Sam Ridley

Sam Ridley

Guide: Washington

Sam grew up in the foothills of Colorado, where he received a bachelor’s degree in science from Colorado State University. He enjoys blending a background in education with his guiding to help others learn the skills they need to achieve their goals. Watching others develop and do what they once thought impossible is his favorite part of guiding. When not working, Sam can usually be found still climbing and skiing or playing guitar around a campfire. He enjoys the seasonal changes between rock climbing, skiing, and alpine climbing/mountaineering.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
Longs Peak in High School with my friend Evan; we brought 1L of water and a French baguette….

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
I’m reading guidebooks, sipping coffee, and mostly just climbing and skiing

What’s always in your snack bag?
A peanut butter protein bar

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
My good friend Dan

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
The mountains aren’t going anywhere

Significant Ascents

Mt Baker North Ridge (Coleman-Deming Ski Descent)
Mt Rainier: Kautz, Fuhrer Finger (Ski Descents)
Mt Shuksan Fisher Chimneys
Mt Hood (23 trips guided)
Longs Peak: The Diamond, Kieners, Cables (6 trips guided)
Grand Teton: Full Exum, Petzoldt Ridge

Certifications

AMGA Assistant Rock Guide
AMGA Apprentice Alpine & Ski Guide
AMGA Ice Instructor
Avalanche Pro 1
AIARE Instructor
Wilderness First Responder and CPR certified
LNT Trainer

ALPINE ASCENTS BLOG

  • Cascades Conditions Report 8/13/2026

    Summer keeps on rolling and climbing in the Cascades is still going strong. Forecasts for the next week look promising. There will be a slight dip in the freezing levels over the weekend which should help keep things nice and cool higher up in the mountains. There’s also a slight change of picking up some […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 8/5/2026

    Hello climbers, It’s hard to believe, but the first week of August is almost finished! Climbing conditions throughout the state haven’t changed much since last week. Smoke has moved in the last couple of days throughout the area, but thankfully hasn’t impacted trips or teams up high. We expect a lot of the smoke to […]

  • Cascades Conditions Report 7/29/2026

    Hello climbers, Summer continues in full swing around Washington.  Temperatures should hover around seasonal norms for the rest of the week before a slight disturbance over the weekend.  There will be a slight dip in the temperature and there may even be a bit of precipitation in the mountains.  It should be a nice break […]

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