At Lasting Adventures, we’re always excited to welcome new talent to the team, and our guide Janus brings an impressive blend of experience, curiosity, and a calming presence to every adventure. With a background in physics and computer science 🧑💻🔬, Janus may have taken an unconventional path into guiding, but once you hit the trail with him, it’s clear he was made for this work.
From New York to the Sierra 🌄
Originally from New York 🗽, Janus grew up camping and hiking with friends and family. His love for the outdoors deepened through summer camps and university outings. “At university, I found a passion for teaching these skills to others,” he says, “and going on bigger trips to exciting new places.” That passion for mentorship and adventure set the stage for a career built around learning, leadership, and exploration.
Guiding Roots and Growing Passion 🌱
While working with a conservation corps 🌲, Janus found himself drawn to more challenging terrain and bigger leadership opportunities. “I wanted to share more of my outdoor knowledge,” he recalls, and that desire led him toward professional guiding. Since then, he’s earned an impressive list of certifications, including:
❤️ Basic Life Support CPR
🏥 Wilderness EMT
🧠 Mental Health First Aid
❄️ AIARE Avalanche Rescue & A3 Avalanche Level 1
🎿 PSIA Alpine Level 1 Ski Instructor & Children’s Ski Specialist
His thoughtful, safety-first approach ensures guests feel not only supported but also empowered.
Excited for Yosemite 🏞️
This will be Janus’s first season guiding with Lasting Adventures, and he’s stoked to get started. “I’m excited about the opportunity to work in Yosemite National Park and meet many new faces while finding hidden gems together!” His favorite view so far? Looking up at Mount Dana from the Dana Plateau—a spot that perfectly captures Yosemite’s majesty 🏔️.
Off the Trail ⛷️📸📚
When he’s not leading trips, you’ll likely find Janus backcountry skiing, rock climbing, or mountaineering. Off the mountain, he enjoys reading, photography, and yes—hammocking 😎. Around the fire, you might catch him humming the Spongebob Campfire Song 🎶. “It always gets stuck in my head after making a fire,” he admits.
And his favorite backcountry meal? Pizza with all the toppings! 🍕🔥
Guiding Philosophy 💬
For Janus, guiding is about more than just reaching a destination. “I think the most important skill a guide can share is confidence,” he says. “Knowing you have the problem-solving ability to thrive in a wilderness setting is crucial.”
He believes every great guide—and outdoor educator—should bring:
- 🌟 A calming presence
- 🙌 Respect
- 🧠 Curiosity
When asked about mentors, Janus reflects on his Wilderness First Responder instructor from 2017: “He was a seasoned outdoor guide and provided a lot of helpful insight about navigating the industry.”
Pro Tips from Janus 🎒✅
Must-have gear?
👟 “A comfortable pair of footwear. If your feet hurt, it’s harder to have fun.”
What to leave behind?
🧴 “Too many toiletries. Bring only the essentials!”
Keep an eye out for Janus this season—you might spot him crafting a trail pizza, pointing out secret Yosemite vistas, or quietly guiding his group with wisdom and warmth. We’re thrilled to have him on the team! 🌟