Guides

Steven King

Steven King learned his guiding the hard way–on cross-country ski tours in the Breckenridge area. Returning for his nineteenth season, Steve is our head ski guide in the winter and oversees the hiking and biking excursions in the summer. Growing up in an Air Force family, he saw a lot of the country before taking root (well, sort of) in Ohio to earn a graduate degree in exercise physiology. Steve (he prefers that although he says using “Stephen King” gets him immediate seating in most restaurants) has had a variety of job experiences that you’ll learn about on the trails.

Kelli King

Kelli King is the better half of our husband-and-wife guiding duo. When she’s not out guiding guests in the wilderness, she finds herself tracking other “wild” life – their 14year old daughter, Maddie! Like her husband, Kelli grew up in Ohio and earned her degree in exercise physiology at Kent State University. After a year as a corporate wellness instructor, she came out West with her new husband and never left. Kelli has found a new passion here at the ranch – yoga! She gracefully combines her natural calm with her background in exercise physiology to create a peaceful and challenging yoga experience.

Brandon Martin

Brandon joins the Vista Verde team as head of our fly fishing program, and also as a ski guide during the winter months.  Brandon, wife Rachelle and baby Wyatt have most recently lived in Colorado Springs, but they consider themselves natives of Lancaster, PA.  Brandon received an A.S. in Audio Engineering from Full Sail University and spent five years touring with various artists around the world before serving an eight-year stint in the U.S. Army.  In his free time, Brandon enjoys fly fishing, skiing, hiking, biking, studying aquatic insects and spending time with his family.  Brandon’s passion for guiding, teaching and introducing people to our amazing “back yard” make him a natural fit at VVR!

Rob Panos

Rob (dubbed “Gov” for his background in public policy) is joining us for his second season here at Vista Verde. Rob is a native of Fairfax, Virginia, and before his summer as a ranch hand with us, he completed his Master of Public Policy at the University of Virginia. He enjoys hiking and playing sports, particularly lacrosse, and his talents range from the retention of random facts to fluency in Spanish. Rob has experience working with Habitat for Humanity and other volunteer organizations. We are excited to have Rob join us as a guide this winter season.