Stephen Weindling

Where is Stephen from? Frankly, he’s not quite sure, but if you ask him, you’ll likely hear anything ranging from New Mexico to Virginia. Plotting his life trajectory on a graph is a challenge that far exceeds his own mathematical prowess – that is to say, it’s non-linear at best – and upon recollection, the details seem to perplex even him.

What he can say for certain, is that he got his first taste for adventure after heading abroad for the first time with a high school program. This catapulted him into a multiyear world tour that included a number of fine Balkan pastries, tejo (Colombian corn-hole but with gunpowder), and some clown related endeavors.

He returned to Virginia for college where he stumbled his way into the steep sandstone cliffs of West Virginia and quickly developed an affinity for climbing and guiding shortly after. His climbing career has taken him all over the world while his guiding career has been predominantly based in Alaska, Maine, and Washington. Generally speaking, his favorite climbs are any that are long, remote, and cold but you’re likely to find a smile on his face in any vertical terrain (like the corporate ladder) or while taking a nap in his trusty Honda Odyssey in the parking lot.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
My first mountain was Maglić; the highest peak in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
I love baking, but have a healthy apprehension towards non-yeasted baked goods. So I stick primarily to breads.

What’s always in your snack bag?
Goldish. Doesn’t matter how cold or tired I am, I can always put down goldfish.

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
My sister’s dog Nala, or Derek Parfit.

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Never stop snacking.