David Shuer

David Shuer

Guide: Washington

Hailing from Maine foothills, David was in awe when he first set his eyes on the mountains of the Cascades. Throughout his studies at the University of Washington, he escaped to the mountains at every opportunity with the dream of working as a guide. Now living in Seattle, he finds great fulfillment in teaching the craft of mountaineering and sharing his love for the outdoors.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
Mount Rainier in high school.

What’s always in your snack bag?
Carrots and hummus

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
Barack Obama hands down

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
Birding and tickling the strings on my guitar

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Be present with your surroundings. Take note of the sounds, smells, and sights. And leave your phone on airplane mode until you’re back at the car!

Significant Ascents

Mount Rainier
Mount Baker
Forbidden Peak
Mount Stuart
Mount Shuksan
R2R2R of the Grand Canyon
Huayna Potosi in Bolivia

Certifications

AMGA Rock Guide Course
AMGA Alpine Guide Course
AIARE Instructor Trainer Course
Pro 1 Avalanche Course
Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified
Leave no Trace Trainer
Mental Health First Aid

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

  • Cascades Conditions Report 9/3/2026

    Hello climbers, It felt like the switch to fall happened in the mountains this week!  Cool temperatures and precipitation have returned to the mountains.  New snow returned to mid and upper elevations over the last couple days, and a handful of inches is expected over the next few days and leading into the weekend as […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 8/19/2026

    Hello climbers, Conditions continue to stay phenomenal around the mountains in Washington. Smoke forecasts look really good throughout the rest of the week and into weekend. We are starting to see some mid to late August weather patterns start to creep in, with blip of cooler temperatures and light precipitation working its way into the […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 8/13/2026

    Summer keeps on rolling and climbing in the Cascades is still going strong. Forecasts for the next week look promising. There will be a slight dip in the freezing levels over the weekend which should help keep things nice and cool higher up in the mountains. There’s also a slight change of picking up some […]

Partners & Accreditations

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