Cortney Bayuk

About me

Oh goodness, there’s so many things I like to do, part of why I guide, I get to do a little bit of everything! I love spending quality time with people. You can often find me in a one-on-one conversation or with 1-3 people. I’ll start to get quiet in a group larger than that. I love dogs; I recently got a husky, and it’s been fun to use my horse training background to train him up. I know it’s cliche, but ultimately, my passions are being outside and outdoor education. My main profession is to run childrens’ programming at a non profit ski hill. I run all the ski and snowboard lessons, and our staff is primarily high schoolers. It’s so rewarding to share my passion for the outdoors with the next generation and introduce outdoor professions to them.

The Best Part of My Job

Sharing a space that creates awe in me, with others.

How I found OARS

I went on a Gates of Lodore trip in 2013 as a guest for a college class, then went on the trip two more times as a TA. When I graduated college, my gift to myself was the OARS Vernal Guide School. Thankfully, I got hired out of it, and here I am almost 10 years later!

My Favorite Spot on the River/Outdoors

Rippling Brook 1, the camp and the hike are my favorite places in Dinosaur National Monument. First time and last time each year are special moments. Hell's Half Mile is my favorite rapid! So much going on, and it’s just fun.

My Favorite Trip Memory

My highlights each year are the swiftwater and guide training trips. Getting to work on rescue scenarios and be on the river with folks who you might not work with the rest of the season is a special time.

My Lucky Charm

Always leave one thing unstrapped! (But something small, so if you lose it it’s not a big deal). Otherwise, rig to flip!

I Can’t Live Without

Sun shirts! I’m quite often the most pale of the crew. I’ve got sensitive skin, so I have to hide from the sun.