Ben Jones

    Ben Jones

    Senior Guide: International, Washington, Alaska

    Ben Jones has spent the last 10 years working as a professional guide and instructor in Alaska, Wyoming, Idaho, Washington, British Columbia, Norway, Argentina, Nepal, Tanzania, Indonesia and Mexico. Ben is competent on rock, ice, and snow but spends a majority of his time in the snow. Ben has instructed courses in mountaineering, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and horse packing. While teaching mountaineering at National Outdoor Leadership School, Ben got to extensively explore the glaciers of the Chugach Mountains, Wrangells, eastern Alaska Range, and remote mountains in British Columbia, as well as in Wyoming and Idaho. In the off season while residing in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and when not traveling and exploring different countries around the world Ben’s hobbies include skiing, climbing, metal work, fixing things, practicing Spanish, and Swahili. Ben guides for us on Kilimanjaro (8 times in the past two years), in Alaska, South America, in the Himalayas and most of the seven summits. Recently Ben has been very active in the Himalayas.  In 2012, he summited Lhotse and guided our Everest Trek and Island Peak climb.  He also guided our 2011 and 2013 Mount Everest Expeditions where he guided the Everest/Lhotse combo in less than 24 hours. Ben Led Ch0-Oyu in 2013 and 2014 and most recently led our 2016 (100% success) and 2017 and 2018 Everest expeditions. With yet another busy year in store,  Ben will also be leading expeditions to Carstenz Pyramid, Cho-Oyu, and Kilimanjaro as well as guiding 3 Vinson expeditions to round out his season as one of the most active guides in the industry.

    15-year

    Take 5 with the Guide

    Favorite movie
    Once upon a time in Hollywood

    Guilty Pleasure
    None, no guilt:-)

    If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week
    Bob Dylan

    In another life I’d…
    Have gone to a trade school or art school…

    Most people don’t know that…
    I can golf equally as good (or bad) left and right handed

    Significant Ascents

    9 ascents of Everest, 10 expeditions (guided 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023)
    2 ascents of Lhotse (personal 2012, guided 2013)
    1 ascent of Everest and Lhotse in less than 24 hours (guided 2013)
    3 ascents of Cho-Oyu (guided 2013, 2014, 2016)
    1 ascent of Manaslu (guided)
    1 ascent of Ama Dablam
    9 ascents of Denali, West Buttress and Muldrow Glacier routes (10 guided 1 personal)
    10 ascents of Vinson (guided)
    2 ascents of Elbrus (guided)
    12 ascents of Aconcagua (13 expeditions guided)
    40 ascents of Kilimanjaro ( guided)
    2 ascent of Carstensz Pyramid (guided)
    2 ascents of Orizaba, Mexico (guided)
    2 ascents of Iztaccihuatl, Mexico (guided)
    2 ascents of Khuiten, Mongolia (guided)
    2 ascents of Island Peak, Nepal (guided, 2012, 2013)
    2 ascents of Lobuche East, Nepal
    First ascent of Mustang Himal in Mustang, Nepal (2014)
    1 Ascent of Mt. Stanley (highest peak in Uganda, 3rd highest in Africa)
    5 Everest Basecamp treks
    4 Machu Picchu Lodge treks ( guided 2014, 2015)
    30+ ascents of Mt. Rainier
    Mt. Baker (6), Mt Shuksan (3), Mt Hood (2)
    Mt. Stuart, Washington, North Ridge
    1 ascent of Tharpu Chuli, Nepal
    1 Ski decent of Mt. Moran
    1 Ski decent of Mt. Rainier
    4 ascents of The Grand Teton (2 in summer, 1 in winter)

    Certifications

    • WEMT (EMT and WFR) / CPR for the professional Rescuer
    • Level II Avalanche
    • Leave No Trace Master Trainer

    Overall quality of the trip was fantastic.  Just enough trekking to enjoy the mtns but also have some downtime to allow for people to relax and enjoy other things.  Quality of the food and lodging first rate.  Demeanor of the guides were excellent.  Mountain lodges or peru guide super knowledgeable. No weakness.

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