Joshua Tao

EXPERIENCE

Tao has 4 years of experience working at Residential Treatment Centers primarily focused on leading outdoor experiential or outdoor recreation programming. 

• 9 years of outdoor leadership experience

• 8 years of climbing experience

• 8 years of mountain biking

• 4 Years of professional ski instruction

• Wilderness First Responder 

PHILOSOPHY

Tao believes if you can conquer a mountain, you can conquer internal struggles. Tao understands that life is full of struggles and hardship and that the physical aspects of mountain biking, rock climbing, or skiing can present the exact same challenges to meet and overcome. Tao teaches if students can see themselves win the external battle they face during outdoor experiential hardships - reaching the top of a climbing route or the bottom of a ski run- they can develop the grit and character to persevere through their internal battle. 

PROFESSIONAL

Tao has dedicated much of his professional life to sharing and educating others about the benefits of being in nature and recreating outdoors. He has worked in the outdoor industry for over 10 years including as a Wilderness Ranger, Wildland Firefighter Backcountry Guide leading trail crews for young adults and now facilitating outdoor experiential therapy activities at Gateway Academy. Tao joined Gateway Academy's Outdoor Experiential team in 2020 where he is shares his passion and skills in outdoor adventures with the students. 

PERSONAL

During the winter at work you will find Tao teaching students how to ski at Solitude Mountain Resort. Outside of work you will find Tao skiing off cliffs at Solitude Mountain Resort. Tao spends the majority of his time in the Wasatch Mountain Range, mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing or scrambling up one of the many mountain peaks that oversee Salt Lake City. When not developing character through difficult mountain ascents, Tao enjoys building relationships with friends and his community or taking a rest day by reading a book or playing PC video games.