Chris Engelke
Chris was born and raised in the heart of wine country in Sonoma County, California. His love for the outdoors began as a child, growing up backpacking, camping, snowboarding, and sea kayaking. After high school, Chris joined the U.S Army where he would serve one tour in Afghanistan. During his eight years of service, he worked and moved around to various posts. Upon his honorable discharge, he went on his first trip to Nepal, which sparked his passion for high altitude adventures. Soon after, he began taking alpine climbing courses in Washington; this is when he knew he wanted to become a mountain guide. Over the next couple of years, he immersed himself in mountaineering leadership courses and climbed various peaks in the Cascades and Eastern Sierra. He took his first guide job working on Mt. Shasta which was a great place to start his career and ultimately prepared him for working in the PNW. Beyond guiding, Chris enjoys traveling, cooking, camping, snowboarding, backcountry splitboard touring, or just checking out the local breweries. During the winter, Chris can be found searching for fresh powder while working as a ski patroller.
Significant Ascents
Mt Rainier
Mt Shasta
Mt Baker
Mt Fury
Mt Shuksan
Eldorado Peak
Mt Whitney
Silver Star Mountain
Lassen Peak (Winter)
Mt St Helens
South Twin Sister
Vesper Peak
Liberty Bell
S. Early Winter Spire
Attempt of Kyajo Ri in Nepal (high point of 18,800 ft)
Kilimanjaro
Certifications
Wilderness EMT and CPR certified
LNT Master Educator
AMGA Alpine Guide Course
Avalanche Level 1
Avalanche Rescue Course
Technical Rope Rescue level III: Technician
