Climb Onsight Podcast

Steph Abegg is a climber, creator, and the mind behind one of the most detailed climbing resources online ➡️ https://stephabegg.com Steph’s journey is anything but ordinary. From going on her first climb with her parents at just three months old, to surviving a life-threatening accident that changed her entire approach to climbing. She dives deep into the mental, physical, and emotional challenges of recovery and how she came back stronger.

In this episode, host Shaun sits down with Seth Heydon Zaharias, co-owner of Cliffhanger Guides, the premier guiding company in Joshua Tree, California. Seth shares the full story, from tearing his MCL as an aspiring professional snowboarder in 1999, to buying a desert cabin for $9,000, starting a guiding company with just $10,000, and building respected private guiding operations in North America, all while everyone in the industry told him it couldn't be done.

What does it take to become a full alpine guide in the Canadian Rockies? In this episode, Maarten van Haeren shares his journey from the Netherlands to Canmore, building Guide the Rockies, and climbing first ascents in Pakistan.In Episode 3 of the Climb Onsight Podcast, we sit down with Maarten, ACMG Alpine Guide and founder of Guide the Rockies to unpack his path from indoor climbing in Ontario to guiding ice, alpine, and mixed routes around the world.We explore major expeditions, including climbing Altar Sar in Pakistan, guiding in Baffin Island, and upcoming ice climbing in Norway. Maarten also talks about working with brands like The North Face and Blue Ice, competing at Festiglace, and the realities of running Guide the Rockies.

What makes Thunder Bay one of Canada’s most underrated climbing destinations? In this episode, guide and route developer Aric Fishman shares how world-class rock and ice climbing, community, and adventure shaped his life and career.Shaun Rosenthal sits down with Aric Fishman, founder of Outdoor Skills and Thrills, prolific route developer, and director of the legendary Nipigon Ice Fest, Canada’s longest-running ice climbing festival.With over two decades of guiding, 200+ first ascents, and experience climbing across North America and beyond, Aric explains why Thunder Bay has become a crown jewel for climbers of all levels and how climbing knows no age. They explore Aric’s journey from his first climb in Southern Ontario to building a guiding company, developing world-class routes, and fostering an inclusive climbing community.

Talking with Jonathan Nunes, the founder of Muskoka Mountainworks, about climbing in Ontario.