This year, we deliberately expanded our offerings in thoughtful ways to make the mountains more accessible. We introduced new expedition formats, including rookie, women’s, advanced, and masters (50+) courses, to create clear pathways for climbers of different ages, experience levels, and goals. Alongside this, we continued our outreach through our non-profit, The Tiger of the Snows Fund, and supported organizations like the dZi Foundation in their vital work in Nepal, giving back to the mountain communities that make our expeditions possible.

As the year comes to a close, we wanted to pause, reflect on what’s changed, what’s been built, and what we’ve learned, and simply say thank you.

This year marked a meaningful transition for Brett, who joined CTSS after 13 years at Teton Gravity Research (TGR) in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. One of Brett’s biggest highlights of the year was being inducted into the TGR Hall of Fame, a recognition of decades of creative work and impact in the adventure world. As he transitioned from a long creative career to his role at CTSS, the year also brought new perspectives. One of those moments came during breakfast with Tendi Sherpa in May, when he shared that the key to summiting Everest is keeping the mind calm, since anxiety burns energy and calmness preserves it. 

Outside of work, Brett spent ample time this year adventuring with his two sons, McCraeleigh, age twelve, and Saylor, age ten. He also  enjoys spending time riding horses at Turtle Ranch, Dubois WY where  his friends train commercial horses like the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, a nod to his roots growing up on a farm in Australia where he us closing out the year with his family.

Dani has been with CTSS for two years and, in 2025, stepped into expanded responsibilities and remains a cornerstone of the CTSS client experience. Dani now manages our guide team, including logistics and scheduling, as well as finding and vetting new talent for our team. She takes more client calls than ever before (IYKYK), which she loves because it allows her to connect directly with our climbers and support them through their planning, to the summit, and back home again. This year gave Dani a wider view of how CTSS operates, and she stepped confidently into roles that touch nearly every part of the business.

One of her biggest takeaways is that consistency beats intensity, a mindset that applies to climbing, work, and personal goals alike. True to form, Dani is a consistent ray of sunshine for us all! Outside the office, a highlight was traveling to Sardinia, Italy, with her husband Joe and close friends. The trip was filled with climbing, ocean swims, and good meals that made the days feel long and bright.

Stephanie joined CTSS through her MBA capstone project, which soon grew into a permanent role on the team. Helping launch the Rugged Luxury Expeditions website was one of her proudest accomplishments this year, and she continues to work toward completing her MBA, which she will finish in the spring of 2026. Stephanie’s time management is something to behold as she balances work and school with grace! In her new role at CTSS, Stephanie has learned how much thought and coordination go into every expedition and how many details happen behind the scenes to create seamless experiences for climbers.

Stephanie’s observations drive at her attention to detail, her ability to execute on a vision, and her dedication that will continue to move us forward and reinforce the many touchpoints that make us who we are and why our expeditions are different. Outside of work, Stephanie and her husband, Curtis, built a home on a thirty-five-acre property outside Denver. They did most of the work themselves and recently moved in with sweeping mountain views and a new puppy named Jazzy to share it with.

Stephanie has been with CTSS for two years and, in 2025, also stepped into expanded responsibilities across communications and marketing. Working closely with and learning from Caroline has been one of the highlights of her expanded role. Known for being a master of time management, Stephanie balances an impressive range of commitments (she is also the General Manager at BaseCamp 37° an eco-luxury glamping resort in Southern Utah) while maintaining a steady, high-output rhythm that often leaves the team wondering how she does it. Hint: she used to be an elementary school teacher. 

Stephanie looks forward to hosting CTSS’s twentieth webinar—for those faithful fans, details will land in your inboxes soon! A personal highlight for Stephanie this year was a nine-day river trip with 13 friends down the Grand Canyon. Navigating more 270 river miles and jumping into the travertine-blue waters of the Little Colorado River willl remain as some of her favorite memories not only for the year but to date.