Viren was born in Thailand, but grew up climbing and kayaking in the Southeastern U.S. He started guiding climbing in the early 00's, and has worked in almost every aspect of the outdoor industry over the past decade. Viren moved to the sierra in 2004 and lived in Yosemite teaching field science to school groups. Viren has guided rock, ice, and alpine ascents in the North Cascades, Canada, Alaska, Red Rocks, and in the Sierra. His favorite place to climb is in the Eastern Sierra where he now spends his summers with his wife Julie hunting splitter granite cracks. Viren is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide, has completed the Alpine Guide Course (6/10) and is an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor - Course Director. He also teaches Wilderness Medicine courses and is a WEMT/ NR-EMT-B. Viren is a LNT Master Educator, and has completed an AIRIE Level II Avalanche Course. During the school year Viren teaches a variety of technical skills for the Adventure Education Program at Prescott College in AZ.