Michael Hutchins

    Michael Hutchins

    Guide: Alaska, Washington, International

    Originally from Washington State, Michael started climbing and skiing in the North Cascades. He attended Montana State University in Bozeman, MT where he was able to receive a bachelor’s degree and spend many days in the mountains while attending school. At the age of 19, Michael began working as a Climbing Ranger on Mount Rainier and gained a great deal of experience and knowledge on the mountain. Michael has also spent time in Alaska, Nepal and across North America chasing his love for climbing. He lives in his home of Winthrop, WA.  When not guiding, he works as a farm-hand and carpenter.

    Guide For:

    Denali

    Significant Ascents

    Mount Rainier 70+ ascents via 8 different routes
    AK, Denali, West Buttress
    AK, Mount Francis, Ski descent
    AK, Mount Hunter, North Buttress, Deprivation (6400′, AK6, AI6, M6, R)
    Aconcagua, 2 summits
    Patagonia, Aguja Frey, Abrojos y Centellas/Lost Fingers, 5.11 R
    Washington Pass, Liberty Bell, Thin Red Line, V, 5.10+, C3+ (one day)
    Washington Pass, Lexington Tower, Tooth and Claw, 5.12
    Washington Pass, South Early Winters Spire, Southern Man, 5.12a
    Mazama, WA, Goat’s Beard, V, WI 6, 1200’
    Yosemite, Zodiac, VI, 5.10, A3+
    Zion, Tatoween, V, 5.11+
    Castle Valley, Fine Jade, 5.11
    Red Rocks NV, Levitation 29, 5.11+
    Yosemite, Astroman, V, 5.11 (one day)
    Sphinx Mountain, MT, Lowe Direct, V, WI5
    Multiple climbing trips to Nepal
    Extensive Desert climbing in UT, CO, NV

    Certifications

    EMT
    Avalanche Level 2
    Leave No Trace Trainer
    Rigging for Rescue
    Helicopter Crew member

    Awards & Recognition

    Denali Pro Award 2017
    Khumbu Climbing Center Instructor

    I appreciate the guides and office staff for providing an overall smooth and enjoyable experience, on and off the mountain!

    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.
    © Copyright 2023 All Rights Reserved. Alpine Ascents International