Why hire a Guide?

• “My friend offered to take me for free.”

  • Chances are, your friend has received minimal formal instruction; they probably learned from their friend, who learned from their friend. Climbing and skiing education is constantly evolving, and what was best practice even a few years ago may very well get you in trouble today. For up-to-date best practices, hire a guide.

  • Guides are specially trained to avoid preventable accidents and perform self-rescue if something does go wrong. These are skills that most recreational climbers and skiers do not have.

• “I already lead multipitch trad/ice.”

  • I guarantee you there is so much more to learn! Do you spend more than 5 minutes at belay transitions? Are you unsure about your self-rescue skills? Do you want to lead steeper ice? Do you want to become a guide yourself?

• “I already have my Avalanche Level 1.”

  • The Avalanche Level 1 course is a great introduction to avalanches in backcountry skiing, but it only scratches the surface of avalanche knowledge and decision-making. A guide can teach you how to make higher-level decisions in the backcountry.

• “I can already get down black diamonds.”

  • Getting down a ski run is not the same as skiing the run well. Good skiing should feel controlled and effortless, and it will reduce your likelihood of injury. A ski instructor can teach you ideal movement patterns that will help you ski more difficult terrain with more control, less effort, and less injury.

• “That’s expensive!”

  • My rates reflect my level of training and quality of service. I’m happy to refer you to a budget guide if that’s what you’re looking for.

  • Having spent tens of thousands of dollars myself on quality instruction, I know all too well how expensive it is. To make it more affordable while still getting the best bang for your buck, find a friend or friends to split the cost with (ideally they share your interests and are at the same level)!