Kristie Kayl

Kristie Kayl

Senior Guide: Washington, Alaska, International

Kristie was raised in the outdoors in the Pacific Northwest. For the past decade, Kristie has worked as a ski patroller and avalanche dog trainer in winter months. During the warm season she lives and breathes climbing and guiding of all disciplines. Kristie brings her background in international travel and expedition guiding to mountains around the world. She spends her fall season rock climbing and praying for snow.

Take 5 with the Guide

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
Climbing

What was your first mountain?
Mt Hood

What’s always in your snack bag?
Variety

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
Kevin Kayl

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Go climbing

5-year

Significant Ascents

Denali
Kilimanjaro
Aconcagua
Mt Vinson
Mt Rainier
Mt Baker
Mt Jefferson
Mt Hood
El Capitan in Yosemite Valley
Many alpine and rock routes throughout the US and abroad

Certifications

Wilderness EMT and CPR certified
Pro 1 Avalanche Certification
AAIRE Rec. Level 2
Leave No Trace Trainer
AMGA Rock Guide Course
AMGA Alpine Guide Course

Vern did an outstanding job with our team. I learned a tremendous amount regarding mountaineering. It was one take away after another. Far and away it was my favorite group and a truly memorable climb. I would recommend it to all!

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

  • Cascades Conditions report 5/6/2026

    Rainer is in Full Swing! This past week has been a gorgeous one here in the PNW with ample sunny skies across the region. Our guides have been calling in great conditions from all around the state, with lots of people climbing and skiing off the tops of the peak in the Cascades.  As a […]

  • The Cascade Climbing Season Kicks Off this week!

    Here we go! We’ve begun the summer season and our teams are already in the field. Our first Mount Rainier climb reached the summit on April 28, and our first mountaineering course on Mount Baker also successfully summited yesterday. It’s a strong start to the season. While there has been considerable discussion around a low […]

  • Cascades Classics Beyond Rainier & Baker

    Climbed Rainier and Baker and wondering what’s next? In this webinar recording, Alpine Ascents Senior Guide Lyra Pierotti explores three classic “next step” Cascades objectives: Mount Shuksan (Sulphide Glacier), Glacier Peak, and Mount Olympus. From remote rainforest approaches and long wilderness journeys to glaciated travel and alpine scrambling, each climb offers a completely different adventure. […]

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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