David Gottlieb

Senior Guide: Washington, Alaska, International

David Gottlieb is a highly experienced alpinist and professional mountain guide with an extensive background in high-altitude mountaineering and technical climbing ascents across the world. Before joining the Alpine Ascents team in 2016, David spent 18 seasons as a Climbing Ranger on Mount Rainier and traveled far and wide accumulating a wealth of experience in mountain rescue, risk management, and technical climbing. In addition to his guiding career, David’s passion for remote and high altitude environments has driven him to complete four first ascents of unclimbed 22,000-foot peaks in the Himalayas, including Kang Nachugo (6,735 meters) and Takargo (6,771 meters).

David’s guiding approach is based on precision, safety, and effective leadership. He is dedicated to mentoring climbers in technical skills and expedition strategy. Whether leading teams on established routes close to home on Mount Rainier, or travelling to guide our Volcanoes of Ecuador and Kilimanjaro expeditions, he brings a measured and professional approach to every ascent, and enough stories from his travels to fill any long day on the trail. When he’s not guiding, David spends his time in the Cascades of North Central Washington enjoying good books, motorcycles, spending time with family, and of course, getting out to climb every chance he gets.

10-year

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

Guide For:

Aconcagua
Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Mckinley | Denali

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 and CPR certified
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)

Yes. Top notch all the way. Both Victor and Nick are experienced and knowledgeable guides. Their decision making and leadership skills are of the highest order. Lots of teaching opportunities along the way; both Victor and Nick were very open and willing to share their knowledge

More Testimonials

Mount Mckinley | Denali BLOG

2026 Denali Webinar Recording

Join Alpine Ascents senior guide Don Wargowsky for a deep dive into one of the world’s most iconic climbing objectives — Denali. In this webinar, Don breaks down the expedition logistics, training requirements, and day-to-day realities of climbing North America’s highest peak (20,310 ft / 6,190 m). You’ll get a realistic look at what it […]

2025 Denali Webinar

Ready to dive deep into the world of Denali? In this webinar recording, veteran Denali guide Hannah McGowan brings you an inside look at what it takes to tackle North America’s highest peak. From route logistics and gear essentials to crucial preparation tips, Hannah shares her hard-earned insights from her last 9 Denali expeditions on […]

Denali ’24 in a Nutshell

Submission by Jess, Alaska Operations. When I touched down in Talkeetna this year, greeted by sunny skies and perfect weather, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful for a smoother forecast for Denali climbing season compared to the previous year’s relentlessly poor weather. Julia was clearly on the same wavelength because just a few weeks before, […]