Sydney Kahl

Sydney grew up in Maine and at a young age found appreciation for the natural world via canoe on lakes and rivers. While in college at St. Lawrence University she turned to the mountains and hiked the Adirondack 46ers, and then all 115 highest mountains in the Northeast. She secured her first mountain job working for the Appalachian Mountain Club as part of a backcountry hut crew. Sydney has since found herself working in the outdoor industry in various capacities from outdoor education, environmental conservation work, ski patroller, and ski technician. Her fascination with glaciers ultimately drew her to mountain guiding in Washington. When she isn’t leading our rope teams on Alpine Ascents trips, she also instructs mountaineering and backpacking expeditions for the National Outdoor Leadership School in Alaska, Wyoming, and Idaho, and teaches avalanche courses for the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education. When not in the field she can be found mounting or tuning skis in the ski shop finding an alpine lake to swim in, paddling rivers, or seeking out a new ski objective.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
Mt. Lafayette

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
swim in a lake and eat from the garden

What’s always in your snack bag?
a cheese stick

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
My partner, Phil! (obviously)

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Always keep engaging in your learning, and remember to have fun!