Greg Kanter
Born and raised in New York City, Greg had a career on the stage before trading his tap shoes for crampons! As an actor and director, he toured the continent with a traveling children’s theatre, beginning a career trend of mentorship and instruction.
He was soon introduced to outdoor recreation of all kinds by the various communities he served, and one thing led to another…
Greg is now a multidisciplinary alpinist who can be found on rock, ice, and snow from the Pacific Northwest to his own beloved Catskills, Adirondacks, and Shawangunks in New York, where he lives with his wife and dog. He still answers the call to help people find their voices and achieve their goals, whether onstage or on the mountain.
Greg believes that climbing is as much an act of self-expression as a song, dance, or painting, and he can’t wait to hear your material!
Take 5 with the Guide
What was your first mountain?
Drove up New Hampshire’s Mount Washington on family vacation at age ten. “Someday maybe I’ll do it without the car”.
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
Watching/critiquing/admiring the Great American Musical
What’s always in your snack bag?
Chocolate Chip Cookies!
If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
Benjamin Franklin. Guy was a riot.
One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Start small. Start NOW.
Significant Ascents
Denali – West Buttress
Mount Rainier – DC, Emmons, Kautz
Mount Baker. – Ski Descent of Coleman-Deming and Easton Glaciers
Mount Shuksan – Sulphide Glacier
Mount Adams – Ski Descent of Southwest Chutes
Glacier Peak – Chocolate/Cool Glacier
Mount Olympus – Blue Glacier
Grand Teton – Owen Spalding
Winter Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire
Unsupported bicycle tour, NYC-Los Angeles
Certifications
Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
AMGA Snow and Glacier Module
AIARE Avalanche Level 1
LNT
