
Jeanne Schnackenberg
Outdoor Sports Guide

Jeanne loves sharing her passion for the outdoors, helping guests explore the beautiful Berkshires. She leads tours for all levels, including hiking, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, road/mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, ropes course, climbing wall, archery, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, Shinrin-Yoku forest bathing and more.
Selected Highlights
BS in Natural Resources, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Berkshire Community College, Holyoke Community College, North Shore Community College: Early Childhood Education, online courses
Solo Wilderness First Aid certificate
Red Cross Lifeguarding and Waterfront Certificate
Project Adventure Ropes Course Facilitators Certificate
USA Archery Certificate
Qi Gong, Tao Tan Pai Teacher Training, through Sifu Terry Dunn
Managers Hospitality Certificate, through Berkshire Community College
As an Outdoors Sports Guide for eighteen years at Canyon Ranch Lenox, Jeanne has often said: “Customer service is first and foremost. My job is to make our guests feel happy!” She prides herself in ensuring all guests feel safe and cared for before, during, and after all personalized activities. Before finding her way to Canyon Ranch, Jeanne held several positions within the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, including State Park Interpreter, Regional Coordinator of Interpretive Services, and Facilities Supervisor.
While Jeanne is experienced in all outdoor sports offered at Canyon Ranch, she is also a specialist in Qi Gong, the practice of Tao Tan Pai — a monostatic martial art that dates back two thousand years. And is an expert in Shinrin-Yoku: the Japanese practice of “forest bathing,” a slow, intentional walk into the woods to destress and re-connect with nature.
During her down time, Jeanne typically spends her time with family, dogs, and friends — preferably outside. Downhill skiing is her favorite wintertime physical activity, and she also enjoys the art scene in the Berkshires, such as attending Tanglewood and Jacob's Pillow, and Berkshire Theater Festival, where she sometimes can be found singing in various groups. A life-long learner, Jeanne is an avid reader, and her current favorite is Breath by James Nestor. Words of Advice? “Breathe slowly, deeply and with gratitude!”
For speaking engagements, please contact us .