Behind the scenes with Breanne Johnson—the Yukon’s only female ski guide.
Breanne Johnson is a biological technician for Yukon Fish and Wildlife by trade but spends her off time guiding in the Yukon‘s remote-as-it-gets wilderness. Juggling two demanding careers would seem impossible to most people, but to Breanne, it’s how she fulfills her passion. And she’s encouraging others to follow in her impressive tracks.
An avalanche near-miss in the backcountry helped blaze Breanne’s unique path to guiding. “Instead of letting fear push me away from the mountains, I leaned into it,” she explains. “I wanted to understand everything I could about snow safety and decision-making. That curiosity became the driving force behind my guiding career.”
A Chat with Breanne Johnson
Interview by Michael Misselwitz.
Q: What inspired you to pursue ski guiding, and how did you get started?
Breanne: Some people know they want to be a guide from day-one, and take a direct path into certification. For me, it was much more organic. I grew up spending time outdoors, but it wasn’t until I started backcountry skiing during university that I truly fell in love with the mountains. I wanted to be out there all the time, and as I gained more experience, I realized I wanted to deepen my knowledge—both for my own safety and to help others.
Q: Your journey was influenced by an avalanche experience. How did that shape your path?
Breanne: That moment was a turning point. It made me realize how much I still had to learn. Instead of letting fear push me away from the mountains, I leaned into it—I wanted to understand everything I could about snow safety and decision-making. That curiosity became the driving force behind my guiding career.
Q: What was the biggest challenge in becoming an ACMG-certified guide?
Breanne: The process is intense—it’s like earning a master’s degree, but without a set structure. You have to build your experience on your own, taking courses, logging ski traverses, and gaining mentorship wherever you can. It took me years to develop the right resume to even apply for the program. When I finally got in, I realized I had already been preparing for this path without knowing it.
Q: You’re the only female ACMG guide in the Yukon. What does that mean to you?
Breanne: It’s both exciting and a little isolating at times. I think there’s a huge opportunity for more women to enter guiding, especially here in the Yukon, where there’s a growing demand for female-led trips. Many women feel more comfortable learning in a space led by another woman. I’d love to create more opportunities for that in the future.
Q: Have you faced any unique challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field?
Breanne: I’ve been lucky to work with great teams, but there’s always a bit of imposter syndrome when you’re often the only woman in the room. Sometimes you wonder if you’re good enough, even when you clearly are. Female mentorship in guiding is still rare, and that’s something I hope changes as more women get into the profession.
“I’ve been lucky to work with great teams, but there’s always a bit of imposter syndrome when you’re often the only woman in the room.”
Q: What role does passion play in your work as a guide?
Breanne: Passion is everything. Ski guiding isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle. I don’t do this full-time because I have another career, but guiding fulfills a different need—it lets me share something I love with others. If you’re not passionate about it, you won’t make it through the years of training and personal investment it takes to become a guide.
Q: How has the ACMG X Helly Hansen Mentorship Program helped your journey?
Breanne: This program has been a game-changer. Professional mentorship is expensive—normally, you have to pay for every day of training. The Mentorship Program allows guides like me to learn from seasoned professionals in real-world settings without that financial barrier. It’s a huge confidence boost to be recognized and supported by both ACMG and Helly Hansen.
Q: Why is Helly Hansen’s involvement in the mentorship program significant?
Breanne: Most brands support athletes, but Helly Hansen is investing in guides. That’s a big deal. Guides are the ones educating others, leading safe experiences, and shaping the future of outdoor recreation. Their involvement elevates the entire industry and helps make guiding more accessible to the next generation.
Q: What makes Helly Hansen gear a good fit for professional guides?
Breanne: When you’re guiding, your gear isn’t just about comfort—it’s about safety and reliability. Helly Hansen’s outerwear is built for professionals, which means it holds up in extreme conditions and keeps you dry, warm, and mobile. The attention to detail is huge; features like durable zippers, breathable fabrics, and functional layering make a real difference in the field.
Q: What advice would you give to someone considering ski guiding?
Breanne: Be ready for a long journey, but know that it’s worth it. Build your experience because you love it, not just to check off a list. And if you’re nervous or intimidated, lean into that. Fear means you care—use it to fuel your learning and growth. If you stay curious and persistent, you’ll find your own path in this incredible career.
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