Ryan Sorenson
Ryan grew up in northern Wyoming, learning from an early age to snowboard, ski, and climb in the Big Horn Mountains, the Tetons, and the Beartooth Range of Montana. He graduated from Southern Oregon University with a degree in environmental science, where he also was a successful collegiate runner. He began his guiding career on Mt Shasta in Northern California. In 2015, Ryan moved to Mammoth Lakes, California, to guide rock, backcountry skiing, and backpacking in the high Sierra Nevada Mountains. In 2019, he moved back to Mt. Shasta, working with the US forest service as a climbing ranger and avalanche forecaster for the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center. Ryan has a quiet yet humble and professional demeanor with an excellent mountain sense and an adventurous spirit. When not guiding for Alpine Ascents, Ryan is a lead forecaster for the West Central Montana Avalanche Center and spends countless hours digging in the snow each winter to keep backcountry travelers safe.
Take 5 with the Guide
Favorite movie
Star Wars
Guilty Pleasure
Chocolate peanut butter ice cream
Dream rope team / climbing partner for your dream climb?
Tommy Caldwell – Fitz Traverse
In another life I’d…
Be a Jet or Helicopter Pilot
Most people don’t know that…
I’m skilled at training horses.
Significant Ascents
60+ Ascents of Mt Shasta, California, USA (via 6 routes)
DC, Kautz, Mt Rainier
East Buttress, Mt Whitney
Thunderbolt to Sill Traverse, High Sierra
Regular Route, Third Pillar of Dana, High Sierra
Bear Creek Spire, High Sierra
North Face, Fairview Dome, Tuolumne Meadows
Ski descents of various High Sierra peaks including Mt Whitney, Matterhorn Peak, Dunderberg Peak, Mount Dana, and many more
Certifications
Wilderness EMT
AIARE Pro 2 Avalanche
AIARE Instructor
Leave No Trace Trainer
AMGA Alpine Guide Course
AMGA Rock Guide Course
