an avalanche technician, ensuring the Panorama Resort’s mountains remain safe while inspiring confidence and respect for their power. His dedication shines through in the glowing reviews from visitors, reflecting his commitment to creating meaningful, memorable, and transformative outdoor experiences.
“You know, people think ‘adventure’ is just about the adrenaline. But at Playwest, we see it differently. We tell everyone: you’ve got to disconnect from that digital leash first. If you don’t kill the noise, you can’t reconnect – not with nature, and definitely not with yourself. Once you’re grounded, then we explore. We go find those hidden spots that remind you how small (and lucky) you are. By the time we’re heading home, you’re finally ready to engage with the world again on your own terms. That’s the mantra we live by every single day”, shares Chris.
Driven by passion and guided by purpose, Chris Skinner embodies the spirit of sharing the mountains he loves with all who seek to explore them.
Cover photo feature Chris Skinner in Invermere, photo by Marty Clemens.
