Erick Kelly
Erick grew up in the Front Range of Colorado and was first introduced to the mountains as a two year old careening down the ski slopes of the Rockies. His love for the mountains was discovered while attending college at Colorado State University where he led backcountry skiing and rock climbing trips. Erick is grateful for the skilled and passionate mentors he has had the fortune of befriending in the outdoors and he hopes to carry this on to other avid adventurists. He is ecstatic at the thought of the crisp granite and glaciated spectacles that embody the Washington Cascades, a place he now calls home. When not guiding or rock climbing you can find Erick at Crystal Mountain where he patrols or delving into new hobbies and interests such as: yoga, cooking, dancing, surfing, or laying on a beach doing absolutely nothing.
Take 5 with the Guide
If you could only take one album on an expedition?
Based on a True Story – Fat Freddy’s Drop
Most beloved book?
East of Eden – John Steinbeck
Guilty pleasure?
Watching ice hockey
In another life, I’d…
live in a hut on the beach in 1980s Nicaragua and surf everyday
One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers?
Just get out and have fun – do it for yourself.
Significant Ascents
Denali – West Buttress
Mt. Shuksan – Fisher Chimneys, North Face Ski Descent
Mt. Rainier – Disappointment Cleaver, Kautz, Emmons Ski Descent
Mt. Adams – North Ridge, Northwest Face Ski Descent
Mt. Stuart – Cascadia Couloir, Ullrich’s Ski Descent
Mt. St. Helens – Wormflows Ski Descent
Tatooine 5.11a – Zion National Park, Utah
Risky Business 5.10+ R – Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Nevada
Epinephrine 5.9 – Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, Nevada
Acid Baby 5.10d – Enchantments, Washington
Serenity Sons 5.10d – Yosemite Valley, California
Yellow Spur 5.10b – Eldorado Canyon, Colorado
Escape Artist 5.10a – Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Colorado
St. Vitus’ Dance 5.9 – Squamish, British Columbia
South Buttress of Pingora 5.8 – Wind River Range, Wyoming
Certifications
Wilderness First Responder / CPR
Outdoor Emergency Care
Leave No Trace Trainer
AIARE Avalanche Rec II
AIARE Avalanche Pro I
AIARE Instructor Training Course
Alpine Ascents is at the top of my list when it comes to expedition leaders, particularly by the level of expertise and professionalism embodied by Vern.
