Matthew Cecil
About me
Matthew became an avalanche educator to help others find the tools to have formative experiences of their own in the winter backcountry environment. Matthew is passionate about fostering an inclusive and equitable space in the outdoor community for all, and lowering barriers to entry for participants in adventure sports. Matthew is a certified AIARE Instructor with a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Fort Lewis College with a focus on snow and avalanche science, working on several nationally recognized snow science campaigns. He's an experienced outdoor educator with a wide breadth of professional experience working and guiding in the outdoors for the last seven years. He holds a current Wilderness First Responder certification, and has formal training from the American Mountain Guides Association. In the winter time he lives and works as an avalanche educator in Silverton, CO. He's a lifelong snow slider and enjoys all forms of human powered adventure in the outdoors, recently completing a two month bike and ski trip in Chile. When not out in the hills, you can find him at the local coffee shop scheming the next adventure, trying to improve his subpar chess game, and catching up on his other work as a freelance photographer.
Certifications
No certifications added yet.
Reviews
Trip: AIARE Avy 1 Course
With Chris T., Matthew C. on January 03, 2025
Company: San Juan Expeditions
Pre work allowed us to spend more time outside. It was awesome to work up to the group planning the last tour and making team decisions. Chris was an awesome teacher and guide!
By Abigail E. on January 06, 2025
Trip: Big Mtn Avy 2 Course
With Chris T., Matthew C. on March 29, 2024
Company: San Juan Expeditions
My Big MTN Avy 2 course was an absolute great opportunity to learn from Matt and Chris, both fantastic people and educators in the space of Avy Ed in the San Juans. Both go the extra effort to ensure everyone is able to have any individual and team goals met through the course work. I would highly recommend both this course and any opportunity to learn from Matthew and Chris.
By Nate W. on April 02, 2024
Trip: AIARE Avy 1 Course
With Chris T., Matthew C. on February 23, 2024
Company: San Juan Expeditions
Really enjoyed the whole course! Favourite part was planning our own adventure on the Saturday evening, and then carrying out our plan on Sunday. I enjoyed learning about snow types and conditions and how they change throughout the season. Awesome experience all round!
By Greg H. on March 04, 2024
Trip: AIARE Hut Based Avy 1 Course
With Bruce S., Matthew C. on February 26, 2024
Company: San Juan Expeditions
Great course, learned a ton. Bruce and Matthew were amazing guides and instructors. Everything was well organized and top notch.
By Magali S. on March 03, 2024
Trip: AIARE Hut Based Avy 1 Course
With Bruce S., Matthew C. on February 26, 2024
Company: San Juan Expeditions
By Amber W. on March 01, 2024
Trip: AIARE Companion Rescue Course
With Kam W., Matthew C. on February 18, 2024
Company: San Juan Expeditions
This was a great experience! Matthew and Cam are two very good instructors. You can see they really enjoy their job teaching people safety. We learned a lot and they did a great job explaining things and answering your questions. Thanks!
By Dan U. on February 20, 2024
Trip: AIARE Companion Rescue Course
With Kam W., Matthew C. on February 18, 2024
Company: San Juan Expeditions
Our guides were super knowledgeable, and most importantly very approachable. There was not judgement or anything like that. It was a comfortable learning environment with great feedback and tons of knowledge to be shared. The day was well organized, in a beautiful and easy location, and the guides work very hard to set up good simulations. We loved it.
By Bailey C. on February 19, 2024
Trip: AIARE Companion Rescue Course
With Matthew C., Annie D. on February 10, 2024
Company: San Juan Expeditions
This course was a critical step in being a safer in the BC. I feel more confident now, and plan to make practicing these skills part of every season. Matt and Annie did a *stellar* job as instructors - thank you!
By Sophie W. on February 11, 2024
Trip: Backcountry Skiing /Splitboarding
With Jordan D., Matthew C. on January 30, 2024
Company: San Juan Expeditions
Awesome guided experience! Jordan and Matthew made our tour of the backcountry out of Opus Hut such a great day. Safety and great skiing was the mantra and they delivered. Thanks guys!!
By Keith S. on February 02, 2024
Trip: AIARE Avy 1 Course
With Matthew C., Jack K. on March 03, 2023
Company: San Juan Expeditions
such an amazing AIARE 1 course!
By Quinn C. on March 07, 2023
Trip: AIARE Avy 2 Course
With Matthew C., Evan C. on February 10, 2023
Company: San Juan Expeditions
I had a great experience working with San Juan Expeditions with my AIARE Level 2 course. The program ops crew was super helpful with scheduling a time that worked with my schedule and the both of the guides were knowledgable, approachable and attentive. Highly recommend SJE for any of your avy course/guiding needs!!
By Max K. on February 21, 2023