About

We asked our crew a of couple questions… Check out their answers!

Ryan Nelson

(he/him)

General Manager + Head Coach

Tell us about yourself.
“I was born and raised here in the Flathead Valley, and started rock climbing at the age of 15. I soon was addicted to all of the challenges that climbing takes one through. From figuring out beta, to searching for solid gear that never seems to be as good as I want. Climbing is my passion along with skiing powder, traveling, and eating good food!”

How long have you been climbing?
19 years

How long have you been with RockFish?

Since opening.

Kristen Stone

(she/her)

Chief Financial Officer

Miche Wang

(she/they)

Program + Marketing Director

What is your favorite thing about climbing?

One of my favorite things about climbing is the personal transformation that can accompany the process. Climbing keeps me on my learning edge… Embracing the struggle but also not take myself too seriously!

How long have you been with RockFish?

I became a member in 2018 and joined the crew as an employee in 2022.

Darren Stone

(he/him)

Owner-Partner

What is your favorite thing about climbing?

Being completely immersed in the power of our environment and feeling in tune with my body and nature!

How long have you been with RockFish?

Day one!

Aaron Young

(he/him)

Head Route Setter

What is your favorite thing about climbing?

The movement – dang it’s fun. The community – I’ve met so many awesome people through climbing. The challenge – it’s literally endless. The adventure – what a great excuse to go outside and see new places.

What do you like to do outside of RockFish?

Ride my bike(s), ski the gnar, cook fun food, nerd out on climbing holds, hang out with my girlfriend.

How long have you been climbing?

10 years and counting.

Rebeca Lopez

(she/her)

Front Desk Associate

Adam Bunting

(he/him)

Setter

What do you like to do outside of RockFish?

Hike off trail. Look for boulders and establish climbing areas.

What is your favorite thing about climbing?

It’s all about the people and the places.

How long have you been climbing?

Seven plus years.

Forest Harmon

(he/him)

Team Scalers Coach

Kenny Stone

(he/him)

Front Desk Associate

Brett Ekert

(he/him)

Setter

What do you like to do outside of RockFish?

Recreating on our abundant public lands, especially climbing, biking and skiing.

What is your favorite thing about climbing?

Climbing (and route development) engages my body and mind on so many levels. One must use problem solving, strength, balance, finesse and fortitude to succeed. It offers myriad physical and mental challenges as well as a creative outlet and a conduit to connect with the natural world. It’s difficult to say what I like most about climbing. Rather, I think, it’s the sum of all its parts that make it such an appealing sport to me, one that I hope to continue for many more years to come.

Kenna McGill

(she/her)

Setter

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in the valley, and have spent most of my life riding horses competitively around the West Coast and some parts of Canada. I switched gears when I discovered rock climbing and dedicated most of my time to training and traveling for climbing. I love all things rocks, whether it’s climbing or rockhounding.

What is your favorite thing about climbing?

My favorite thing about rock climbing is the way it’s made me feel. It’s allowed me to push myself in ways I haven’t been able to. It’s given me the confidence and physical strength I’ve never had before. It’s given me a community where I feel I truly belong. Climbing has given me the means to grow into a happy and healthy person.

Alex White

(he/him)

Setter

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Born and raised in the Southeast. Began my climbing career as a wee little guy on the beautiful sandstone walls there. Moved out west at the age of 18 to be a ski bum. Outdoor recreation is my life! Sunsets in the mountains are my favorite. Dogs are the best. Family is everything. I have the best friends in the world. Also I’d say I’m grown up enough to buy a house, so if you have any leads in this crazy market we’re in, let me know 😉