Our Inspiration

“Mountains For Life” is the brainchild of one unique and remarkable woman, Sharon Best. It is simultaneously a place, a program and an attitude, philosophy or perspective. It presupposes vitality, awareness and positive joyfulness to be at the heart of every human individual’s life fulfillment. Starting from that perspective, anyone can be as happy and healthy as they consciously choose, and fulfillment follows from the activities chosen and the spirit with which they are undertaken. And if one can plunge into vitalizing activity in an incredible physical setting in the company of a guide of rare motivational abilities, the result can be life-altering change…or simply an unforgettably enjoyable and enriching experience, and isn’t that the seed of all positive change?

About Sharon Best

Sharon Best was born and grew up in Nelson, BC, and knew from an early age that her passion lay in personal vitality, especially that fuelled by outdoor recreational activities. She also grasped early on that adversity can either cripple you or be used as a motivating springboard. Through that clear self-awareness, good fortune and determination she has been able to channel her natural interests and abilities into exceptional success both personally and professionally. A summary of her experiences and achievements includes:

• Competing internationally in both rowing and Ironman Triathlon. In the latter, she established an age-class world record that stood for ten years and remains unsurpassed in Canada.
• Founding and leading the fitness programs at her own fitness studio in Nelson, BC.
• Designing, implementing and leading the activity programs at two major health resorts in BC
• Working variously as a Sports Medicine Rehabilitation Specialist, a Corporate Fitness Director, a Snow (ski and snowboard) School Director at two winter resorts, Director and Facility Manager at two Aquatic Centres, and a Certified Level 1 Ski Guide.
• Very significantly for the hiking programs at the heart of Mountains For Life, Sharon is an ACMG Certified and very experienced hiking and backpacking guide who has explored and guided in these and other mountain regions for over three decades.
• Also directly supporting the current programs, she is also an Oriental Remedial (massage) Therapist and a Certified Advance Hypnotherapist.

All of this experience reflects and affirms Sharon’s love of the outdoors, her deep sense of how people can be truly Well, and the joy of sharing that actively…and are now culminating in Sharon creating her own place where she can share her enthusiasm for physical vitality, appreciation of our place in the natural world, and spiritual renewal.