Guides

    Guides

    Our team of world-renowned guides are full-time climbers. Many have historical climbing achievements synonymous with their names. They are a part of Alpine Ascents because they understand and share our climbing principles, and are dedicated to sharing their excellence with others. We encourage you to compare our guide team on a particular mountain with any in the industry.

    “Paul Koubek is the rare guide who has it all – the professional certifications, the experience, and a real gift for teaching that makes any climb with him an absolute pleasure. Although Paul has traversed more than 5000 miles across the Antarctic continent and guided mountains around the world, he approached our climb of Carstensz with the same freshness and enthusiasm that I would have expected from someone climbing the mountain for the first time.” – 2018 Climber

    “Ben Jones was awesome, I simply could not have asked for a more personable, professional, or competent leader as a guide. His enthusiasm for what he does for a living and how he spends his days was motivating. I unquestionably benefited from his vast experience, everything ranging from gear tips to breathing technique. He’s an exceptional representative for the mountaineering community in general. Fascinating guy who was a lot of fun to be around and learn from.” – 2018 Climber

    Guide Staff

    Ben Jones

    Ben Thumb
    Senior Guide: International, Washington, Alaska

    Fantastic expedition. Everything one might ask for from hair raising flights to jungle bushwhacking to cliff hanging. Full-on adventure. Excellent guides. And an unforgettable experience.

    Photo: David Morton
    Photo: David Morton
    Photo: David Morton
    Photo: David Morton
    Photo: David Morton
    Photo: David Morton
    Photo: David Morton
    Photo: David Morton
    Photo: David Morton
    Photo: David Morton
    Photo: Brien Sheedy
    Photo: Brien Sheedy
    Photo: Brien Sheedy
    Photo: Brien Sheedy
    Photo: Brien Sheedy
    Photo: Brien Sheedy
    Photo: Brien Sheedy
    Photo: Brien Sheedy
    Photo: Brien Sheedy
    Photo: Brien Sheedy
    Photo: Brien Sheedy

    ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

    • So you’re thinking about applying to the BIPOC Guide Development Program?

      By Sof Petros (she/they) So you’re thinking about applying to the 2024 Alpine Ascents x Edgeworks BIPOC Guide Development Program? My name is Sof Petros (she/they), I’m a rock climbing guide and instructor based in Snohomish, WA and a graduate of the inaugural 2023 cohort of this BIPOC Guide Development Program. I was truly so […]

    • Top 5 Questions: Mexico Volcanoes

      With our first Mexico Volcanoes trip of the winter season fast approaching, we sat down with guide Hannah McGowan for her words of wisdom when it comes to this iconic climbing trip. Mexico Volcanoes:  Top 5 Questions What’s the food like? Simply put, the food on this expedition is awesome! We eat at a variety […]

    • Reading the Weather: How to Use History, Experience, and Forecasting to your Advantage

      by Elias Zane-Holt Weather! What a dynamic and ethereal thing. As I sat down to share my thoughts with you all, I had two key epiphanies. First, I think we tend to underestimate the impact of weather on our daily lives. Weather is constantly affecting our mood, and swaying our critical choice making each day– […]

    Partners & Accreditations

    Alpine Ascents International is an authorized mountain guide service of Denali National Park and Preserve and Mount Rainier National Park.
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