Building a relationship with a guide is the best way to increase the value of a trip.  You cant buy your way on to the epic programs, we need to have working history so I can be sure yours will be a positive contribution to the team.  The team after-all is the cornerstone of all we do in the mountains.  If you want to get involved with the coolest programs sign up for an entry level program and well go from there.  There is a lot of trust involved in mountain climbing on both ends.  As we develop a rapport it’s much easier to get an invite for the epic stuff.  

If you don’t want to pay for a private program, the best strategy is to build a program with a group of friends or climbing partners.  If you have a group of 3-4 costs are much more manageable and this will give you a lot more flexibility scheduling a program that works for your schedule.  You will know the other people on the program and can make sure it’s a fun group. 

For most guides, tipping is expected—generally $50–$100 per day. The industry is notoriously abusive, and most guides can barely make ends meet, even with tips of $100 per day. I set my prices to make ends meet without relying on tips.

That said, I price my programs well below what the demand would dictate because having a wider variety of people involved creates better teams and higher-quality programs than catering only to those willing to pay top prices. If you have the finances to tip, it’s appreciated.  I also helps make my schedule more flexible for your future programs.

Yes! I typically list a number of programs with fixed dates because having a good team makes the program much more fun and less expensive.  Having a fixed date and climb makes it much eaiser to get everyone on board with the schedule.  However, if you have your own team or would like a private program there are always tons of options.

This is the most important question in guiding… and the answer is I don’t know until we have climbed together.  As we get to know each other part of the guides job is to pair you with objectives that will give you the right amount of challenge and the learning outcomes you’re interested in.  Get in touch and we can talk on the phone about where to start.

.

Working with an independent guide you know who you are hiring and they work to serve your interests.  When you work with a guide service the person you talk to in the office and the guide you are booked with don’t work for you primarily, they work for the company and are focused more on serving the company’s needs than yours.  In many cases it will cost you the same to book a guided day with a 22 year old who has been doing this for 1 or 2 years as an IFMGA guide who has been doing it for 15.  When you book independent you know what you’re paying for.

Generally, I can provide all technical and camp gear.  Generally transportation and lodging off mountain is not included, as well as any food costs.