Jorge Mendoza

Jorge,he/him, is an adventurous soul with a passion for guiding and outdoor exploration. His journey with AAI began when he joined their guide team after participating in the inaugural
cohort of AAI’s BIPOC Guide Development program. A key moment in Jorge’s journey was his first summit of Koma Kulshan (Mt. Baker), where he experienced a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose. Prior to this, he had honed his skills and accumulated valuable experience in the Sierra Nevadas. He spends time finding fresh powder lines to ski, new and interesting places to climb, and finding the best alpine lakes with his dog. Through all of this, he holds a deep-rooted commitment to increasing access and representation for underrepresented communities in outdoor spaces and is driven to inspire others to pursue their outdoor passions and aspirations.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
The first mountain I wore crampons on was Mt. San Antonio in Southern California, but the first mountain I ever climbed was Mt Rubidoux.

If you could only take one album on an expedition?
La Trenza- Mon Laferte

What’s your favorite Alpine snack?
It’s a three way tie between pizza, peanut m&m’s and sour patch kids

Any hidden talents or unexpected past lives?
I spent years performing as a professional mariachi musician in Los Angeles.

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Don’t forget this is supposed to be fun! (Type 2 fun is permitted). Find people who you can have fun with and go exploring. See where the adventure takes you.