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
Manaslu, Nepal (without supplementary oxygen)
Baruntse, Nepal
Ama Dablam, Nepal
Mera Peak, Nepal
Denali, USA (5 expeditions)
Island Peak, Nepal (2 expeditions)
Kala Patthar, Nepal
Chukkung Ri, Nepal
Everest Base Camp trek, Nepal
Iztaccihuatl, Mexico
La Malinche, Mexico (2 climbs)
Mount Whitney, USA (3 climbs, 2 in winter)
Mount Rainier, USA (27 climbs via 4 routes, 1 in winter)
Mount Shasta, USA
Mount Russel, USA (winter ascent)
Grand Teton, USA (2 climbs via 2 routes)
Mount Athabasca, Canada
Mount Baker, USA (13 climbs via 2 routes)
Mount Shuksan, USA (2 climbs)
Mount Adams, USA (2 climbs)
Half Dome, USA Regular Northwest Face
Mount Washington, USA (6 winter climbs via 4 routes)
Katahdin, USA (2 winter climbs via 2 routes)
Mount Colden, USA (2 winter climbs)
Northern Patagonia, Chile
First ascents on rock and Icebergs, Canada (2 expeditions)
Certifications
Wilderness First Responder/CPR
Wilderness First Aid
Leave No Trace Trainer
PCGI Single Pitch Guide
AIARE Level 1
AIARE Level 2
AIARE Pro 1
AIARE Instructor Training Course
Awards & Recognition
2019 Denali Pro Pin
2016 AAC Live Your Dream Grant
2011 & 2017 ECP Mike Brown Expedition Grant
While the equipment and other necessities such as food were extremely important vehicles for success/ the overall experience on this expedition and definitely contributed to the overall quality, what really made this trip shine were the guides.
