Cathy Sze is a climber and skier based in Squamish. As a mentor, she aspires to be the person she wishes she had around when she was starting out. Her mentees have taught her a lot, including patience, curiosity and the ability to figure things out together.
Applications for Mountain Mentors climbing and hiking program are open April 1-20, 2025.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Hi! I'm Cathy Sze, and I’ve had the joy of being a mentor for both summer (trad climbing, twice!) and winter (ski touring). I live in Squamish, BC, where I juggle working for the District with spending as much time outside as possible — climbing rocks, skiing around, exploring trails, and keeping my snack game strong.
I grew up in White Rock, BC but have bounced around a bit: Vancouver, Alaska, Germany, and most recently New Zealand for a Master’s degree (and a healthy dose of Type 2 fun). No matter where I go, I somehow end up back in the mountains, which feels just right.
What inspired you to become a mentor with Mountain Mentors?
My friends JoJo and Meryn were involved, and I figured if they were doing it, it must be cool. Plus, after years of learning from the outdoor community (and the occasional internet rabbit hole), I wanted to give back. I started my own outdoor journey in university through the UBC VOC, where I cobbled together a mix of beta, borrowed gear, and whoever was keen to head out.
Having a mentor back then would've been a game-changer. So I thought, why not try to be that person for someone else? It’s wild and rewarding to watch someone tie in, drop in, or just try something new for the first time. It reminds you why you fell in love with the outdoors in the first place.
Have you learned anything surprising from a mentee?
Oh, absolutely. I’ve learned that apparently not pre-rinsing your rice is a red flag (who knew?). I've picked up Gen Z lingo I’m too afraid to use in public. But mostly, I’ve been reminded how refreshing it is to see the mountains through someone else’s eyes.
They’ve taught me patience, curiosity, and that it’s okay not to have all the answers, just a willingness to figure things out together.
What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a mentor, and how did you navigate it?
Scheduling. Between weather, work, and life, it can be tricky to line up adventures. What’s helped is setting out soft dates ahead of time, and being flexible when things don’t go as planned.
I also learned to reframe success: not every season will have a dramatic before-and-after. Sometimes it’s just about planting seeds and giving your mentee the confidence and tools to keep going on their own path.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a new mentor just starting their journey?
YOU GOT THIS. It might feel a bit weird at first to wear the "mentor" hat, but you know more than you think. The Mountain Mentors team is amazing at pairing folks, and chances are, you’ll either have knowledge to share or grow together with your mentee (or both!). You don’t need to have all the answers, just be open, kind, and stoked to learn.
Is there anything else you’d like people to know about Mountain Mentors or your experience as a mentor?
Yes! MM offers amazing courses throughout the season—like the steeps skiing clinic with Rippin' Chix Ski Camps or rope rescue workshops—that help you expand/refresh your skills and feel a little less like you're just winging it out there. But more than that, they foster a community that teaches you how to show up thoughtfully for yourself, your partners, and the broader outdoor world.
