Ben Jones

Ben Jones

Senior Guide: International, Washington, Alaska

Ben is one of the premier high altitude guides in the world, with over 20 years of experience leading expeditions and courses across the globe. Ben’s guiding resume includes 10 expeditions to Everest, 4 expeditions to Cho Oyu, and numerous ascents of other 8000m peaks. Ben is an expedition leader on the seven summits, and has first ascents in remote areas around the world. Ben guides full time, leading expeditions to Everest, Denali, Cho Oyu, Kilimanjaro, and Vinson to round out his season as one of the most active guides in the industry. When not on an expedition, he instructs courses in mountaineering, backcountry skiing, snowboarding, and horse packing. While teaching mountaineering at National Outdoor Leadership School, Ben extensively explored 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.

 

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

11 expeditions on Everest, 9 summits (guided 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
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

Yes – it was great.  Particularly enjoyed the hikes, cultural experiences, lodges, guide quality. Ben did a great job teaching the group high altitude techniques -breathing, rest step, hydration, etc.  

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

  • Cascade Conditions Report – June 6, 2025

    The past week has brought a stretch of high pressure across the Pacific Northwest, delivering phenomenal weather and excellent climbing conditions throughout the Cascades. Our teams have taken full advantage of the sunshine, with successful ascents on Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, Mount Adams, and numerous peaks in the North Cascades. Warm temperatures are accelerating snowmelt […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 5/24/2025

    We’re off to a strong start this spring in the Cascades! Our last two trips on the Muir Route of Mount Rainier have reached the summit, with teams reporting very favorable conditions on the upper mountain. Snow coverage remains excellent, with firm travel conditions during the early morning hours. Weather windows have been stable, making […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 5/21/2025

    Greeting fellow climbers, It’s a busy week for climbing! With Senior Guide Ben Jones at the helm, our Everest team has been climbing strong and will be tagging the top of the world any day now. Ben is sharing progress from his 10th summit attempt on our cybercast. Two climbers will also be attempting Lhoste […]

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