Tantalus Mountain Guides

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Jason Budd

Contact Us
Contact Us

About Us

About Us

We help the adventurer to find their journey

At Tantalus Mountain Guides, we empower individuals to push their limits and discover their true potential in the mountains. As an Adventure Training Consultant, Jason Budd leverages over 30 years of experience in both the Canadian Forces, The British Army, and the Emergency Services. His unique background ensures a comprehensive understanding of safety, risk assessment, and emergency response, providing clients with unparalleled expertise and confidence.

Jason’s passion for nature and helping others fosters a supportive and enriching experience for all adventurers, guiding them through both physical challenges and personal growth.

Jason Budd

IFMGA Mountain Guide

Steffi Mathar

IFMGA Aspirant Mountain Guide

Our Founder & staff

Proactive Guide team

At Tantalus Mountain Guides, we specialize in crafting unforgettable mountain adventures tailored to your unique needs and skill levels. Founded by Jason Budd, a seasoned expert with a rich background in Military Service, extensive service with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services, and Squamish Search & Rescue, our company combines unparalleled safety expertise with a deep passion for the great outdoors.

Since 2010, Jason has called Squamish home, forging a profound connection with the local terrain and community. As a fully qualified IFMGA Mountain Guide, Jason offers a comprehensive range of services, including backcountry skiing, heli-skiing and heli-assisted touring, rock climbing, ice climbing, and alpine guiding. Our team, composed of equally passionate and skilled professionals, shares Jason’s vision of empowering adventurers to push their limits, discover their inner strength, and build a lasting bond with nature.

We are committed to providing a supportive and enriching experience, ensuring each journey is challenging and exciting while also being safe and memorable.

Our Mission

At the core of our Guiding and Instruction is a mission to empower individuals to challenge themselves and achieve personal growth through rewarding mountain adventures. 

We believe that the mountains are more than just a playground—they are a place for self-discovery, developing resilience, and a profound connection with the natural world. Our mission is to provide expert guidance, fostering an environment where adventurers of all skill levels can explore safely and confidently. 

By leveraging Jason’s extensive experience, we ensure that a deep commitment to safety and professional excellence underpins every adventure.

Vision and Goals

Our vision is to be a leading provider of guiding and instruction services, recognized for our exceptional safety standards, personalized experiences, and deep respect for nature. 

We strive to inspire a community of adventurers who are skilled and knowledgeable, and passionate about preserving the natural beauty of our mountainous landscapes.

Goals:

1. Safety Excellence:

Continuously enhance our safety protocols and training to ensure our clients’ highest level of security during every adventure.

2. Personalized Adventures:

Tailor each trip to meet our clients’ individual needs and skill levels, providing unique and memorable experiences.

3. Community Engagement:

Foster a supportive community of adventurers who share a passion for the outdoors and a commitment to environmental stewardship.

4. Expand our range of services:

Include more diverse and challenging adventures, catering to a broader audience and skill set.

5. Environmental Conservation:

Promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness, ensuring that our natural playgrounds remain pristine for future generations.

Let's adventure

Embark on a journey of self-discovery and connection with nature. Contact us now to plan your next adventure and make memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s explore the great outdoors together!

the hiker testimonial

what they say about us

See how our adventurers have transformed through exhilarating climbs, expert-guided skiing, and unforgettable mountain experiences with Tantalus Mountain Guides. Here’s what they have to say about their journeys:

Jason's mountain safety course was comprehensive and engaging. I learned so much about risk management and emergency response. His passion for teaching and helping others is evident in everything he does.

Chris T.

I've trained with many guides, but Jason stands out. His background in rescue and military operations adds a layer of safety and professionalism that is truly reassuring.

Mark R.

Jason's expertise and passion for the mountains are unparalleled. My backcountry skiing trip was thrilling and safe, thanks to his guidance. I can't wait for my next adventure!

John D.

Climbing with Jason was an incredible experience. His knowledge and patience made me feel confident and supported. I highly recommend his services to anyone looking to challenge themselves.

Sarah L.

Our multi-day alpine trip was unforgettable. Jason's insights into the local terrain and his encouraging attitude made the journey both enjoyable and enriching. Highly recommended!

Emily S.

Absolutely an unforgettable experience with Tantalus Mountain Guides as our heliskiing guide! From the very first moment, Jason was incredibly friendly and approachable, making everyone in the team feel comfortable and in good hands. His dedication to finding us the perfect runs was unparalleled, taking into account our preferences and skill levels, ensuring each descent was thrilling and safe. It's evident that he truly cares about offering an outstanding experience for each skier. Jason seamlessly catered to everyone's needs and made sure that the group dynamic was positive and cohesive. An exceptional guide in every way, Jason delivered a heliskiing adventure that couldn't have been more perfect. Highly recommend!

Best Regards
Stephan

Stephan Gassner (Germany)

I had the opportunity to train with Jas on crevasse rescue, rope systems, and mountaineering techniques, and his instruction was nothing short of outstanding. His depth of knowledge, calm professionalism, and clear communication made complex skills easy to understand and apply in real-world scenarios. Jason’s attention to safety and detail, combined with his passion for teaching, created an environment where I could genuinely develop confidence in high-risk environments. Whether you’re new to the mountains or looking to sharpen advanced skills, learning from Jason is a masterclass in technical excellence and leadership.

Angus H (Scotland)

I’ve known Jason for over a decade. He’s been a huge part of my growth in the mountains. Always solid, always safe, and never once made me feel small for not knowing something.
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Jason has serious depth when it comes to mountain knowledge. Technical skills, rescue, weather, decision-making, he brings it all. But more than that, he’s just a good guy to be around.No ego, no BS, just solid experience and a good sense of humor.
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Whether you’re chasing big objectives or just trying to figure out where you fit out there, Jason will shoot straight with you. He’s the kind of guide who actually listens. Whatever you're looking for in the mountains, he can help you find it.

Logan Spiegel (Squamish)

I recently had the opportunity to climb the Chief in Squamish with Jason as my guide. We tackled an 8-pitch route that combined Cream of Mice with The Upper Dyke, topping out at 10b – the highest and most challenging part of the climb. With rain in the forecast, Jason suggested an early start and a quick pace to stay ahead of the weather. Despite the need to move efficiently, he never cut corners and made safety the top priority. I felt completely secure throughout the entire climb.

Jason’s deep knowledge of the route and conditions was clear from the outset. He was incredibly professional, yet approachable and friendly – making the experience not only safe but also genuinely enjoyable. As a bonus, he even managed to snap some great photos at the summit, which made for an awesome memory. We reached the top and completed the descent just as the rain started – perfect timing thanks to his planning.

I would highly recommend Jason to anyone looking for a guide. His expertise, attention to detail, and positive attitude made this a truly unforgettable experience.

Ramesh (Arizona)