Meet Johnny Sass: Trail Guide, Paddleboard Instructor, Culinary Artist, & Mountain Vibes Storyteller

By Rachel Verducci – Marketing Director, MVP

At Mountain Vibes & Properties, our mission has always been about more than beautiful places to stay—it’s about the people who shape the experience. That’s why we’re proud to introduce one of our most dynamic and beloved guides, Johnny Sass, a true local legend who brings heart, history, and flavor to every adventure.

A Man of Many Mountains

Johnny Sass isn’t just a guide—he’s a walking encyclopedia of the Sierra Nevada. With over 20 years of experience researching and exploring the northern Sierra mountain ranges, Johnny is known as an independent science hobbyist, a passionate environmentalist, and a dedicated steward of nature and water preservation.

Whether he’s leading a sunrise paddleboarding session on Pinecrest Lake or guiding guests through quiet forest trails, Johnny brings depth and meaning to every step and stroke. His knowledge of regional geology, wildlife patterns, and history gives guests a rare window into the soul of the land. His calm, grounding presence and deep respect for the wilderness make each moment feel sacred.

Paddleboarding with a Purpose

As our lead paddleboard instructor, Johnny does more than teach technique—he curates an immersive journey on the water. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned paddler, he knows how to meet you where you’re at, guiding with a balance of encouragement, safety, and serenity.

With Johnny, paddleboarding isn’t just a sport—it’s a form of meditation. Guests often describe their time with him on the lake as soul-soothing, centering, and unforgettable.

From the Trail to the Table

Beyond his work as a wilderness guide and first responder, Johnny is also a culinary artist—a chef with a deep appreciation for locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. With a background in high-altitude training and nutrition, Johnny fuses flavor and function in each dish he creates.

But it’s not just the food—it’s the feeling. Every meal with Johnny is a story. Guests have described his dinners as emotional journeys, often weaving local lore, personal memories, and elemental symbolism into the menu. Whether he’s preparing a farm-to-table dinner at a private cabin or plating up lakeside bites after a hike, he leaves you nourished—body, mind, and spirit.

A Guide, A Coach, A Creator

Johnny’s résumé doesn’t stop there. He’s also worked as a coach for professional athletes in high-altitude endurance training, a lifeguard, and a first responder. He brings an unwavering sense of responsibility to everything he does—your safety, your joy, and your experience are always top priority.

Ready to Explore with Johnny?

Whether you’re gliding across a lake, savoring a custom chef dinner, or listening to stories under the stars, Johnny Sass is more than a guide—he’s the heartbeat of Mountain Vibes.

Book your stay and request a custom experience with Johnny today.

Let nature move you, let the flavors inspire you, and let the stories stay with you long after you return home.

• Mountain Vibes & Properties guide

• Paddleboard instructor Sierra Nevada

• Sierra Nevada hiking guide

• Sierra Nevada paddleboarding

• Private chef experiences California

• Luxury cabin experiences Sierra Foothills

• Outdoor adventures Tuolumne County

• Guided hikes Sierra Nevada

• Forest retreats Northern California

• Nature and water preservation expert

• Wellness retreats with private chef

• Culinary storytelling experiences

• High-altitude endurance coach

• Private lake adventures California

• Outdoor meditation experiences

• Sierra Foothills chef dinners

• Eco-tourism guide California

• Mindful travel Sierra Nevada

• Local food and adventure pairing

• Best paddleboard instructor in Tuolumne County

• Where to find a private chef in the Sierra Foothills

• Nature-based retreats near Pinecrest Lake

• Book a guided hike with local expert

• Chef-prepared meals during your California retreat

• Custom outdoor experiences near Yosemite

• Unique cabin getaways with chef and guide

• Personalized luxury adventures in the mountains

• Meet your local adventure guide Sierra Nevada

• What to expect from a guided paddleboarding trip in Pinecrest