The Guides of International Mountain Guides
Expeditions not led by IMG Directors Eric Simonson, Phil Ershler, Geo Dunn, or Paul Baugher are led by professional climbers from our world-class guiding team:Mark AllenAMGA Certified Ski Mountaineering Guide
Mark is a Washington native and cut his teeth in the North Cascades 1991 and began guiding in the Northwest in 2001. Now he is currently a IFMGA aspirant and AMGA certified Rock Guide and Ski Mountaineering Guide. When not personal climbing across the US Mark divides his time guiding extensive Alpine, Ice, Rock and Ski trips in the Cascades, Sierras, and Colorado's San Juans. Mark's shoulder seasons are typically spent by annual spring migrations to Alaska to alpine and ski guide in the Alaska and Chugach ranges, rock guide in Red Rock NV and Joshua Tree CA, or high altitude mountaineering in Nepal. Internationally, Mark has led several successful expeditions to Aconcagua, Denail AK, Ruth Gorge AK, St. Elias AK, Patagonia, Nepal, China and Antarctica. Mark's personal interests are alpinism and ski mountaineering in areas that still need exploring. His academic background is in geology with an emphasis on mountain building processes and is a Level I&II avalanche instructor. On his days off he explores the undiscovered corners of his back yard — the North Cascades and San Juan Mountains. Mark speaks travelers German, Spanish, and Chinese.
Mark In The News:
Peter Anderson
Peter has been guiding for International Mountain Guides on Rainier and around the world for over 10 years. Peter resides in Missoula, Montana where he works as a Flight Nurse on an emergency helicopter. He is also the assistant director of Aerie Backcountry Medicine, an educational company certifying students around the world in wilderness first aid and emergency medicine. Many IMG guides are Wilderness First Responder certified through Aerie. Peter is a member of the Black Diamond Field Test Team; is Avalanche Level II, RN, Wilderness EMT, and Leave No Trace trainer certified; and is a former member of an Avalanche Search and Rescue team, Mountain Rescue team, and a Denali Rescue Patrol. Peter has climbed and guided extensively in Alaska, New Zealand, Central and South America, Africa, and Nepal. When Peter is not spending time in, or above, the mountains of Montana, he can be found climbing or guiding around the world for IMG.
Adam Angel
Adam (www.AdamAngel.com) has been climbing for over 15 years and is a senior guide on Mt. Rainier near his home in Washington. Over the years, Adam has guided in Africa, Nepal, Tibet, Argentina, Alaska, Mexico and California. He sees climbing as one of the best ways to see the world and loves sharing the experience. Adam is founder and owner of the Mt. Rainier Institute of Photography, located in the foothills of Mt. Rainier. He and his family enjoy skiing and cycling, and spoil each other whenever possible. He has a B.Sc. in Geology, and is a Certified Wilderness First Responder.
Chris Booher
A professional mountain guide for the past eight years, Chris has had the opportunity to travel and climb all over the world. Major guided expeditions include Mt Everest (North Ridge), Ama Dablam, McKinley, Aconcagua, Mount Blanc and numerous others worldwide. To balance out his high altitude mountaineering, Chris leads technical rock and ice climbing trips to Europe, North and South America, and Nepal. Working on five different continents has given Chris the chance to share his climbing knowledge and love of foreign cultures with his clients and friends. When not working on the great mountains of the world, you can find Chris riding his Harley Davidson, skiing, running, playing soccer, or doing his best to hit a golf ball straight down a fairway.
Max Bunce
Max grew up on Long Island and moved to Colorado at age 18. He fell in love with the outdoors through skiing as a child in Europe. In Colorado, Max got a Masters of Science in Physics before he decided to pursue a guiding career. As a second year guide he has summited Mt. Rainier over 30 times. In the winter, Max works for Crystal Mountain pro ski patrol where he enjoys setting off avalanches and skiing the pow. He holds a Wilderness First Responder along with an Avalanche Level 2 certification. On his off time, Max is an avid rock climber, alpine climber and backcountry skier.
Romulo Cardenas
IMG is fortunate to have The Best partners internationally. Romulo has guided our Ecuador climbs for 20 years. He resides just outside of Quito with his wife, Patricia and son, Camilo. We don’t even want to count how many times he’s been to the summit of each Ecuadorean summit! He’s also climbed with IMG on Cerro Aconcagua, Denali and Vinson Massif. No one knows Ecuador like Romulo. Strong, knowledgeable, friendly and competent are great adjectives to describe our good friend and guide. Romulo gives our Ecuador trips a leg up on the competition.
John Colver
A guide since 1999, John has been climbing for over 25 years and combines his enjoyment of mountaineering with his passion for athletic coaching. A native of Scotland, John lives with his wife in Seattle, and when not in the mountains, runs adventX, a leading outdoor fitness company based in Seattle. John began climbing while serving as a British army paratrooper. As a guide, he has climbed throughout the Cascades, on multiple expeditions to Denali and Aconcagua and has climbed Mt Rainier 51 times. In 2008, John was expedition leader for the US Army's High Altitude Cognitive Study Group, performing medical testing on over 100 climbers on Mount Aconcagua, Argentina. He also enjoys running, triathlons, hiking & backpacking and is currently writing a book on outdoor fitness.
John In The News:
Jessica Culver
Jess is originally from the western hills of Massachusetts. She grew up skiing, hiking and camping with her family all over the country and developed a love the mountains and outdoors, which inspired her to pursue a life in the mountains. Jess successfully completed her bachelor's degree in Hospitality managementand graduated in 2008. After four years without enough time to play and enjoy the outdoors Jess spent a semester with the National Outdoor Leadership School rock climbing, sailing, mountaineering and backpacking. Since then Jess has worked for a YMCA summer camp in Colorado where she led 3-7 day backpacking, rock climbing and white water kayaking trips. As a first year guide with International Mountain Guides Jess is looking forward to expanding her technical skills in alpine, rock and ski guiding and hopes to spend more days on the mountain then off. In the off-season Jess works as a professional Ski patroller at Crystal Mountain, WA. Jess is a Wilderness First Responder, OEC certifiedand holds Avalanche Level I & II certifications.
Olivia Cussen IFMGA and AMGA Fully Certified Guide
Olivia is an avid outdoors person, who works year round as an alpine, rock and ski guide. Olivia started guiding professionally in 2000 and is the third American woman to complete her full AMGA and IFMGA certification. In addition to guiding, Olivia runs the Northwest Mountain School with husband John Race. Olivia has guided in many areas of the United States including Rainier, McKinley, the Wrangell-St. Elias Range and the North Cascades. She's climbed in France, guided in Mexico and on Aconcagua and reached the summit of Cho Oyu, the world's sixth highest peak. Additionally, her certifications include WFR, US Avalanche II and LNT Trainer.
Jason Edwards AMGA Certified Alpine Guide
Jason Edwards started his guiding career in the 1970's, and has since
guided and led successful ascents of many mountains around the world,
including Shishapangma and four successful expeditions to the summit of
Mt. Everest. His 2001 Everest expedition became one of the most
successful expedition in Everest history, when 14 of 16 climbers reached
the 29,035' summit. Jason has guided multiple expeditions in many other
countries, including the Mexican Volcanoes, Bolivian peaks, Peru
(including Alpamayo, Huascaran, and several others), Ecuadorian peaks,
Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, peaks in Nepal, Mt. Elbrus in Russia, Mt. Vinson
in Antarctica, and various peaks in North America. In 2002,
Jason became the 65th person to climb the famed continental "Seven
Summits," after his ascent of Mt. Koscuiszko, located in New South Wales,
Australia. From 1981 to 2004, Jason also guided for Rainier
Mountaineering, where he led several ascents of Mt. McKinley. As an IMG
guide in 2006, he reached Mt. Rainier's summit for the 300th time which
placed him in the company of only seven other guides who have also
achieved this rare feat, and got him featured in The News Tribune's "Heroes and Legends of 2006" article. Jason is a Certified AMGA Alpine guide and
Emergency Medical Technician, and he likes to focus on participant
enjoyment and safety, which can be seen throughout the trips he leads and
organizes. His degrees in education and business further help
International Mountain Guides strive for its goal — providing the best
quality adventures possible.
Jason In The News:
- IMG Guide Jason Edwards achieves 300th summit of Mt. Rainier »
- The News Tribune: Heroes and Legends of 2006 »
Erica Engle
Erica Engle hails from the Puget Sound region where she learned to ski and climb in the Cascades. She has guided throughout the Cascades and has spent personal time in the Washington Cascades, Alaska's Chugach Range, the California Sierras and the Khumbu region of Nepal. Erica is a professional ski patroller at Crystal Mountain, WA and is working towards AMGA certification in the ski discipline. She is a Wilderness EMT, LNT trainer, and maintains US Avalanche Level 2. Her background includes a BS in Environmental Science from Western Washington University and a love of natural history. She also enjoys rock climbing, bushwhacking, cycling, soccer, reading and rockin out.
Matt Farmer IFMGA and AMGA Fully Certified Guide
Farmer has a solid background in all disciplines of climbing. He particularly enjoys long alpine rock and ice climbs as well as ski-mountaineering. This emphasis is reflected in his enthusiasm for sharing with others the challenges and subsequent rewards of moving through technical terrain in the mountains. Level III avalanche certification and medical training such as EMT and OEC certifications compliment his diverse skills as a climber and guide. These qualifications, along with his B.S. in Geology, with which he says he can "B.S. about geology as long as you want," form a core of competence which ensures a fun time in the mountains whatever the itinerary. Farmer is working on his full AMGA certification.
Jenni Fogle
Jenni Fogle grew up in Arizona in a family that spent almost every vacation camping and hiking. She started rock climbing in her early twenties, and eventually progressed to mountaineering, climbing Mt. Rainier for the first time in 1999. A few years later, she started guiding. Jenni started her career guiding on Mt. Whitney in the Eastern Sierra of California and was hired by IMG in 2007. Jenni has numerous summits of Mt. Rainier, two summits of Mt. McKinley and also enjoys rock and ice climbing. Last year Jenni was hired as a pro patroller at Crystal Mountain Ski Resort, and is passionate about avalanche safety as well as the medical aspects of ski patrolling. Jenni is certified in Avalanche Level II, Outdoor Emergency Care and Wilderness First Responder. She will shortly update to Wilderness EMT. In addition to her guiding career, Jenni is an officer in the Air Force Reserve, and has logged many hours flying KC-135's for the military as well as civilian 737's and Lear 35's.
Tyler Gimenez
Ty was born and raised in Olympia, Washington where he began formal training with the Olympia Mountaineers. He has climbed numerous routes in the Olympics, North Cascades, Central Cascades and all the major volcanoes including 18 summits of Mt. Rainier. When not guiding he enjoys studying Geology at Evergreen State College, long moon-lite walks on the beach, remote alpine routes, and maintaining his WFR, Avy II, and food handlers certifications.
Eric Gullickson
Eric grew up in Kansas City and has been an avid outdoorsman his entire life. After 18 years of living as a "flatlander", he followed his dream to live in the mountains and moved to Colorado While attending Colorado Christian University, Eric was involved in many activities including rock climbing, mountaineering trips, snowboarding, and mountain biking. He has successfully climbed 20 of Colorado's 54 "fourteeners". One of his more memorable experiences was taking a NOLS course in the Patagonian Andes, spending over 72 days in the wilds of Patagonia learning how to live and move in the mountains. Eric is certified in Avalanche Level II and is a Wilderness First Responder.
Mike Haft
Mike Haft learned to ski at Yawgoo Valley Ski Resort in Rhode Island almost as soon as he learned to walk. He moved to the west coast when he was 18 and has been rock and ice climbing, mountaineering and skiing ever since. Mike's outdoor career began as a W-EMT and Wildland Firefighter, then progressed into backcountry guiding — canyoneering in Utah, rock climbing in Wyoming and ski guiding in the Tetons. In 2008, he was hired on as a professional ski patroller at Crystal Mountain, WA. In addition to providing constant medical care on the mountain, Mike is actively involved in the avalanche dog program and all aspects of avalanche safety on the mountain. Crystal Mountain has one of the top 10 avalanche safety programs in the United States. He came to IMG in 2009 and has double-digit summits of various routes on Mt. Rainier. Mike has also climbed and skied to the summit of many peaks in the Pacific Northwest. He is OEC (Outdoor Emergency Care), WFR (Wilderness First Responder) and Avalanche Level II certified. Mike is currently pursuing AMGA courses working towards full certification.
Mike Hamill
Mike began guiding eight years ago and is very passionate about his work. He is a year round professional guide and has traveled and climbed on six continents. When not guiding on Mt. Rainier, where he has over 40 summits, his expeditions include 3 to Everest, 5 to Cho Oyu, 8 to Denali, 16 to Aconcagua, 2 to Vinson, 2 to Ecuador, Kilimanjaro, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Russia, France, and Switzerland among other places. Many clients have remarked that Mike's love for the mountains is contagious. He is a former Division 1 collegiate ski racer and Junior Olympian, has a B.S. from St. Lawrence University, and is a Wilderness First Responder. Mike cut his teeth on the steep Ice and Rock of the Northeast, primarily in the Adirondacks of NY and the White Mountains of NH, where he grew up. When not guiding Mike is usually climbing, ski mountaineering, biking, surfing, and fly fishing his way around the globe.
Mike In The News:
Zoe Hart IFMGA and AMGA Fully Certified Guide
After finishing a degree in English Literature from Boston College in the year 2000 Zoe moved out West to pursue climbing and guiding. Zoe has come a long way from her childhood in suburban New Jersey. Over the past seven years Zoe has climbed and guided full time around the world. From ski-mountaineering and climbing in Chamonix France, which has become her second home, to rock climbing in the UK, to Ice and Alpine adventures in the Canadian Rockies, spring seasons in Alaska, winters in South America, and much more Zoe is reputed to be the perpetual transient. In the summer of 2005 Zoe passed her AMGA Alpine Guides exam becoming the second of only three women currently certified in the United States. In February of 2006 Zoe finished her final AMGA course becoming certified as an International Aspirant guide, allowing her to work throughout the world. In May of 2008 Zoe passed her final certification exam, and she is now one of the few fully certified female guides in the world, and number 4 in the U.S. (The 3rd is IMG guide Olivia Cussen.)
Maximo Henostroza IFMGA Fully Certified Guide
Maximo Henostroza directs IMG's climbing and trekking programs in Peru, his native country. A guide for over 25 years, Maximo is a UIAGM/UIAA certified International Mountain Guide and has climbed and guided virtually every significant peak in the Cordillera Blanca above 6000 meters. In addition to climbs in Peru, Maximo has also climbed extensively in Bolivia, Argentina, the Himalayas, and was the second Peruvian climber to reach the summit of Mt. Everest.
Craig John
Craig has been guiding for IMG since 1987 and has done over forty high altitude expeditions to all corners of the world that include ten Himalayan expeditions, sixteen to Kilimanjaro, ten to Denali, several to Aconcagua, the Mexican volcanos and other peaks around the world. Craig summited Everest in 1998 and has two ascents of Cho Oyu. Domestically Craig has climbed ice, rock and alpine routes all over the U.S. During the winter he guides and teaches ice climbing for the International Mountain Climbing School in North Conway, New Hampshire. Craig is an AMGA Certified Top Rope Site Manager and an AMGA Certified Single Pitch Rock Instructor. He has a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. Additional training includes WFR, Avalanche II and high angle rock rescue. When not climbing and guiding Craig can be found shoeing horses, fly fishing and hanging out with his adopted daughter from China, Sarah Mei.
Anne Keller AMGA Certified Ski Mountaineering Guide
Anne Keller, a Washington native, has been climbing since 1985 and guiding for 13 years. Her guiding experience includes over 50 ascents of Mt. Rainier, several expeditions to the Alaska Range, and numerous routes in the North Cascades, the Sierras and the Tetons. She has established new routes in the North Cascades, led an expedition to the Pantheon Range and is proud to have completed the popular ski mountaineering objectives -the Forbidden Traverse and the Spearhead Traverse -each in a day. Anne has worked for many years as a professional ski patroller at Crystal Mountain and now also works as a heli-ski guide in Mazama and a backcountry ski guide in the Selkirks of British Columbia. She is an Emergency Medical Technician and has a formal education in Physical Therapy. Anne became certified as an AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide in Valdez AK in May of 2007. She hopes to complete her IFMGA Certification by the end of 2008.
Sheldon Kerr
Sheldon hails from Colorado and began her guiding career in Alaska in 2004. She has climbed, skied and guided throughout the Alaska Range, the Chugach, and the Wrangell-St. Elias every spring and summer since her first journey up North. When a craving for shorter approaches and shiny bolts strikes, Sheldon's favorite spots on earth are Chamonix, France; Courmayer, Italy; and Smith Rock, Oregon. She has also climbed and guided a number of high-altitude peaks including Denali, Aconcagua, and Kilimanjaro. Winter finds her in Colorado's San Juans ski guiding from chairlifts, skin tracks, and helicopters during the week. Weekends are reserved for ice climbing and reading the New Yorker. She is a National Avalanche School graduate, AIARE (American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education) Level III certified, and teaches Level I and II avalanche courses. Sheldon is also an EMT and a freeskier (the irony is not lost on her).
Ben Kurdt
Ben was born in Colorado and raised in upstate New York. After getting a B.S. in Business, he was introduced to Mountaineering, Rock and Ice climbing and was hooked! He has been guiding on Rainier for three years. He is passionate about sharing his love for the mountains on Rainier and abroad. Today, he enjoys long walks in the woods ending with a successful ascent of an alpine rock or ice climb. In the off-season, he spends his time skiing, ice and rock climbing. His Guiding Resume includes: North American Peaks : Mt. Rainier (14,410') 67 summits via 9 routes, Denali (20,320'), Orizaba (18,490'); Andes Peaks : Aconcagua (22,841'), Cotopaxi (19,347'), Illiniza Sur (17,267'), Cayambe (18, 997'), Orizaba (18,490'); Himalayan Peaks: Cho Oyu (26,906'), Ama Dablam (22,497'), Lobuche (20,075'), Everest base camp trek (south side); Antarctica: Vinson Massif (16,067') 2 summits. His Personal Climbing Resume (Sampling): Liberty Ridge, Mt. Rainier; Complete North Ridge, Mt. Stuart; Complete Exum Ridge, The Grand Teton; Epinephrine, Red Rocks; Backbone Ridge, Dragontail; Polar Circus, Canadian Rockies; The Glass Menagerie, Lake Wiloughby; The Moratorium, Cody; Hydraphobia, Canadian Rockies.
Deb Leyh
Deb has been guiding on Mt Rainier since 2006, and guiding in California's Sierra Nevada range since 2003. Her mountaineering resume also includes expeditions to Mt. McKinley, Aconcagua, Mexico's Volcanoes and Kilimanjaro. Her certifications include AAIRE Avalanche I & II; AAIRE Level I Instructor Training; WFR/CPR; Leave No Trace Trainer; and PSIA Level I Nordic Instructor. She has completed the AMGA Rock Instructor Course with the intent of pursuing the AMGA Rock and Alpine Certifications. In addition to being an active climber and mountaineer, Deb has also competed in many triathlons in the United States and abroad. In a previous life, she worked for a decade in the international development field, and has her BA in Political Science and MA in International Relations/Development.
Aaron Mainer
A native of Washington State, Aaron has been guiding with IMG since 2006. In addition to trips throughout the Cascades, he has guided in South America and Alaska. He spends his winters at Crystal Mountain as a professional ski patroller and ski guide. When not guiding, he can be found skiing, paddling, climbing or running. Aaron has a B.A. in International Political Economy and is currently working toward his AMGA Ski Mountaineering Certification.
Ben Marshall AMGA Certified Rock Guide
Ben Marshall has been a climber for over 15 years and a mountain guide for six. In 2004 he became an AMGA Certified Rock Guide. His range of experience guiding spans across the globe. He's led IMG expeditions on 8000 meter peaks in the Himalaya including two ascents of Cho Oyu, guided in Antarctica, Europe, Africa, and North and South America, and in 2003 successfully guided to the summit of Mt. Everest. Raised in Boulder, Colorado and now living nearby in Eldoroado Canyon, Ben started his climbing career as a kid and has been actively involved in the mountains since. He climbs full time whether guiding or not. Ben guides ice the winter months in Colorado and works abroad other months of the year. Also, Ben is a senior guide on Mount Rainier in Washington state. In other areas; Ben has a B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Oregon, he enjoys the visual arts (painting, photography, etc.)
Eric Massawe
Eric Massawe is a registered guide in Kilimanjaro National Park and has worked with many of IMG's Kilimanjaro teams over the years. We are happy to have Eric as one of our regular Kili guides.
Josh McDowell
Josh is a Washington native, who grew up climbing in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. His father and grandfather, both avid climbers, made a point to instill in him a deep appreciation for the mountains. From a young age, he began tackling some of the most sought after peaks in the Olympic and Cascade ranges, most notably Mt. Stuart at the age of 6. After high school, he attended Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. At Whitworth, he double majored in history and secondary education, all while competing on the university swim team. Throughout his time in Spokane, he sharpened his skills as a rock climber and mountaineer. After climbing Mt. Rainier for the first time in 2005, he realized that guiding would be the perfect way to combine his love of teaching and climbing. When not on Mt. Rainier, Josh can be found rock climbing, ice climbing, skiing, teaching, coaching swimming, and spending time with his wife, Ashlynn.
Chris Meder
Chris has called Seattle home for the last 3 years, and recently began guiding on Mt. Rainier. He loves sharing the experience of the mountains with others, and feels incredibly lucky to be able to do so for a living. When not guiding, he spends time exploring the Cascades on backcountry skiing and climbing trips. Climbing and skiing have also taken him to most of the western U.S., Canada, and France. He holds an Avalanche Level II certification and is a Wilderness First Responder. Chris also has a B.S. in aeronautical engineering, and works for Boeing in Seattle when not guiding.
Justin Merle
Justin grew up climbing in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. He began guiding in 1999 and now shares his passion for the mountains on climbs all over the world. He has climbed Mount Rainier over 100 times and guided successful expeditions on Mt. McKinley, Mt. Vinson and Aconcagua. Since his first trip to the Himalayas in 2003 guiding Cho Oyu for IMG, he's returned to guide 11 more expeditions including Everest which he has summited four times, and Ama Dablam (5 summits). Lately Justin spends the spring and fall guiding in the Himalayas, summer on Rainier and other Cascades peaks, as well as winter guiding ice climbs in Colorado or guiding abroad in South America, Africa or Antarctica. He has a B.A. in Geology and has maintained WFR and OEC medical certifications, as well as a CAA Level 1 avalanche cert. When not guiding, he spends his free time climbing rock and ice, running, cycling, skiing, and even resting on occasion.
Justin In The News:
- Merle sets July 2008 Mt. Rainier speed ascent record »
- Climbing Magazine: Seeds make the top of Everest — Merle helps school kids achieve a 2008 Guinness World Record »
- Merle part of record breaking 2008 Everest season »
Michael Nelson
Michael has been climbing on Kilimanjaro since 1988. He accompanies all of our Kilimanjaro expeditions and brings a tremendous amount of experience to the climbs. His years on the mountain have put him on top over 112 times and have given him the opportunity to climb to the North Col on Mt. Everest in 1999. Mike is a licensed guide with CPR and First Aid certifications and has attended Kilimanjaro National Park seminars on mountain sickness. His experience and expertise in this region contributes greatly to the success of our Kilimanjaro programs.
Liam O'Sullivan
Liam loves mountain guiding. "Only guiding allows me to meet some of the most motivated, interesting people in the world and to work in some of the most beautiful terrain in the world. Successfully reaching the summit and getting back down safely with a group of people is one of the most enjoyable and satisfying things I can imagine doing." An experienced lead guide, Liam has guided in Alaska, Mexico, and the North Cascades while logging eight seasons and over 100 summits of Mount Rainier. Liam's work as a public school teacher, firefighter/EMT, ski patroller, wilderness medicine instructor, emergency department technician, and nonprofit program director cultivated a passion for medical and humanitarian pursuits. In between climbing trips, Liam attends the University of Washington School of Medicine. Liam's long term goal is to get a combined M.D./M.G. degree — Medical Doctor and Mountain Guide — and he is definitely looking forward to combining work in these two fields in new, exciting ways.
Liam In The News:
Dan Otter
Dan has been guiding for IMG since 2007. He is an EMT-B and has a Level II Avalanche certification. Dan grew up playing in the mountains of Vermont and moved to the Northwest in 2002 in search of bigger peaks and more snow. He has climbing resume includes peaks throughout the Cascades, European Alps, and Chilean Patagonia, as well as a winter ski descent of Mt. Rainier's Fuhrer Finger (see the video ») Dan also works ski patrol at Crystal Mountain in the winters and teaches wilderness medicine classes for Aerie Backcountry Medicine.
Andy Politz
Andy has been climbing since high school in the early 70's, having taken part in all forms of the sport. He started guiding at Mount Rainier in 1979 and has 150 ascents of the mountain. He has spent a fair time in the big mountains, whether guiding or challenging climbs with a couple of buddies: Denali several times, the southern alps of New Zealand, the Ecuador volcanoes, seven trips to Mount Everest, K2 and the first ascent of one of the largest walls in the world, the South Face of Mount Saint Elias. For over 20 years, Andy has been facilitating outdoor adventures in a local high school: from river trips, to winter trips in NH, to a ski trip across Yellowstone, in January. Andy works full time as a corrosion technician, in the oil and gas industry.
Andy Polloczek
Andy is originally from Wuerzburg, Germany. He has been climbing for 16 years. Andy spent 9 years as a river and dog-mushing guide in Alaska, where he competed in the Yukon Quest, 1,000 mile, distance dog race. Andy has worked as a mountain guide for IMG in China and on Mt. Rainier. Domestically, his alpine, ice, rock and ski experience include trips in the: Wasatch Range, Brooks Range and Alaska Range, including two summits on Denali, with additional experience in Zion Nat. Park; the Tetons; City of Rocks, UT; Eldorado Canyon, CO; and the northern Cascades. Internationally, he has experience throughout the European Alps, where he found his passion for the mountains; Aconcagua, Argentina; Chimbarazo, Ecuador; Thailand and China. Andy is currently working towards his AMGA Rock Guide Certification and he has his WFR, OEC and Avalanche II certifications. He has worked as a professional ski patroller for Park City Mountain Resort where currently lives in Utah, with his wife and dogs. In his free time, Andy enjoys exploring the red rock canyons, rivers and mountains of Utah.
John Race IFMGA and AMGA Fully Certified Guide
John started guiding on Mt. Rainier and has been a full-time guide ever since. John gained full IFMGA certification in 2006. He currently lives in Leavenworth, WA where he owns and operates the Northwest Mountain School with his wife, Olivia Cussen, also an IFMGA guide. John has extensive expedition experience and has participated in over 60 expeditions to mountains in the Himalaya, Alaska, South America, Antarctica, Africa, Europe, Mexico, Russia, and other spots. Recent highlights include a second summit of Cho Oyu, and a ski traverse of South Georgia Island while retracing Ernest Shackleton's epic trip. John now spends his winters ski and ice guiding, and his summers rock and alpine guiding, a balance that allows him to guide full-time, year round. John is currently on the AMGA Board of Directors where he serves as the Vice President and and works to improve the level of guiding in the US and to open new opportunities for guides going through the certification process.
Eben Reckord
Born in the United States and raised in Tokyo, Eben comes to IMG having spent a good portion of his life abroad. After returning to the US at the age of 19 Eben attended the University of Montana where he received a degree in History. Graduating in 2006, Eben packed his life into two duffel bags and headed to Mount Rainier. Looking towards the world's biggest mountains, he started guiding. Since then, Eben has explored the world through his work with IMG. He has had the opportunity to guide on Aconcagua in Argentina; Kilimanjaro in Tanzania; Mt McKinley in Alaska; Ama Dablam and multiple Treks in Nepal; and Cho Oyu in Tibet. Eben continues to pursue his passion for big mountain expeditions while traveling the world on his own time. His other interests lie in team building, coming to new ideas through books, and keeping active in the outdoors.
Lindsay Reither
Lindsay Reither is a recent graduate of Dartmouth College, majoring in economics with an emphasis on environmental studies. She has worked as a guide on Mt. Rainier for the last 4 years including 2 trips to Mt. McKinley. Lindsay is certified as a wilderness EMT, has her Avalanche Level II certification and is also certified by the AMGA as a Top Rope Site Manager. She has climbed abroad in Ecuador and Africa and traveled to numerous countries including Nepal, Peru, Argentina, South Africa and Chile. Her love of the mountains, skiing and travel are keeping her, at least for the time being, away from the corporate world. Their loss, our gain.
Eric Remza
Eric has guided and climbed extensively throughout the great mountain ranges of the world for the past eleven years. A passion for the environment and world cultures remain the underlying drivers in Eric's path forward as a mountain guide. Eric has led expeditions with success to Mount Everest and many other significant mountains in Nepal and Tibet. Along with 12 ascents of Aconcagua and 8 ascents of Mount McKinley, Eric has established himself as a safe and successful high altitude mountaineering guide. A graduate of Prescott College, Eric holds two B.A. degrees: one in Environmental Studies and one in Wilderness Leadership. He is actively continuing his international guiding certification through the American Mountain Guides Association. Eric is an avid backcountry skier, rock and ice climber, and surfer.
Tap Richards
As a native of New Mexico and one who grew up on the ski hill of Taos, Tap's thirst for the outdoors and adventure started at a young age and has since become a defining aspect of his life. He left Taos fifteen years ago, in pursuit of a job as a professional climbing guide. His guiding career has taken him to Africa, Alaska, Antarctica, Europe, Mexico, Nepal, Russia, South America, and Tibet. Tap was a member of the 1999 and 2001 Mallory & Irvine Research Expeditions, on Mt. Everest. In 2006 he and his wife, Heidi, became the first married guide couple to successfully complete the seven summits. His choice of a life in the mountains and in the guiding profession reflects his outlook on success and the risk involved in order to achieve great things. Tap's ability to compose the necessary skills and techniques in challenging situations, while maintaining a quality experience for the client, is an engaging combination. Through his guiding, Tap is connected to the adventure travel business and offers a global perspective on the industry.
Kelly Ryan
Kelly learned to appreciate the rewards of an outdoor life from her experiences growing up climbing and skiing in Colorado's San Juan Mountains. She attended Colorado College graduating with a BA in History and Political Science and a Minor in Journalism. Kelly began her guiding career in 2004 as a river kayak guide in California and later as a sea kayak guide in Alaska. She joined the IMG team in 2008. Her personal adventures include a three month climbing trip in Greenland supported by kayak, a four month solo horse trip in Argentina, sailing trips from the east coast to Greenland and Pureto Rico, and extended backpacking trips in the Aleutian Islands and Bolivia. Kelly has also climbed throughout the US and is pursuing AMGA certification. This winter she is taking a break from Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol and working for a youth at risk program in CO where she can climb with her father and help him with the San Juan Hut System.
Austin Shannon
Austin Shannon grew up in Bend Oregon where his love for the mountains began. He followed that passion to Colorado for college at Colorado Christian University. During His time in Colorado he enjoyed all that it had to offer, from rock climbing and ice climbing, to snowboarding and mountaineering. One of the most influential times in his life was when he spent a semester in Patagonia, Chile with the National Outdoor Leadership School where he learned to be comfortable and survive in any outdoor environment. Austin is a certified Leave No Trace educator and a Wilderness First Responder. He has now returned to the Northwest to further his passion for being in the outdoors.
Miles Smart
Miles Smart is an IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide. He is the 2004 recipient of the AMGA Guide of the Year award. Miles is an AMGA Certified Rock, Alpine and Ski Guide and works as an instructor for the AMGA guide training and certification program. Over the past ten years Miles has guided full time around the globe working equally with climbing, mountaineering and skiing. Miles has brought many clients from beginner to expert and has guided objectives such as a 12 hour climb of the Cathedral Traverse and a ski descent of the Grand Teton in Wyoming . Miles returns to Alaska every spring to heli ski guide the steeps of Alaska . Outside of Miles' professional guiding career his accomplishments include numerous speed climbing ascents and ski mountaineering descents. His climbing exploits include climbing on the Trango Towers in Pakistan , winter ascents in Chamonix and speed records on El Capitan and Half Dome. One such speed record, the North America Wall on El Capitan , took just over 9 and 1/2 hours. He has climbed El Capitan in Yosemite 22 times via 16 different routes. He established one of the most difficult routes on El Capitan , Disorderly Conduct. His skiing exploits include lines such as the Gervasutti Couloir and the North Face of the Aiguille du Midi in Chamonix, and 2 different lines on the Grand Teton in Wyoming.
Liz Oakes Smart
Liz Oakes Smart is a mountain guide, ski mountaineer and climber. She grew up in Aspen, Colorado and has since traveled the world for climbing and skiing spending time in places such as the European Alps, the Tetons, the Himalaya and Alaska. She has made many ski mountaineering descents including the Glacier Rond and the Couloir du Cosmiques in Chamonix; the Pan de Rideau and the Polichinele in La Grave, France; the Fuhrer Finger on Mt. Rainier; and various descents in Alaska's Chugach range. Liz has also skied from 7,200 meters on Shishapangma in Tibet. She has been featured in various Skiing Magazine articles. Along with her skiing accomplishments, Liz has done long free climbs in Yosemite and Squamish, British Columbia and has completed a one-day ascent of the Cathedral Traverse in the Tetons. She has also taken expeditions to the Himalaya including an ascent of Ama Dablam in Nepal and an attempt of Jupono in Sikkim, India. Liz recently passed the first stage of the UIAGM guide training program. She is now a qualified Aspirant Guide and can guide all over the world.
Josh Smith
Josh's guiding career began at an early age. At 16 he was leading mountain bike tours down 14,000 ft. peaks in Colorado. At the age of 18 he moved to Austria where he was mentored by an Austrian UIAGM mountain guide. After returning from Europe Josh moved to Jackson, Wyoming to pursue skiing professionally. While in Jackson, he decided to dedicate his life to the mountain guiding profession and to begin working towards full IFMGA certification. When he is not guiding for IMG, Josh works as a professional ski patroller at Crystal Mountain in Washington. Josh attended the University of Colorado where he worked as a coach for the Freestyle Ski Team while earning a B.A. in Communication. He is a Wilderness First Responder, Outdoor Emergency Care Technician, and holds both the American level II and CAA level I avalanche certifications.
Eric Stevenson
After receiving a B.S. in Economics and Philosophy at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, Eric decided to move out west 6 years ago and pursue climbing. Since then, he has guided for IMG on Rainier, Aconcagua, Denali, and Cho Oyu and enjoys sharing his enthusiasm and awe of the mountains with others. During the winter season, Eric works as a full time ski patroller at Crystal Mountain Ski Area. Eric is a certified Wilderness First Responder, Outdoor Emergency Care, and Level II Avalanche.
Jason Tanguay
Jason has worked as a professional mountain guide for the last twelve years. Mountain guiding has taken him to many peaks in the western US and around the world, including the top of Mt. Rainier over 110 times, Mt. Vinson in Antarctica, Kilimanjaro, and six Alaskan expeditions. Jason is a veteran of expeditions to Cho Oyu and Everest (to the summit in 2004). He was one of the recipients of the American Alpine Club's prestigious Sowles Award in 2001 for his role in what became the world's highest mountaineering rescue at 28,750 ft. on Everest's North Ridge in 2001. Jason holds a masters degree in teaching and worked as a high school biology teacher before starting dental school at University of Washington, where is training to be a dentist.
Josh Tapp
Josh Tapp grew up in the foothills of South Carolina, where he honed his camping and climbing skills in the Southern Appalachians. After graduating with a degree in Political Science from University of South Carolina in 2005 he packed his bags and hiked the entire Appalachian trail. Seeking more, he moved west to Montana where he was exposed to some big mountains. After a few years of guiding in the Wind Rivers of Wyoming and the Southern Rockies of Colorado, he found his home in the Cascades of Washington. Josh is an Wilderness EMT, Wilderness First Responder, and holds Avalanche 1 and 2 certifications. Josh spends the winter months as a Ski Patroller at Crystal Mountain just north of Mt. Rainier . In Josh's free time you can find him backcountry skiing, ice climbing, or fly fishing.
Greg Vernovage
Greg travels the globe year round as a Lead Guide for IMG. He enjoys leading programs on Mt. Rainier, including the Winter and Denali Expedition programs in early season. When not guiding on Rainier, Greg is active in the Himalayas with 2 successful ascents of Cho Oyu, 1 ascent of Lhotse and a first ascent in Tibet. Greg has also enjoyed successful climbing on Denali, Kilimanjaro, Mexico and Aconcagua. The Vinson Massif is one of Vernovage's favorites. Greg has climbed a number of peaks in the Sierras including Mount Whitney. Before embarking on his current career, Vernovage played and coached collegiate volleyball and has had the opportunity to be involved in two Olympic Games, winning a Gold Medal in the 2000 Sydney Games. Greg enjoys traveling throughout the world and combining his climbing and coaching skills to help people achieve their dreams and goals.
Greg In The News:
Brenda Walsh
Brenda lives in Seattle and has been a climbing guide for nine years. She's a senior guide on Mt. Rainier and expects to reach her 100th summit this summer. Her guiding has taken her to Alaska, Mexico, South America, and this spring to the Himalayas. Her certifications include: WFR, U.S. Avalanche Level III, LNT, and she has a B.A. in Geography (GIS). When not guiding, Brenda balances her guiding lifestyle by being the program manager for Team Survivor NW in Seattle, a nonprofit providing fitness programs for women cancer survivors. She is also the event manager for an annual fundraising climb on Mt. Rainier that supports the Chris Hooyman Outdoor Education Fund. For fun, Brenda likes to telemark, randonee ski, snowboard, rock climb, run, and play soccer.
Jeff Ward IFMGA and AMGA Fully Certified Guide
Jeff has worked as a full-time mountain guide since 1995 and for IMG since 1997. As a certified IFMGA and AMGA rock, alpine and ski mountaineering guide he has traveled around the world guiding trips to Alaska, France, Switzerland, Italy, Peru, Argentina, Ecuador, Tanzania, Canada, Nepal and across the Western US. These days much of Jeff's time is spent working in the European Alps, guiding rock and ice climbs in the summer and steep skiing and hut-to-hut tours in the spring. During the winters Jeff guides helicopter and backcountry skiing in Washington and Canada and ice climbing in Ouray Colorado. Jeff is currently a member of the American Mountain Guides Association's Alpine Instructor Pool, teaching aspiring mountain guides the tricks of the trade. Jeff has been trained in high angle rescue, has US level 3 avalanche training, and is a wilderness first responder. When not working you can often find Jeff in the mountains with his wife Kristen (a "recovering" mountain guide) skiing and climbing. They live in Leavenworth, Washington with their dog Murphy.
Brian Warren
Brian has been climbing for over 12 years in multiple corners of the world. Brian left the southern heat of Georgia in search of big mountains and lots of snow soon after High School. He can be found working and guiding in various parts of the country including Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the Pacific Northwest and the European Alps in the winter. He currently enjoys long alpine traverses and technical ski mountaineering objectives. Brian always looks forward to meeting and guiding new faces and helping people obtain their goals safely. He is currently pursuing AMGA certification in all disciplines in hopes of obtaining IFMGA status. Brian’s climbing and skiing resume spans from the high peaks in Alaska to the Cascades to multiple desert southwest climbing areas as well as many alpine pursuits in the Tetons and now spends his winters pushing his skiing ability in La Grave and Chamonix, France. Brian is currently a Wilderness First Responder and holds a LNT Masters, AVY Level III, and is a certified Arborist when not guiding. Brian is always excited to share special moments and strong coffee with people from all over world in mountains all over the world.
Daniel Zokaites
Daniel grew up caving in Virginia and West Virginia and has gained broad experience climbing throughout North America. After graduating from Virginia Tech with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, he moved to Southwest Colorado to pursue a climbing life-style. He worked as a climbing guide at the San Juan Outdoor School, leading trips in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. During the winter season he enjoys ice climbing and works for the Telluride Ski Patrol. Dan has also biked across the country and hiked over a thousand miles of the Appalachian Trail. Dan is a Wilderness First Responder, Outdoor Emergency Care Technician, and holds an Avalanche Level II Certification.
IMG Himalayan Sherpa Team
IMG Climbing Sherpas going above basecamp have more than:
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350 Everest Expeditions
125 Everest Summits
200 8000m Summits
450 8000m Expeditions
Experience is listed by number of expeditions, so "Everest X 17" is 17 Everest expeditions, and by number of summits in parenthesis, ie. "(4)"
Ang Jangbu Sherpa
Jangbu is a partner and director of the premier trekking and climbing agency we use in Nepal. Jangbu grew up in the village of Phortse where he attended the Hillary school until the age of 18. In 1981 he moved to Pokhara and lived there for seven years and trained under the legendary Colonel Jimmy Roberts, the founder of Nepal's first trekking company and the trekking industry in the Nepal Himalaya. He then moved to Kathmandu and started a trekking and climbing agency with two other partners in the spring of 1993. Jangbu is married and has two children. He has been on dozens of expeditions, including summiting Everest on the 1990 American Everest Expedition. Ang Jangbu has worked with Eric Simonson on every IMG Himalayan program since 1991 and is a very popular leader. He and his staff put together one of the very best Sherpa teams for IMG. Additionally, Jangbu has climbed Europe's Mt. Blanc and most of the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado, and has served as assistant instructor for Colorado Outward Bound. Jangbu has also been a leader for the IMG Kilimanjaro program.
Pasang Tshering Sherpa
Pasang Tshering Sherpa is from Khunde, and is Ang Jangbu's business partner, keeping things running smoothly in Kathmandu while our groups are in the field. Pasang has worked for many years in the trekking business in Nepal. He lives in Kathmandu with his wife Dayanji Sherpa and their three kids.
Ang Passang Sherpa (Sirdar)
42 years old, from Pangboche, 4 kids
Experience: Everest X 20 (4), Makalu X 1, Daulagiri (1), Cho Oyu X 9 (7), Ama Dablam X 3 (4), Nuptse X 1
Ang Passang has been working for IMG as a climbing sirdar since 1997.
Panuru Sherpa
38 years old, from Phortse, 3 kids
Experience: Everest X 19 (6), Cho Oyu X 12 (8), Makalu X1, Xixipangma (1), Ramdung (4), Pharchamo (1), Nereka (1), Mera (5), Island Peak (7), Fruita (1), Lobuche Peak (2), Rowaling Chekega (1). Panuru has attended the Khumbu Climbing School three times (including first aid training) as well as the Khunde week-long medical course. He began trekking in 1987, climbing in 1988, and now also owns a lodge in Phortse.
Danuru Sherpa
29 years old, from Phortse, 2 daughters; Danuru is one of the younger brothers of Panuru.
Along with summiting Everest 11 times, Danuru's 10th summit of Cho Oyu gives him more summits of the 6th highest mountain in the world than anyone else.
Experience: Everest X 15 (12), Cho Oyu X 11 (10), Manaslu X 2 (1), Island Peak (2), Pharchamo (1), Mera (1). Attended the Khumbu Climbing School three times (including first aid training), as well as a week-long medical course at Khunde.
Phinjo Sherpa
36 years old, from Phortse, 3 kids
Experience: Everest X 12 (6), Cho Oyu X 1 via Nepal Side, Manaslu X 4 (2), Island Peak many times, Mera (5), Pharchamo (3), Lobuche East (3), Lobuche Middle (1), Nirekha (1). Attended the Khumbu Climbing School twice (including first aid training) 3 years as a monk.
Lobsang Sherpa
53 years old, from Rangadip, Okhaldunga and now lives lives in Kathmandu, 2 kids.
Experience: Everest X 5, Annapurna IV X 2, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Pumori and many Trekking Peaks including Island Peak, Mera, Tent Peak, Chulu East, and Lobuje. He has also led many treks in Nepal, India, and Tibet and has done HMTTC trekking guide training and the Manang mountaineering course. He also worked as assistant instructor for Outward Bound in Colorado on 6 courses (3 in 1987 and 3 in 1990.)
Mingma Ongel Sherpa
29 years old, from Phortse, 2 kids; Mingma completed his high school in Kathmandu
Experience: Everest X 7 (3), Cho Oyu X 4 (2), Attended the Khumbu Climbing School three times (including first aid training)
Phunuru Sherpa
26 years old, from Phortse, 1 daughter
Experience: Everest X 8 (4), Cho Oyu X 11 (8), Nirika (1), Lobuche East (1), Island Peak (2), Ama Dablam X 1. Attended the Khumbu Climbing School three times (including first aid training). He has also attended a week-long medical course in Khunde.
Karma Rita Sherpa
31 years old, from Phortse, 2 kids
Experience: Everest X 8 (5), Cho Oyu (3), Makalu X 1, Island Peak (4), Lobuche Peak (5), Mera (2), Ama Dablam X 1. Attended the Khumbu Climbing School (with first aid training).
Ang Chhiring (Kami) Sherpa
43 years old, from Pangboche, 5 kids
Experience: 37 expeditions, including Everest X 19 (8), Makalu X 1, Daulagiri (1), Xixipangma (2), Manaslu X 1, Annapurna I X 1, Cho Oyu (7), Ama Dablam X 3 (4), Pumori (2), Kusum Khankaru (1), Nuptse X 1. He has attended the Khumbu Climbing School (including first aid training) as well as the Khunde week-long medical course.
Dawa Nuru Sherpa
47 years old, from Phortse, 3 kids
Experience: Everest X 23 (10), Cho Oyu X 5 (4), Makalu X 2 (1), Kangchenjunga X 1, Manaslu X 2, Kusum Khankaru (1), Omi Kangre (2), Island Peak (9), Mera (7), Lobuche (1). He has many ascents in the Canadian Rockies including Mt. Robson. Dawa attended the Khumbu Climbing School three times (including first aid training). His first expedition was to Everest in 1979.
Datenji Sherpa
38 years old, from Phortse, married
Experience: Datenji has six Everest Summits (4 from the north and 2 from the south), and a Cho Oyu summit.
Tashi Tseri Sherpa
39 years old, from Pangboche, 2 kids
Experience: Everest X 12 (11), Cho Oyu X 6 (5), Dhaulagiri X 1, Manaslu X 1, Annapurna X 1, Ama Dablam (1). Attended the Khumbu Climbing School (including first aid training) as well as a week-long medical course in Khunde.
Dorje Lama Sherpa
33 years old, from Bagange (lives in Kathmandu), 3 kids
Experience: Everest X 8 (4), Cho Oyu (2), Ama Dablam (1), Island Peak (1), Ngawal (1), Yala (5), Lobuche Peak (1), Mont Blanc (1). He spent five years as an instructor for the Nepal Mountaineering Association including yearly medical courses.
Pasang Rinji Sherpa
30 years old, from Phortse, 2 kids
Experience: Everest (4), Makalu 1, Island Peak (12), Mera (3), Pharchamo (1), Pokalde (2), Namche Barwa 1. He has attended the Khumbu Climbing School (with first aid training).
Mingma Tenzing Sherpa
21 years old, from Phortse
Experience: Everest X 6 (4), Cho Oyu X (3), Lobuche Peak (1). Attended the Khumbu Climbing School twice (with first aid training). He has completed a one week course of medical training at Khunde.
Mingma Chhiring Sherpa
31 years old, from Phortse, 2 sons
Experience: Everest X 8 (6), Cho Oyu X 1 (2), Chulu East 6200m (1), Island Peak (3), Mera (3). Attended the Khumbu Climbing School three times (with first aid training). He is a qualified electrician, and spent 8 years as a monk at Tengboche.
Ang Karma Sherpa
31 years old, from Phortse, 1 daughter
Experience: Everest X 8 (2), Cho Oyu (1), Pokalde (1), Ramdung (1), Island Peak (23), Baruntse (1), Mera (2), Pharchamo (2).
Jamling Bhote Sherpa
31 years old, married with 2 daughters and a son. He is from Sankhuwasava (Makalu area).
Experience: Everest 5 summits, Cho Oyu 2 summits, Ama Dablam, Lhakpa Ri, Mera, Island peak, Lobuje, Kwangde, Chulu East and West, Pisang, Mardi Himal, Lhakpa Ri, Cholatse, and has done some climbing in India. Jamling has attented the Khumbu Ice Climbing School and the Instructor's Course conducted by the Nepal Mountaineering Instructor's Association.
Sanduk Dorje Sherpa
22 years old, from Pangboche
Experience: Everest X 7 (5), 1 trek (to Kalapathar). He owns two yaks, grows potatoes and buckwheat.
Nima Karma Sherpa
23 years old, from Phortse, 1 son.
Experience: Everest X 6 (3). He has attended the Khumbu Climbing School (with first aid training).
Dasona Sherpa
40 years old, from Pangboche, 4 kids
Experience: Everest X 15 (10), Cho Oyu (1), Manaslu X 2, Ama Dablam X 2 (1), Island Peak (12), Mera (2), Lobuche Peak (4)
Chhewang Lendu
29 years old. Born and grew up in Phortse.
Experience: Everest 2 expeditions and summitted both times from south side. Lhotse 4 expeditions and summitted 4 times. Cho Oyu 2 expedition and summitted both times. Manaslu 1 expedition and summitted. Trekking peaks: Mera, Island Peak, Lobuje.
Mingma Dorje
44 years old. Born and grew up in Phortse.
Experience: 9 Everest expeditions 7 summits (2 from south and 1 from north). 3 Cho Oyu expeditions 1 summit. 2 Manaslu expedition 1 summit. 2 Makalu expeditions (1 from Nepal, 1 from China-Tibet) no summit. 1 Pumori expedition summit. Trekking peaks: Mera, Lobuje, Island Peak, Chulu
Nima Nuru
38 year old, grew up in Thame and now lives in Pangboche. Married to Mingma Yangjin.
Experience: 9 Everest expeditions with 2 summits, 3 Lhotse expeditions with 1 summit, Lobuche East (5), Island Peak (4), Ama Dablam X 2. Mera x 3 (3), Attended the Khumbu Climbing School (including first aid training).
Ang Chhiring Sherpa (BC Sherpa Cook)
50 years old, from Kumjung, 5 daughters
Experience: Many expeditions, beginning in 1979 (Yugoslav Ev. Exp.), including 10 Everest Expeditions (59 days continuously at North Side ABC) Mustang 1983, Omi Kangre 1985, Kang Tare 1986, Cho Oyu 1991 and 1992. He has also spent seven summers at Furka Pass in Switzerland (where there is lots of rock climbing).
Danuru Sherpa (BC Assistant Sherpa Cook)
59 years old, from Khunde, 3 kids
Experience: Many treks and expeditions dating back to 1980 Dhaulagiri and 1984 Annapurna.
IMG Office Staff
Tye Chapman
As IMG's Operations Manager, Tye has a variety of responsibilities. Some of these include managing: IMG's marketing efforts, sponsor relations, Rainier climbs, along with overseeing IMG's rental and retail shop at HQ in Ashford. He is a NOLS Alaska Mountaineering graduate and now has three Rainier summits. So far Tye has traveled with IMG on an Ecuador Volcanoes climb and an Everest Base Camp Trek. When he's not working he can be found enjoying a variety of different human powered activities: cycling, hiking, climbing, etc.
Tammy Gorman
As IMG's General Manager, Tammy is responsible for overseeing the numerous organizational details of our staff and office including, but by no means limited to; accounting, reporting, staffing and customer service. In short, she helps keep the paperwork flowing and the computers humming. She lives in Ashford with her two kids and enjoys hiking and exploring the Mt. Rainier area.
Clarissa Morford
As IMG's Administrative Assistant, Clarissa is responsible for overseeing customer processing, customer service and general office tasks. Some would call her the "office gopher," but we prefer to call her our "mountain marmot." Her Bachelor's from Washington State University in Hospitality Business Management, and her extensive travels to Chile, Europe and Thailand help her to fit right in. She lives in Ashford and in her free time helps run her family's lodging business, while enjoying the glory of God's creation in the Nisqually Valley.
Larry Shifflette
No climb can happen without getting to the mountain. As IMG's driver, Larry has safely delivered hundreds of climbers and guides, and their gear, to and from the mountain since 2002. He is also the most entertaining driver on the mountain! His music collection covers anything anyone ever asks for, and he is always ready with the right joke for the occasion. Larry studied geology in California. When not driving and doing the odd chore for IMG, he spends his time on his five acres in the woods, which he calls his personal base camp. He enjoys the deep forests and gathers wild mushrooms and the occasional trout for his kitchen and has no trouble having dinner guests that relish his cooking. Just bring the vino! Like most of us, Larry does this for the love of it far more than the money. He has lived and worked at the foot of Mt. Rainier, by choice, for over a quarter century. He is well known, respected, and liked by most everyone on the mountain. The rest of us put up with him because he pays us to like him.
Anya Zolotusky
Anya designs, builds, and maintains the occasional website, such as IMG's mountainguides.com which she especially enjoys because of perks such as use of the Company Yak. Aside from her duties as a Web Ranger, she ejoys raising chickens, goats, and beef cattle, as well as traveling to Nepal with a NASA-like assortment of satellite gear to help sponsored climbers stay in touch with their good friends at CNN. She has climbed Rainier, Elbrus, and McKinley, and has trekked Nepal three times.
The professionalism demonstrated by IMG's guides as well as the high standards that they hold their clients up to maximized our chances of reaching the summit.
