Leland Nisky

Leland Nisky

Guide: Washington

Leland discovered his love of outdoor exploration growing up in the jungles of Hong Kong, and his love of the mountains when he moved to Washington for college. The moment he found climbing, he knew he would be hooked for life. Leland has spent his time rock and Ice climbing all over Washington, Oregon, California, Idaho, Nevada, Utah and Colorado. Leland ended up in Colorado after earning a degree in Outdoor Education from Western Washington University, where he spent the next four years teaching for the Colorado Outward Bound School. In an effort to explore other careers as an outdoor professional he began to work his way through AMGA classes, and moved back out to Washington to guide full time. Leland is enthusiastic to spend time teaching his clients about technical skills and mountain living.

Take 5 with the Guide

If you could only take one album on an expedition?
Rainbow Brain – GRiZ

Most beloved book?
Empire of the Summer Moon – S.C. Gwynne

What’s always in your snack bag?
Sour Gummies!

What was your first mountain?
Eldorado Peak with my outdoor program at WWU in 2014

In another life, I’d…
hunt poachers who prey on endangered species

Significant Ascents

Rigid Designator in Vail
Bridal Veil Falls in Telluride
Glacier Peak in a day
Coleman Headwall of Mt. Baker (as well as 4 other routes)
Fuhrer’s Thumb on Mt. Rainier
East Buttress on Mt. Whitney
Primrose Dihedral on Moses

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified
AIARE Pro 1
Leave No Trace Trainer
AMGA Rock Guide Course
AMGA Alpine Guide Course
AMGA Ice Instructor course

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

  • Cascades Conditions Report 6/25/2025

    Hello climbers, Summer is officially in full swing in the Cascades, and conditions have remained stellar throughout the region. We’ve seen consistent summit success across Washington—from Mount Baker to Rainier and beyond—and guides are reporting some of the best early-season conditions in years. In Alaska, we still have one Denali team remaining on the mountain. […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 6/17/2025

    Hello climbers, We’ve had an incredible stretch of weather in the Cascades over the past 10 days, allowing teams to summit peaks across the region. In the far north, we’re thrilled to report that three of our expeditions have reached the summit of Denali— huge congratulations to all climbers! Two more teams remain on the […]

  • Vinson Webinar

    Summer is in full swing, but it’s never too early to start planning (and getting stoked) for a winter expedition. Mount Vinson—highest peak on the frozen continent and one of the famed Seven Summits—is a remote, high-altitude challenge like no other. With over 15 years of 100% team summit success, Alpine Ascents is proud to […]

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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