John Collis

    John Collis

    Senior Guide: Washington, Alaska, International

    Since discovering a passion for climbing while getting his Bachelor’s degree in Geology at Colorado College, John has spent time traveling and climbing across parts of Africa, the Andes, Southeast Asia, Canada, the Rockies, and the Cascades. When not in Washington, John calls Moab, Utah his home and can be found exploring its canyons and desert towers.

    5-year

    Take 5 with the Guide

    If you could only take one album on an expedition?
    Ride the Lightning – Metallica

    Favorite movie?
    2001 – A Space Odyssey

    Dream climbing partner for your dream climb?
    Stuart Robertson for the Rupal Face

    Guilty pleasure?
    Karaoke. On second thought, I feel no guilt about this.

    One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers?
    “There are no bad conditions, only weakness.” – 10 year old girl next to me at the climbing gym

    Guide For:

    Aconcagua
    Denali

    Significant Ascents

    Denali
    Aconcagua
    Mt. Rainier via DC, Emmons, Kautz
    Mt. Baker
    Forbidden Peak
    Dragontail Peak
    Zodiac, El Capitan
    Mt. Proboscis and Lotus Flower Tower, Cirque of the Unclimbables
    The Grand Traverse, Tetons

    Certifications

    WFR/CPR
    AIARE Level II
    Leave No Trace Trainer
    AMGA Rock Guide
    AMGA Advanced Alpine Guide Course
    AMGA Single Pitch Instructor

    amga-spiamga-rock

    Great guides, excellent support infrastructure, everything was really well thought-out. I’ve recommended AAI to multiple people for future expeditions.

    Denali BLOG

    • Denali Webinar

      Dominating the already immense landscape of the Alaska Range, Denali “The Great One ” is the tallest mountain in North America, rising a lofty 20,310’ above Denali National Park.  Mountaineers flock from across the globe to test their strength and climbing prowess on this ultimate alpine test piece.  If you have Denali on your list […]

    • Denali: A Photo Essay

      by Brooke Warren Denali “The High One” is the third highest of the seven summits, right behind Everest and Aconcagua, at 20,310 feet. It is an “ultra-prominent” peak with soaring vertical relief of 18,000 feet, greater even than Mount Everest (a mere 12,000′ of vertical relief) when measured from its 2,000-foot lowlands to its lofty […]

    • Dear Alpine Ascents: Insulating Ice Axe Handles?

      Hey Alpine, I’m headed up to Denali this May (!!!!) and I heard that climbers insulate their ice axes? Interesting… What’s the rationale and how do I do it? Thanks in advance and see you in Talkeetna! Sincerely, Seeking Toasty Mitts Hi Toast Mitts, Thanks for reaching out and stoked you’re headed up to the […]

    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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