HIGH COUNTRY VETERANS ADVENTURES
Mission
High Country Veterans Adventures is a State and Federally recognized 501(c)(3) Non-Profit charitable organization. We were founded and incorporated in April of 2016 in Summit County Colorado and received Federal Internal Revenue Service recognition as a non-profit in September of 2016.
We are driven and committed to serving the U.S. Veteran. This small slice of the population has selflessly sacrificed in service to our great nation. Their commitment comes at a great cost to the Veteran, who must endure sacrifices and hardships along the way. We recognize that not all wounds are visible and we have found a great way for Veterans to enjoy some time off, reconnect with nature, and socialize with fellow Veterans. Our initial goal is to provide the Veteran a tailored outdoor adventure at no cost.
Take a look below at our passionate team.
Guides
When I am not serving as a board member and handling the financial documents for HCVA, I serve as guide for our trips. I have been a part of the Summit County community for 8 years. I moved from Fort Collins after earning an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science from Colorado State University. Since arriving in Breckenridge, skiing and ski mountaineering have become my passions. I have completed my NREMT certification, AIARE Avalanche Level 1 and 2 certifications, an AIARE Avalanche Companion Rescue certification, and a Technical Ropes Certification from CMC. This season I will also be completing coursework in Alpine Rescue and Wilderness Emergency Medicine. When I'm not skiing you can find me mountain biking, rafting, climbing, or playing the violin in the Summit County Community Orchestra. Click on my name if you would like to learn more!
I am a retired United States Coast Guard Veteran, who moved to Colorado for a new life challenge. I am a graduate of Colorado Mountain College, Leadville with dual degrees in Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Outdoor education. I am perusing my Bachelors degree in Outdoor Education with a Leadership Emphasis at Western Colorado University; following with a Masters in Social Work. My certifications include: Wilderness First Responder, AIARE 1, 2, and Rescue, LNT, and Mental First Aid, and more. When I'm not taking courses to improve my knowledge, I spend the majority of my time volunteering around town or practicing outdoor skills. Past outdoor achievements include hiking the Appalachian and Pacific Crest Trail. Click on my name if you would like to learn more!
Austin Finnell
I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran who moved back to Colorado to pursue a career in the outdoor industry. I studied at the University of Colorado-Boulder before my time in the Marines as an Infantry Officer and Light Armored Reconnaissance Leader. I currently work as a ski patroller and hunting guide in Summit County, CO. I am a certified Wilderness EMT, an American Avalanche Association Professional Level 1 and Recreational Level 1, and Avalanche Companion Rescue certified. When I'm not taking courses to improve my knowledge, I spend the majority of my time in the backcountry.
I am a United States Army Veteran. I moved back to Colorado after separating because of my love for the Rocky Mountains. I graduated in 2018 from University of Colorado with a degree in Strength and Conditioning. I currently study at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville with a focus in Outdoor Recreation Leadership. My current certifications are Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 1 and Rescue, ACA SwiftWater Rescue, BackCountry Navigation, LNT Trainer, AHA CPR and First Aid, and Mental Health First Aid. I currently volunteer as a member of Lake County Search and Rescue, amongst other organizations. I enjoy Mountain Biking, backpacking, whitewater rafting, skiing, and speed flying/ paragliding. I really enjoy anything outdoors with my two cattle dogs by my side.
I am a United States Marine Corps Veteran who moved to Colorado to pursue a career in the outdoor industry. I am pursuing a degree in Outdoor Recreational Leadership at CMC in Leadville. I have trained as a mountaineer and worked as a raft guide and when I am not volunteering or doing school work, I can be found leading teens on backcountry trips in summit county. I have a Wilderness First Responder, AIARE 1, LNT, and mental first aid certification. When I'm not taking courses to improve my knowledge, I spend most of my time exploring and planning trips. Click on my name to learn more!
After spending my childhood vacationing in Breckenridge and my early adulthood as a Sailor traveling the world, I knew the mountains were where I needed to be upon separating from the Navy in 2020. After a quick couple of years living in Denver and getting fed up with I-70 traffic, I found myself moving to Steamboat Springs and earning an Intro to Ski Guiding Level 1 certificate from Colorado Mountain College, as well as Wilderness First Responder, AIARE 1 and Rescue, Backcountry Navigation, and CPR/AED. Most of my time is spent outdoors running, skiing, snowboarding, practicing yoga or packrafting when I’m not working my day job at Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports helping those with disabilities enjoy everything Mother Earth has to offer. You can also find me nerding out on my latest passion, beekeeping!
