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Jayson Simons-Jones

IFMGA Mountain Guide & Photographer  Image
Hometown Upstate New York
Current Town Boulder, Colorado
Instagram @jayson.simons.jones

For the past 25 years, Jayson has been lucky enough to make a livelihood out of his passion for climbing and skiing and sharing these activities with others. He got his start as a 24-year-old instructor with the Colorado Outward Bound School before moving into the AMGA track of professional mountain guiding, earning his IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide license in 2014. Today, Jayson makes a living primarily as a mountain guide and photographer through his company, Lotus Alpine Adventures, spending most of his time between Colorado and the Alps. Along the way, Jayson has also been a ski patroller, avalanche forecaster, snowcat ski guide, heli-ski guide and business owner.

Which of Stio's values personally align to you?

I find that all of Stio's values align with me, and that is why I am so excited and honored to be an ambassador for the brand. As a mountain guide and outdoor educator I have always seen it as part of my role and responsibility to be a caretaker for the environments I travel and work in. I believe that everyone should have access to the outdoors and the power that playful experiences can have on one's soul. Innovation is a constant reminder to always strive to do and be better, and not to rest in complacency. And lastly, how balance is the key that makes it all work, and is something that as humans we should all seek to embrace more in our lives at work and play.

How do you create balance in your daily life?

I try and find balance in my life by taking time each day, no matter how big or small, to connect with physical movement. Whether a huge day in the mountains on skis or climbing ropes from dawn to sunset, or just a quick afternoon spin on the bike on the local trails, or even just a 30-minute walk around the block. I find that taking time each day to move my body with intention and mindfulness grounds me and helps me find balance.

What is a bucket list activity you have yet to do or a place that you have yet to go?

Ski touring in Norway.

What is your go-to workout music?

Hahah, my playlist will range in anything from 80s and 90s punk rock like Fugazi, to Metallica, all the way to hip hop like The Roots, or Wu-Tang Clan, to extended live recordings of early 1970s-era Grateful Dead for those long endurance missions when getting in the zone is key!

What is a piece of advice you would give to someone who wants to pursue a life of mountain sports and adventures?

Know your 'why.' Inevitably, a life pursuing mountain sports and adventures will involve some hardship, difficulty, injuries and likely tragedy. This is inevitable. Having a clear understanding of your 'why' will help build personal resiliency for when those challenging times happen.