Mike Coyle

    Mike Coyle

    Guide: Washington, Alaska, International

    Mike began skiing and climbing after moving to Taos, New Mexico in 2000, but he first fell in love with the outdoors by spending time in the Blue Ridge Mountains in North Georgia as a kid. Skiing, climbing, canyoneering, and whitewater rafting has taken him all over the Western US., and has helped to define who he is today.  Mike went to college in Durango, Colorado and began mountain guiding after earning a BA, in Adventure Education from Fort Lewis College in 2013. He is currently living in Ridgway, Colorado; where he passes the time skiing, climbing, and taking his dog Yonder into the mountains.

    Mike loves spending time in the mountains because of the physical and mental challenges provided, the amazing people he gets to meet, and beautiful places he gets to visit. He is very passionate about teaching and sharing outdoor experiences with other people and he’s continually striving to become the best educator and guide that he can be.  The things that get him the most psyched are powder days, sticky ice, rock climbing in the sun, beautiful views, good food, and great company.

    5-year

    Take 5 with the Guide

    If you could only take one album on an expedition?
    Uprising – Bob Marley

    Favorite Movie?
    Blades of Glory

    Most beloved book?
    The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho

    What’s always in your snack bag?
    Almonds

    In another life, I’d…
    be a helicopter pilot

    Significant Ascents

    Denali, AK
    Aconcagua
    Mt. Rainier, WA
    Castletown Tower, Utah
    The Rectory, Utah
    Sister Superior, Utah
    Eagle Dance, Nevada
    Storm King Peak, CO (NE Ridge)
    Vestal Peak, CO
    Jagged Peak, CO
    Grand Teton, Upper Exum Ridge, WY
    Engineer Peak, CO (ski descent)
    Snowdon Peak, CO (ski descent)
    Sultan Peak, CO (ski descent)

    Certifications

    IFMGA Certified Guide
    Wilderness First Responder / CPR
    Avalanche Pro Level 2
    Avalanche Course Leader
    Leave No Trace Trainer

    ifmga ifmga-color

    Our leaders were superb and …., Alpine Ascents seemed to be very respected by other guided groups on the mountain. Based on what I saw on the mountain and in various camps, I think our guides were some of the best on 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 […]

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