Patrick Chu

Patrick Chu

Guide: Washington, Alaska

Patrick grew up in the suburbs of Silicon Valley and began venturing into the mountains during his college years at UC Santa Cruz. Casual weekend backpacking trips laid the groundwork for what would become a full-fledged passion for mountain climbing. After earning a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies in 2012, Patrick began his guiding career on Mt Shasta in northern California. Here, surrounded by devoted climbers and skiers, he honed his skills for recreating and guiding in the alpine environment. He eventually moved on to work on bigger glaciated peaks like Mt Rainier and Denali.
Over the last ten years, Patrick has climbed and skied in several venues throughout the Sierra Nevada, Cascades, British Columbia, Patagonia, Alaska, and the Himalayas. Patrick splits his year working as a professional ski patroller, mountain guide, ski guide, and wilderness medicine instructor. He is currently pursuing a Master of Health Science Physician Assistant degree and his AMGA Ski Guide certification.

5-year

Significant Ascents

50+ ascents of Mount Shasta via six routes
Liberty Ridge, DC, Emmons, Kautz, Â Mt Rainier
Reid Glacier Headwall, Mt Hood
West Buttress, Denali, Alaska
Whillans-Cochrane, Poincenot, Patagonia
Northeast Ridge, Bugaboo Spire, British Columbia
Northwest Ridge, Mount Sir Donald, British Columbia
Southwest Ridge, Ama Dablam, Nepal
North Ridge, Forbidden Peak, North Cascades

Certifications

Emergency Medical Technician and CPR certified
AIARE Pro II & Course Instructor
Leave No Trace Trainer
AMGA Assistant Ski Guide

I was very satisfied with the amount that I learned during the course and feel that I had enough time/opportunity to practice newly learned skills. I feel confident in my ability to make smart decisions to avoid a rescue situation, but also feel confident that should I find myself in a rescue situation I now know what to do.

8 Day Alaska Mountaineering Course BLOG

  • Mountaineering Courses Webinar

    Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming Denali expedition or want to learn the essential skills to weekend warrior on glaciated peaks with friends, we have a full line-up of courses to help you achieve your mountain goals. In this webinar, alpine educator Brooke Warren outlined our various mountaineering courses – What’s the difference between the […]

  • Mountain Kitchen Confidential: Cooking on Alaska Range Courses and Beyond

    By Aili Farquhar As the bright sun pops over the shoulder of Mt. Hunter’s North Buttress the steam of our boiling breakfast water curls up into the frosty blue Alaska morning. Soon, the drone of bright DeHavilland Beavers and Otters bringing climbers into and out of the Alaska Range will fill the sky. For now, […]

  • Dear Alpine Ascents: Double-Wall vs. Single Wall Tents?

    Dear Alpine Ascents, I’m gearing up for an 8-Day Alaska Course and I see that you require double-wall four season tents. I found a single wall four-season tent that is supposed to be bomber (saw photos of it being used in the Himalaya) and it would save me 5 pounds. What gives?  Sincerely, Trying to […]

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