SUMMIT SHAKER 2024

Sylvia Forest, this year’s Patron of the Mountain Guide’s Ball, was born to become one of a rare breed. Part of a family of wilderness adventurers, she began her career as a backcountry explorer at a young age, and by her early twenties had gained experience on many big mountains, including Mt. Aoraki (Cook), Mt. Robson, Mt. Kenya, and Mt. Denali (McKinley). Sylvia has climbed a number of major peaks in Canada, including the first female ascent of the East Ridge of Mt. Logan, as well as in Africa and South America (including Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere). 

Her skills, knowledge, and natural aptitude led her into a career in the warden service at a time when women were only beginning to make inroads into this demanding profession.  

Her real passion was for guiding and rescue, and in 2001 she became the fifth woman in Canada to achieve her full Mountain Guide Certification. In this capacity, she worked extensively in the heli-ski industry, guide certification, teaching avalanche courses both locally and internationally, and leadership courses—especially courses for women. She served for eight years on the ACMG Board of Directors: two as Interior Director; two as Vice-President; and four years as the ACMG’s second woman President. In her career, Sylvia has guided in Antarctica, Mexico, and Svalbard, taught industry level avalanche courses in Japan and Sweden, and been instrumental in many rescues, often in hazardous conditions. 

Sylvia has been a member of both the Alpine Club of Canada and the Calgary Mountain Club since 1976—48 years!—and was the first President of the CMC, back in (about) 1980. In addition to guiding many camps for the ACC, this summer will see her twenty-fifth year serving as a guide for the ACC‘s General Mountaineering Camp.