Sam Gifford
Originally from the Boston area, Sam cut his teeth in the mountains of New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine—carving lines on skis and a snowboard, backpacking deep into the wilderness, and developing a love for climbing. Since then, he’s guided in Colorado, Alaska, and Washington State, with experience in alpine, rock, and ski disciplines, as well as avalanche education. A career highlight was summiting Denali and riding his splitboard off the summit.
Sam holds certifications as an AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide and Single Pitch Instructor, is an AIARE Instructor, and maintains Wilderness First Responder credentials. He studied Economics but found his true calling in guiding—believing that time spent in nature, especially when pushing personal limits, fosters introspection and growth. His goal is to help more people experience the outdoors by lowering barriers to access and building confidence in the mountains.
When not guiding, Sam can be found tending his home garden where he grows vegetables, herbs, and mushrooms. He lives with his girlfriend and their black lab, Mia, and spends his free time climbing, riding his splitboard, and catching live music whenever he can.
Significant Ascents
Denali (West Buttress, West Rib)
Mount Hunter (Ham & Eggs)
Rainier (DC, Emmons, Kautz)
Glacier Peak
Baker
Certifications
Wilderness First Responder & CPR
Avalanche Pro 1
AMGA Alpine Guide Course
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
AIARE Avalanche Instructor
Leave No Trace Trainer
