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

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

Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified
AIARE Level II
Leave No Trace Trainer
AMGA Rock Guide
AMGA Advanced Alpine Guide Course
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor

amga-spiamga-rock

If you want a first rate unparalleled experience, you will go with Alpine Ascents. I am biased of course, but I have had friends go to the same mountain with different services only to find themselves going back with Alpine Ascents because it just can’t be done any better

Mount Mckinley | Denali BLOG

  • 2026 Denali Webinar Recording

    Join Alpine Ascents senior guide Don Wargowsky for a deep dive into one of the world’s most iconic climbing objectives — Denali.  In this webinar, Don breaks down the expedition logistics, training requirements, and day-to-day realities of climbing North America’s highest peak (20,310 ft / 6,190 m). You’ll get a realistic look at what it […]

  • 2025 Denali Webinar

    Ready to dive deep into the world of Denali? In this webinar recording, veteran Denali guide Hannah McGowan brings you an inside look at what it takes to tackle North America’s highest peak. From route logistics and gear essentials to crucial preparation tips, Hannah shares her hard-earned insights from her last 9 Denali expeditions on […]

  • Denali ’24 in a Nutshell

    Submission by Jess, Alaska Operations. When I touched down in Talkeetna this year, greeted by sunny skies and perfect weather, I couldn’t help but feel hopeful for a smoother forecast for Denali climbing season compared to the previous year’s relentlessly poor weather. Julia was clearly on the same wavelength because just a few weeks before, […]

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