MEET THE GUIDES
KAI P.
Guide
ANYA K.
Guide
LIAM N.
Guide
Q: Most formative memory in the high alpine? A: My most formative memory in the high alpine was climbing the Grand Teton on my 16th birthday. I got to climb the full Exum route and summited around 2pm with my dad. It was one of the most memorable and beautiful climbs I have ever done. Q: Certifications? A: Wilderness First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician, Leave no Trace Level 1, Colorado River Guide. Q: Years guiding? A: 4 years commercially. Q: Spirit animal? A: Mountain Goat. They can climb some gnarly rock with 4 hooves, and get to spend all their life in the alpine. Q: Favorite post-trip meal? A: Whenever I get off the mountain I crave a cold bowl of fruity pebbles.
Q: Years Guiding? A: This is my second year working as an outdoor guide, but sharing my passion for the outdoors with others has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My first guiding experience was leading kayak tours on the ocean in Kauai, Hawaii, where I developed skills in leadership, risk management, and creating meaningful experiences for guests. Since then, I have continued to build my guiding experience while helping others connect with nature, challenge themselves, and gain confidence in the outdoors. Q: Most memorable outdoor experience? A: My most memorable outdoor memory was backpacking 175 miles across Costa Rica from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Spending weeks traveling through diverse landscapes, from dense rainforests to remote mountain communities, taught me resilience, adaptability, and confidence in the outdoors. The journey challenged me physically and mentally, requiring problem-solving, teamwork, and the ability to stay positive through changing conditions. Q: Spirit animal? A: I would be an osprey because I feel the most at home around water and am always looking for the next place to explore. Q: Favorite post-trip meal? A: The $1.50 Costco hot dog. Some traditions are simply too important to ignore.
Q: What is your earliest or most formative memory in the high alpine? A: I remember doing my first 14er when I was about 7, it was Mt Sherman and I remember how amazing it felt summiting after all of the hard work and just knowing that I wanted to keep getting to that feeling as much as I could in the mountains. Q: If time and budget were no object, where in the world is your ultimate dream climb or ski line? A: I would love to do Slovak direct on Denali with an infinite budget, it’s such an incredible line but so expensive and difficult to complete but it’s definitely one of the most beautiful and challenging alpine climbs in the world. Q: If you were stranded on a multi-day expedition with only one luxury item, what would it be? A: I would pick my sleeping pad because I’ve tried going without one and it always ends with me getting terrible sleep. Q: Spirit Animal? A: I think I’d be a marmot because their fur looks so warm and soft and I think I’d really enjoy getting to explore areas without having to worry about shelter because I could just go underground.
ELLEN F.
Guide
Q: One of your first Mountain Memories? A: Eating flavored snow after a long day skiing some of my first black runs. Q: If time and budget were no object, where in the world is your ultimate dream climb or ski line? A: Spending a few days climbing in Fountainebleu, France. Q: Trail snack of choice? A: Probably beef jerky or on the-go trail mix.