Professionally Guided Adventures

My name is Ben Markhart, I am an IFMGA Mountain Guide Based in Boulder Colorado.  I’ve worked has an outdoor educator since 2008 and have been guiding in the mountains professionally since 2013.  I have experience guiding climbing and skiing all over the world.

I specialize in custom programs and expeditions.  I have dozens to hundreds of days in the field in parts of Alaska, Canada, most of the major ranges in the United States as well as Austria, France, Iceland and Norway.  I have also run programs in Central and South America.  

To get the most out of the mountains strong teams are essential.  As we get to know each other expect to be connected with other like minded climbers and skiers and get advice on what kind of programs a you might enjoy the most.  To get involved sign up for an entry level program or schedule and consultation.   

BHM Mountain Guiding LLC is a a Colorado based bonded and insured business with permitted access through the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Park Service and other local land managers.

 Why Hire a IFMGA Guide?

In the United States there is no regulation of the mountain guiding industry.  While plumbers and electricians need a license taking someone climbing or skiing in places that can be extremely dangerous do not.  This has lead to a challenging environment for the customer where there is no protection from those who have savvy misleading advertising.  In many areas there are even companies deliberately employee under qualified and inexperienced guides because they can pay them less.

The closest thing we have in the United States to licensing is the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) certification.  They provide certification in three disciplines: Rock, Alpine and Ski.  While there are many levels of quality even within certified guides this is a minimum standard I advice in who you trust your safety with.

I am one of less than 200 Americans who are fully certified Mountain Guides.  These guides are known as being part of the IFMGA or the association of international guides and the only ones who are allowed to work in countries that do have licensing requirements for guides such as France, Switzerland or Italy.  

Credentials/Memberships

Internationally Licensed IFMGA Mountain Guide 

Fully Certified American Mountain Guide – AMGA

AIARE – Level 1& 2  Course Leader

AAA – Professional Member/Pro Level 2 Certification

Leave No Trace (LNT) TrainerWilderness First Responder (WFR)

Testimonials

See More Reviews on Google
John F, May 10th Mt. Rainier...
“Great leadership presence. He willingness to help others is very obvious. One of our climbers pulled or strained a muscle. Ben took the climbers pack (45-60lbs) and carried it down from Camp Muir along with his own pack.”
Lance S. May 10th Mt. Rainier...
Ben hung back with me when I had difficulty keeping the pace. He was encouraging and compassionate. This is the type of person you want on your team. Great guy.
Joshua M. May 10th Mt. Rainier
Ben was also extremely helpful, nice, and informative. I had pulled muscle after we summited so the trek down to Paradise from Muir on the same day, left me a little slow. Ben stayed back with me and talked with me about different techniques of trekking down that helped. He also carried my backpack without me asking for a considerable amount of time to take some of the weight off my muscle. I can’t say enough about Ben and his helpfulness. Without him, trekking down would have been very hard.
Gregory O. August 29th Mt. Rainier
I had a great conversation with Ben on the way up to Muir and on the way down from Muir. He is a great guide. He was very knowledgeable and very physically capable. Ben joined us for the climb but wasn’t with us during the instructional day. Regardless, Ben had good advice for climbers around Muir and on the morning of the climb. He was also a great conversationalist so that was a big plus. I wish him the best and hope to see him at a ski resort in the future or perhaps on the mountain again. He was committed to safety, 100%.
Peter T. July 10 - 12 Mt. Baker - North Ridge
Ben was my lead guide and did a fabulous job, starting with our prep. session on the glacier the day before. He made sure Michael and I were prepared for everything that would happen on the North Ridge. He was terrific on the route and always put safety first. Really enjoyed the experience.
Jason J. July 20. Mt. Baker via North Ridge
Was on the rope team with Ben on summit day, and this guy is among the best guides I have worked with in my 5 years of climbing with a variety of guiding services. He was efficient on the steep ice, gave clear suggestions and tailored the pace and goals in a discrete and effective manner throughout the day. working with 2 climbers, I never saw him miss a step with the station transitions, rope management, or through dynamic situations the day offered. Was nice and upbeat throughout and met us where we were, focused on success from a supportive and instructive posture. Great guy. He is a true asset to your company!
Tony M. July 23 Mt. Shuksan via Fisher Chimneys
While all of the guides were great, I was on Ben’s rope team for both Shuksan and the Baker-North Ridge climb earlier in the week, so had my most extensive interactions with him. He is an excellent guide. Safety was always his number one priority, but he also looked for ways to challenge me to help me grow as a climber. He spent a lot of time coaching and educating along the climbs, and I was very impressed with his technical skills. I’d love to climb with him again.
Sam Z. June 23. Mt. Rainier via DC
Combined the perfect amount of positive reinforcement and pushing us to work harder. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide! Thanks for all the great pictures you took, too, Ben!
Kirk L. June 9. Mt. Rainier via DC
We spent most of our time with Ben, on the mountain school day and the summit day. He was really great. Encouraging, patient with a pace that was slightly slower than what may have been optimal, and really just a super guy to be roped up with for 12 hours. A real pleasure to climb with him.
Kellie C. June 5 - 8 Mt. Rainier Via DC
Ben led our rope and he was so skilled and competent in dealing with a member of our Team that was not doing so well as we reached the summit and headed back to Camp Muir. His ability to safely manage a weaker climber allowed us two strong hikers to make the summit, rather than being turned around by a teammate that was lagging. Excellent!