Ben Friedman
Born in Seattle but raised in the flatlands of Ohio and Indiana, Ben first became interested in the mountains after a few formative trips to Alaska and Wyoming as a teenager. A growing obsession with rock climbing and skiing led him to attend university in Boulder, Colorado. After four years of climbing, skiing, and some studying, Ben graduated from CU Boulder and worked as a ski instructor in Jackson, Wyoming. Ben has spent significant time living in Austria and Switzerland, where he taught English and studied towards a master’s degree. The Alps allowed him to hone his skills as an all-around alpinist, and discover the possibility and appeal of a career in mountain guiding.
The Northwest is home for Ben once again, where he enjoys skiing, climbing, and paragliding his way through the region’s amazing terrain.
Take 5 with the Guide
What was your first mountain?
Somewhere in Wyoming as a teenager on a NOLS course…
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
Learning to paraglide!
What’s always in your snack bag?
NGC!
If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
Aussie filmmaker Beau Miles
One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Don’t compare yourself to others, focus instead on learning and enjoyment.
Significant Ascents
Shuksan, Fisher Chimneys
Mt. Rainier, DC
Piz Buin – 2x ski descent
Allalinhorn, Hohlaubgrat Traverse
Wetterhorn, ski descent
Bishorn, ski descent
Balmhorn, Zackengrat
Saas Fee-Zermatt ski traverse
Aiguille du Tour
Cosmiques Arête
Certifications
Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified
AMGA Alpine Skills Course
Avalanche level 1
LNT Level 1
