Who are we?
your Local Guides
Vitamin Ski is a backcountry education and guiding company rooted in Kaslo, BC — blending certified expertise with playful energy and a deep respect for the land.
We’re here to help you feel more confident in the mountains, whether you’re taking your first avalanche course or chasing powder on a heli-accessed day. Every trip, every course, and every connection is built around what we call your dose of Vitamin Ski — mountain knowledge, good humans, peak moments, and that unmistakable après glow.
melissa saarinen
ACMG Ski Guide | Avalanche Canada Instructor | Founder
Melissa has spent her life in the mountains — skiing lines, studying snow, and sharing her love of the backcountry with others. Born into a multi-generational ski family, she grew up learning from racers, patrollers, guides, and photographers who passed down not just technical skill, but deep reverence for the terrain.
She’s a certified Ski Guide with the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, a Professional Member of the Canadian Avalanche Association, and a Registered AST Provider with Avalanche Canada. With over a decade of experience guiding and teaching avalanche education— from Alaska to South America — Melissa is known for her calm, confident presence and a teaching style that’s equal parts rigorous and fun.
Today, she leads Vitamin Ski with her signature blend of skill, soul, and stoke — always striving to make high-integrity mountain experiences more welcoming, safe, and unforgettable.
brendan cosgrove
ACMG Ski Guide | Avalanche Educator | Partner in Powder
Brendan brings calm confidence, sharp terrain instincts, and thoughtful leadership to every mountain day. He’s known for his steady presence and intuitive read of both snow and people.
His mountain career began on Fernie Ski Patrol, where he developed a strong foundation in snow safety and emergency response. He then went on to guide cat-skiing at Island Lake Lodge, refining his ability to manage complex terrain while delivering fun, memorable experiences for guests.
With formal training in avalanche education and a natural gift for reading terrain, Brendan co-leads many of Vitamin Ski’s courses and trips alongside Melissa. His guiding style blends technical precision with a playful, present energy that makes guests feel at ease.
When he’s not guiding, you’ll find him managing Carlyle Lodge with Melissa fixing just about anything with a headlamp and multi-tool, and teaching their daughter to love winter one mini ski tour at a time.