Launched in 2023, the SMCC aims to lead projects to enrich the climbing community.

About Us

The Southern Montana Climbers Coalition (SMCC) launched in January 2023 after careful consideration (and background research) by the cofounders. As the climbing community in this part of Montana continues to grow, we need a collective voice to help shape the future and protect the climbing in this area. With the Beartooth Mountains as our playground and access to many nearby climbing areas, SMCC will take on projects that will help our climbing community thrive.

SMCC also hopes to launch a physical indoor climbing space for experts and beginners alike to build community, increase fitness, reinforce outdoor etiquette, and practice skills that can translate to the outdoors.

Meet Our Board

  • Dawn Brintnall

    President

    Dawn grew up in the heart of the midwest and grew up climbing trees and grain silos. She moved two Alaska two days after graduation, and hasn’t looked back. Montana has become home, and she loves to serve the areas she recreates in through volunteering with the local SAR and EMT programs. She is passionate about getting people involved in the outdoors safely and encouraging year-round outdoor education.

  • Matt Schrowe

    Treasurer

  • Ben Hoiness

    Secretary

  • Eden Wondra

    Programs Director

    Eden grew up loving the outdoors and climbing, inspired by her time with her dad in the Adirondacks in New York. She moved to Yosemite after completing school where she expanded her climbing experience and dove into her career of environmental and outdoor education. She moved to Montana in 2020, and now works as the education manager at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary. She looks forward to improving safety in climbing by contributing to SMCC’s focus on education and access.

  • Loren Rausch

    Board Member

  • Matt Heyliger

    Board Member

  • Anju Samulsen

    Board Member