Don Wargowsky
Don began climbing in 2003 as a college student in Pittsburgh, PA. He cut his teeth on rock and ice climbs throughout the northeast, then went on to direct a mountain climbing school, and became a rock climbing guide in the New River Gorge, WV. He has first ascents on rock in Newfoundland and is one of only a handful of people who have ever climbed a floating iceberg.
When he is not climbing, Don is a class V river guide and has worked on some of the United States and New Zealand’s most challenging rivers. During the off season you can find him ice climbing in Ouray, rafting the Grand Canyon, skiing in Utah, rock climbing in Thailand, or climbing mountains in the Himalayas. He has led expeditions across the world, including Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and Nepal.
Significant Ascents
Denali, USA
Baruntse, Nepal
Ama Dablam, Nepal
Island Peak, Nepal
Mera Peak, Nepal
Chukkung Ri, Nepal
La Malinche, Mexico
Iztaccihuatl, Mexico
Mt. Whitney, USA
Mt. Russel, USA
First ascents on rock and Icebergs, Canada
Mt. Rainier, USA
Mt. Baker, USA
Mt. Shuksan, USA
Mt. Adams, USA
Mt. Washington, USA (6 winter ascents)
Katahdin, USA (2 winter ascents)
Mt. Colden, USA (2 winter ascents)
Grand Teton, USA (2 ascents)
Athabasca, Canada
Certifications
Wilderness First Responder/CPR
Avalanche Pro Level 1
Leave No Trace Trainer
PCGI Single Pitch Guide
Awards & Recognition
2019 Denali Pro Pin
2016 AAC Live Your Dream Grant
2011 & 2017 ECP Mike Brown Expedition Grant
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!
