David Gottlieb
David joined Alpine Ascents in 2016 and comes to guiding with a lifetime of mountaineering experience. He worked for eighteen seasons as a climbing ranger on Mount Rainier and has climbed the mountain countless times. He has hundreds of hours of rescue training as well as many years of hands on rescue experience. His climbing eventually brought him to the Himalayas to pursue his dreams of climbing remote mountains, culminating in four ascents of previously unclimbed 22,000 ft peaks. He is an able communicator with a wealth of knowledge and skills to share. David was raised in the Cascades of North Central Washington where he still resides today, enjoying a rural lifestyle with his lovely wife. When not guiding, David enjoys books, traveling, motorcycles and getting out to climb every chance he gets.
Take 5 with the Guide
If you could only take one album on an expedition?
A Love Supreme – John Coltrane
Most beloved book?
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre – B. Traven
Favorite movie?
Underground – Emir Kusturica
Dream climbing partner for your dream climb?
Mark Westman (secret objective in the Himalaya)
In another life, I’d…
live in Big Sur California in the 1950s
Significant Ascents
Denali, Alaska (6 expeditions)
Aconcagua, Argentina
Mount Rainier, Washington
Mount Baker, Washington
Mount Shuksan, Washington
Glacier Peak, Washington
Mount Dickey, Alaska
Mount Dan Beard, Alaska
Peak 11,300, Alaska
Manaslu
Kang Nachugo, Nepal
Jobo Ringjang, Nepal
Takargo Ri, Nepal
Pangbuk Ri, Nepal
Kyajo Ri, Nepal
Certifications
Wilderness First Responder
Avalanche Level 2
Leave No Trace Trainer
Rigging for Rescue
Ropes that Rescue
Awards and Recognition
Mug Stumps Award 2010/2013
Shipton Tilman Award 2010
Lyman Spitzer Cutting Edge Award 2012/2013
McNeill-Nott Award 2009/2012/2013
Department of the Interior Valor Award 2010
American Red Cross Wilderness Hero Award 2005 (King County, WA)
All three guides were very patient and hands on, helping everyone in the team whether it was with new skills or refreshing exciting ones. There was plenty of practical learning/teaching before we ever left Talkeetna, not to mention on the mountain itself. Plus all three guides had great anecdotes!
