Zach grew up in the Bow Valley and was exposed to climbing at a young age. Initially climbing with his dad outside at some of the local crags, Zach would eventually join the local climbing team where he would grow immensely as a climber through the help of his coach as well as a group of stoked local kids. Over his 9 year youth competition career Zach competed in numerous local and national events all across the country as well as several world youth championships. While he was still competing Zach began venturing outdoors again at first back to some of those crags he had visited with his dad, eventually venturing further as he began pushing himself at some of the hardcore crags in the Bow Valley.

Zach’s love for the outdoors began outgrowing his competitive aspirations and he now climbs outside as much as he can anything from sport climbing, bouldering, trad multi-pitches and the occasional foray into ice climbing. Zach has also been working in climbing gyms in some capacity throughout his entire working life and is now the head routesetter at Elevation Place in Canmore. Through his coaching and setting Zach continues to share his passion for climbing. Zach is also involved in the new Bow Valley Climbing Access Society as a way to try and ensure future continued access to the amazing climbing opportunities in the Bow Valley are preserved.  Although there are many climbing achievements that Zach is proud of his ultimate goal is to continue climbing as much as possible for as long as possible.