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IMG Guides and Staff

The Active Guides of International Mountain Guides

Forrest Baldwin

Forrest came to Washington after being born and raised in northwestern Montana where he began his life in the mountains. A former Hotshot for the USFS, he now splits his time as a Ski Patroller and Mountain Guide at Crystal Mountain Resort and IMG respectively. As one of the senior guides at IMG, Forrest currently leads climbs on Denali, Rainier, and the North Cascades. Forrest graduated from the University of Montana with degrees in International Business and Spanish and has training in OEC, BLS/CPR, LNT, and Avalanche Pro-1.

Max Bond

Max hails from the "glaciated mecca" of Cleveland, Ohio, where he found a love for the outdoors before moving to New Hampshire to receive a degree in Glaciology from Dartmouth College. Throughout school, he fell in love with climbing and ski mountaineering, and has climbed or skied off peaks in New England, Iceland, France, Alaska, Ecuador, and throughout the American West. Max started his career in the outdoor industry at the young age of 16, when he became a snowboard instructor at Cleveland's 260' ski resort. He started guiding in 2019 and has since worked in Colorado, Alaska, and throughout the Pacific Northwest. When not outdoors, Max enjoys playing guitar and piano and watching Cleveland sports. Max has training in Leave No Trace Trainer, Wilderness First Responder, and AAA Pro-1. He also has AMGA-training in Ski and Alpine guiding and is an AIARE Instructor.

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.

Juan de la Cruz

Juan de la Cruz has been guiding cultural and mountain trekking adventures in Peru since 2005. He holds degrees in Art and Tourism along with English language certification. His Quechua heritage and childhood growing up in the Andean Amazon bring real authenticity and passion to IMG treks. With more than 200 journeys along the Inca Trail, he knows all of the hidden gems of the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. Juan's presence on IMG treks take a once of a lifetime experience to the next level.

Angie Diana

Angie was born and raised in Massachusetts where she learned to love the cold and snow. She began mountaineering in high school with her family, especially with her father. While pursuing her degree in Biology at Harvard, she more intensively pursued rock and ice climbing in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, as well as mountaineering objectives in the Pacific Northwest and South America. She began guiding for IMG in 2021, and has worked on Mt. Rainier, Mt. Shuksan, Mt. Baker, Denali, and in New England. When not guiding, Angie enjoys quilting, crocheting, and skiing, and can be convinced to run from time to time. Angie has training in Leave No Trace, Wilderness First Responder, and AIARE Rec 2.

Jason Edwards


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 expeditions in Everest history, when 14 of 16 climbers reached the 29,032' 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:

Lindsey Fritz

Lindsey was raised in the Philadelphia area before attending Pennsylvania State University where she obtained a degree in Geography. Her climbing career began before college and continued with the Penn State Outing Club where she climbed and backpacked all over the US and Mexico. She began her professional career in outdoor education leading rock climbing, mountaineering, and backpacking trips for the Colorado Outward Bound School since 2019. Lindsey has also worked with the Seattle based non-profit BOLD and GOLD taking young people backpacking across Washington before guiding with IMG. When not guiding Lindsey has worked on organic farms across the country. She has training in AIRARE 1, Wilderness First Responder and EMT.

Riley Gilson

Riley was born in Maine where he got his start in the outdoors as a climber and sailor. After graduating, Riley traveled to Patagonia where he began his training to become a rock and alpine climbing guide. After leaving Patagonia, Riley attended Western Colorado University where he majored in Education with an emphasis in Outdoor Leadership. Riley has guided numerous peaks in Washington and Alaska, including Denali, Rainier, and many in the North Cascades. When not guiding, Riley can be found rock climbing or by the ocean. Riley's training includes: Wilderness First Responder, CPR, AIARE Pro 1, High angle rescue, and is an LNT master educator.

Roberto Gomez

Roberto has been climbing with our IMG Bolivian teams for years. He lives in La Paz and has two wonderful children. Roberto learned his craft from our longtime partner, friend, and famous Bolivia climber Carlos Escobar. Roberto also studied in France and is a UIAGM fully Certified Guide. He has amazing knowledge of the Cordillera Real mountains in Bolivia and is also a veteran of many ascents in Ecuador, Peru and Argentina.

Kim Haft

Kim was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest where she learned to ski and play in the outdoors. She took a quick break from the Northwest to study Human Ecology at College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. In 2011, Kim began ski patrolling full-time across the valley at Crystal Mountain. Soon after, she began guiding with IMG in the summer. Personal travels have taken Kim to Ecuador, India, Tibet, Nepal, Japan, and Vietnam. Kim is a Wilderness First Responder, has completed her American Avalanche Association Level 1 and 2, attended the National Avalanche School, and several Avalanche Dog seminars. When she's not climbing or skiing you can find her exploring the Cascades with her Duck Toller/Avalanche Dog extraordinaire, Darwin or fly fishing with her husband and fellow mountain guide, Mike.

Mike Haft


Mike grew up on the east coast in the small state of Rhode Island. A strong appetite for adventure and wilderness brought him to the Pacific Northwest where the mountains meet the ocean. Mike spends his winters at Crystal Mountain Resort as the Lead Forecaster and Avalanche Mitigation Director. In 2008 he started guiding for IMG. Since then, he has had the pleasure and fortune of guiding, skiing, and climbing in Alaska, Canada, Mexico, South America, Africa, Nepal, and China. When not spending free time with his family, you will likely find him on a river with a fly rod, or bugling bulls with a bow in hand. Mike is an LNT Master educator, Outdoor Emergency Care Technician, and has training in AIARE Pro 2 avalanche.

Harry Hamlin

Harry grew up in Oregon before moving to Washington where he spent his formative time climbing and skiing in the mountains. He obtained an undergraduate degree in Chemistry from University of Puget Sound where he also gained a second (unofficial) degree in climbing. After graduating, Harry took a summer to hike the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada before delving into the outdoor industry. Over the years of working for IMG, he has guided several peaks in Nepal including Everest, Lhotse and Ama Dablam, as well as Kilimanjaro, Illimani, Aconcagua, and has alpine climbed in Alaska and Italy. When not in the mountains, Harry enjoys cooking, reading, and biking of all kinds.

Maximo Henostroza

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.

Stuart Johnson

Stu was born in Seattle, WA but spent much of his younger years living overseas in Scotland and Italy. Stu now finds himself based out of Bellingham, WA and is a student at Western Washington University studying Ethnobotany and Audio Engineering. He began scrambling around the vast Cascades in his early teen years and quickly caught the mountain bug. His desire to see more of the world and get outside of his comfort zone led him into more challenging and technical terrain while his passion to share the joy he finds in the mountains took him to guiding. Stu considers himself a generalist and enjoys skiing, all styles of climbing, SCUBA diving, sailing, whitewater boating, and paragliding. Stu began his professional guiding career in 2021 on multiple routes on Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker. When Stu is not finding joy in the outdoors, he spends his time writing music, gardening, brewing kombucha/beer, and foraging for edibles in Washingtons bountiful forests. Stu has training in National and State Wilderness EMT, Leave No Trace, and AIARE Rec 2.

Emily Johnston


Emily started her climbing career by jubilantly summiting Glacier Peak when she was 13. She spent her teen years climbing in the North Cascades of Washington, and in Oregon and British Columbia. After college, she instructed for Outward Bound in Joshua Tree and Central Oregon, then began guiding on Mt. Rainier in 1989. Over the years she's also enjoyed guiding in the North Cascades, Alaska, Mexico, Antarctica and the Himalayas. Adventure races, whitewater competitions, and personal travels have taken her to the rivers and mountains of every continent. Beyond her alpine life, she's lived/studied/worked in the Dominican Republic, Taiwan, Thailand, France, New Zealand, Australia, Israel, Indonesia, DR Congo, Nepal, and Bhutan. Her training includes EMT-B, Leave No Trace Trainer, Level 3 Avalanche, and MD. When she's away from IMG, she works as a whitewater guide, ER doc, and professional ski patroller. In all of her spare time, she enjoys backcountry skiing, writing, sculpture, trail running, mountain biking, and the occasional refuge of silent meditation.

Emily in the News:

Kassim Juma

Kassim has worked for IMG on the Kilimanjaro programs for many years and has become one of our go to Chagga guides. He passed the Kili guide training course and has some impressive climbing experience with over 300 ascents of Kilimanjaro and over 100 ascents of Mt. Meru. A member of the local Chagga people who live in the Kilimanjaro area, Kassim is 43 and is married with three kids.

Annabelle Kays

Annabelle grew up in western Washington spending her childhood swimming competitively and backpacking in Mt. Rainier National Park with her dad. In high school, her family moved to Estonia in Eastern Europe for two years. When she returned to the States, she enrolled in a month-long NOLS Alaska backpacking course and fell in love with the outdoor industry. She finished a B.S. in biology and oceanography at the University of Washington. While pursuing her degree, she worked in outdoor education, leading sea kayaking and backpacking courses all over Washington state. She now works for Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol in the winters and lives in the nearby mountain town of Greenwater. Annabelle maintains her EMT, WFR, OEC, LNT trainer, and AIARE 2 training. In her down time, you can find her playing with her field lab/avalanche dog and exploring with her partner and fellow guide/patroller, Forrest.

Alex Lombardo

Alex grew up in Kansas City, MO before moving to California for school. He earned a B.A. in geology and literature from Claremont McKenna College in 2017 and a M.S. in geochemistry from the University of California, Davis in 2020. A lifelong runner and skier, he began climbing while in college and has since spent time in the Sierra Nevada, Cascades, Tetons, and Bitterroots, among other ranges. Some of his favorite climbs and descents include the Hotlum-Wintun Ridge of Mt. Shasta, the East Couloir of Basin Mountain, and the North Face of Lassen Peak. Alex has held a variety of positions in the outdoor industry, including geology teacher, ski instructor, and hostel manager. When not climbing or skiing, he enjoys long trail runs, cooking, playing saxophone, and poetry. Alex has training in Wilderness EMT, AIARE Recreational Level I and Partner Rescue, and Leave No Trace Trainer.

Martin Lucero

International trips succeed, in part, because of the partners and relations you have abroad. Martin ("Tincho") is a powerful part of our Aconcagua and Bolivia programs. A native of Mendoza, he's there when we need him. Whether it's confirming a hotel or transportation reservation, buying food or climbing with us in Argentina or Bolivia, he's a go-to man. Mountains like Aconcagua, Tupungato and Mercedario are his backyard. Since his first ascent at age 15, mountains are now his life. Whether it's winning ice climbing festival competitions, skiing, snowboarding — Martin can do it all. First aid, vertical rescue and high mountain guide courses have only strengthened his resume and value to IMG. You'll likely meet and climb with Martin as part of our guide team on many IMG Aconcagua or Bolivia expeditions. You'll be glad you did.

Patrick Mauro

Patrick was born and raised in the Carolinas and developed a spirit for exploration during family road trips through the American West. He moved to New England for college at Harvard University where he earned an AB in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and an SM in Electrical Engineering. After college, Patrick resided in New York City for ten years, during which time he began climbing rock and ice during weekend escapes to the Catskills, Adirondacks, and White Mountains. Wanting to cut his teeth on more distant adventures, he began mountaineering, which has taken him to the Andes, Himalayas, Alps, Tetons, Sierras, and other ranges. Patrick began guiding for IMG in 2018 and has guided on peaks through the Pacific Northwest and on Denali. When not guiding, Patrick runs a Seattle-based data science consultancy and enjoys sailing, photography, aviation, and endurance sports. Patrick is trained as a Leave No Trace Master Educator and Wilderness EMT. He is an AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide and has training in AIARE 2.

Porter McMichael

Born and raised in Eastern Washington, Porter first started climbing Washington's volcanoes at age 12. He raced cross country and track during high school and backpacked in the cascades in his free time. After moving to Bellingham in 2016, his affinity for the vertical grew. While attending Western Washington University and running cross country and track for the University, Porter began finding his passion for difficult alpine climbs (especially ice climbs), as well as ski mountaineering. He began guiding for IMG in 2018 and enjoys sharing the unique alpine environments with others. Since starting with IMG, Porter has guided in Mexico, Antarctica, Denali and Nepal, where he guided Lhotse, the 4th highest mountain in the world.

Justin Merle


Justin grew up climbing in the mountains of the Pacific Northwest. He began his guiding career on Mount Rainier in 1999 and now shares his passion for the mountains on climbs and expeditions worldwide. Justin is one of the world's most accomplished Everest guides, with nine successful Everest summits and more than 20 Himalayan expeditions. He has climbed Mount Rainier over 200 times and guided successful expeditions on Denali, Vinson, Aconcagua, Ama Dablam and Kilimanjaro. Home is the NW for Justin, and he spends his summers guiding on Mount Rainier as well as in the North Cascades. He spends part of each winter in Ouray, Colorado, guiding ice climbing for IMG where he enjoys the more technical climbing and not having to spend nights out tent-camping in the snow. Justin is an AMGA Certified Alpine Guide and serves as Chief Guide for International Mountain Guides. When not guiding, he spends his free time adventuring with his wife, riding bicycles, climbing for fun, skiing, and lying on the couch.

Justin In The News:

Tyler Nachand

Tyler has guided climbs up multiple routes on Rainier, Olympus and in the North Cascades with IMG. Having grown up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, his passion for outdoor recreation and travel flourished while in college at Appalachian State University. This desire for adventure has led him to pursue rock climbing and mountaineering trips throughout South America (Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and most frequently Chile), Europe (Spain and Italy), Morocco and many states in the US. Since graduating from a Spanish Education Master's program in 2016, Tyler has guided in the PNW as well as worked in the Outdoor Ed and Adventure Travel industry mostly leading international trekking trips. When not in the field, Tyler enjoys road cycling, trail running and exploring the art exhibits, museums, cuisine and cultural sites of his various seasonal homes, most recently living in Granada, Spain. Tyler has training in Wilderness First Responder, AIARE 1, and is an LNT trainer.

Drew O'Brien

A Seattle local, Drew grew up in the shadow of the Cascades. Snowboarding and climbing quickly became a passion, and he took that to Spokane with him where he finished his undergraduate degree in Health Sciences and Sociology and helped build his University Outdoor Program up to what it is today. After a stint as an Emergency Room Social Worker and time on an ambulance as an EMT, Drew has returned to climbing full time. Traveling up and down the west coast, mountain west, Alaska and internationally he had the chance to cut his teeth on rock, snow and ice. Drew shares his love and passion for mountainous environments with climbers at every level. In the mountains or not, you can always catch him with a book, mint tea, and a smile. Drew maintains a Leave no Trace Trainer certificate, National and State EMT license, Canadian Avalanche Safety Training 1, AAA Pro 1 certificate, and is a volunteer firefighter in Ashford.

Christopher Pouch

Chris is from Saratoga Springs, New York, a small city known for summer concerts, mineral-rich water, and a busy downtown scene. Having grown up hiking, skiing, and doing a wide range of other outdoor activities, Chris was introduced to alpine climbing through NOLS, first in Wyoming and later in Northern India. He graduated from the University at Albany with undergraduate degrees in journalism and computer science. During spare time he enjoys soccer, tennis, improving musical skills, and ping pong. Chris has had training in Wilderness First Responder, is an AMGA Apprentice Guide (via Alpine Skills Course), is an American Avalanche Institute Pro 1 graduate, and rain or shine, considers it a big privilege to share and enjoy time in the mountains.

Justin Sackett

Justin grew up in the Appalachian foothills of North Georgia and began his guiding career after graduating from Georgia Tech with a major in Mechanical Engineering. While in school, Justin began his climbing career on the beautiful granite domes in North Carolina. Justin then moved to Washington where he focused more on technical glacier and ice climbing routes. Some of his favorite climbs in North America include the North Ridge of Mount Baker, the Nose on El Capitan, and the West Ridge of Forbidden Peak in the North Cascades. Justin then began his guiding career in Washington on Mount Rainier. Since then, he has guided on the alpine rock of the Eastern Sierra in California, the frozen waterfalls around Ouray, Colorado, and the flowing glaciers of Alaska. Internationally, Justin has guided on the glaciated volcanoes in Ecuador and Mexico and more. When not guiding or climbing, Justin enjoys ultra-running and slalom water skiing. Justin is a Leave No Trace Trainer and has training in Wilderness First Responder and AIARE Pro 1. Additionally, Justin has passed his AMGA Rock Guide course.

Jesus Paco Sanjines

Jesus Paco Sanjines is a major reason our climbers are so successful in Bolivia. He has been guiding since 1987 and has climbed many of the mountains IMG visits over 200 times. Jesus has trained in Germany and France as well as being up to date with all medical training. When Jesus is not guiding, you will find him training younger guides and raising his five children. Jesus is quite possibly the most patient guide we have on staff in Bolivia if not the world!

Jonathan Schrock

Jonathan is a native Northwesterner who grew up on the central Oregon coast. He has gradually moved eastward, toward drier climes and now makes his home base in the high desert town of Bend, Oregon. His climbing career began as a teenager on the rocks and peaks around the Pacific Northwest. He graduated in 2002 from Linfield College with a business degree, and after a short side trip through a career in corporate finance, found his way back to the mountains as a rock climbing guide and finally as a mountaineering guide for IMG. He has guided on Aconcagua, Elbrus, Carstensz, Vinson and Everest, and his favorite personal climbs have been in the Bugaboos of B.C. Canada and Argentine Patagonia. Jonathan maintains WFR and Avalanche Level II training. He also earned his pilot's license as a teenager and continues to work on higher certifications. His spare time is usually split between reading, road-riding, and trail-running around the northwest back-country.

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 and Mongolia programs.

Ang Pasang Sherpa (Sirdar)

53 years old, from Pangboche, 4 kids

Experience: Everest X 31 (4), Makalu X 1, Dhaulagiri (1), Cho Oyu X 14 (7), Ama Dablam X 8 (4), Nuptse X 1.

Ang Pasang has been working for IMG as a climbing sirdar since 1997.

Karma Rita Sherpa

44 years old, from Phortse, 2 kids

Experience: Everest X 16 (10), Cho Oyu X 9 (11), Makalu X 1, Manaslu X 1, Island Peak (4), Lobuche Peak (5), Mera (2), Ama Dablam X 1, and Putha Hiunchuli (2). Attended the Khumbu Climbing Center (with first aid training).

Phunuru Sherpa

43 years old, from Phortse, 2 daughters

Experience: Everest (12 summits), Cho Oyu (19 summits which makes him the current record holder), Lhotse (1), Nirika (1), Lobuche East (7), Island Peak (6), Mera Peak (2) Ama Dablam (14 summits), Pisang Peak (1), Kilimanjaro (20 summits). He has been one of the lead instructors for the Khumbu Climbing Center for the last ten years. In the USA, Phunuru is a NOLS graduate, has climbed Rainier and worked as a volunteer with the National Park Service mountaineering rangers on Denali (where he has 4 summits) and in Yosemite with the YOSAR rescue team. He holds his Wilderness First Responder credential and has also completed two weeks of helicopter long-line rescue training by the Alpine Rescue Foundation of Zermatt, Switzerland and Simrik Air Helicopter.

Audrey Simonson

Audrey was born and raised in Tacoma, WA. Growing up in the Cascades, she spent her childhood hiking, climbing, and skiing where she ultimately found her passion for being outside. At the age of 14, Audrey made her first ascent of Mount Rainier via the DC and continued to climb it every summer via different routes until becoming old enough to guide. In 2019, Audrey reached the summit of Denali with six other IMG guides on a personal trip. Since then, Audrey has spent the last five years guiding on Denali, Mt. Rainier, and in the North Cascades while finishing up her BS in Biological Sciences from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. While in California, Audrey enjoyed her time in the sun, spent hours in immunology labs, and managed one of the climbing gyms in town. Audrey is now one of the IMG Operations Managers who oversees day-to-day operations for programs on Mt. Rainier and in the North Cascades while still doing some guiding on the side. In the winter, Audrey ski patrols at Crystal Mountain, is a volunteer EMT for the Ashford Fire Department, and still takes online college classes in her free time. Audrey maintains her National and State EMT credentials, AIARE Pro 1, and her LNT Trainer.

Nicole Sims

Nicole grew up in Georgia and first discovered her passion for the mountains through rock climbing, competing in the JCCA Junior Nationals two years in a row. She continued to climb and hike before taking a break from mountain pursuits to earn her MS in Mathematics and become a credentialed actuary. Over the next 10 years, her actuarial career and the mountains competed fiercely for her attention. Over time, she honed her skills in ski touring, mountaineering, and ski mountaineering, until she knew what she had to do: make the leap and begin her second career in professional risk management, this time as a guide. Among Nicole's ascents are Denali, Rainier, Shasta, Adams, Baker, Hood, Lassen, Shuksan, St. Helens, and Mt. Whitney. She has also trekked and climbed in the Himalaya. Nicole has trained in AIARE Rec 1, Rec 2, and Pro 1, Winter Weather Forecasting, and is an AIARE Instructor. She also has training in WFR, CPR, LNT, and has completed AMGA Alpine Skills Course. When away from IMG, Nicole lives in Brighton, Utah, spending winters guiding and skiing the "Greatest Snow on Earth."

Rowan Stewart


Rowan is a lifelong native of the Pacific Northwest, born on Vashon Island, and has been guiding with IMG since 2018. He was fortunate to grow up backpacking, skiing, and sailing with his family. After graduating high school, Rowan spent 28 days traversing the Waddington Range in British Columbia with the National Outdoor Leadership School — a trip which cemented his passion for remote places. Before joining IMG he spent summers working as a sailboat captain in Seattle, and winters dedicated to chasing snow in the Washington backcountry. When not in the mountains, he can be found on a mountain bike, sailboat, or surfboard. Rowan has training in WFR, AIARE level 2 and is an LNT trainer.

Brad Swanson

Brad grew up in Illinois before moving to Gunnison Colorado to study Recreation and Outdoor Education. While at college Brad started his guiding career by learning rock climbing, backcountry skiing, backcountry medicine and search and rescue. Quickly Brad's interest in rock climbing took off bringing him all over the country and eventually landing him in Washington where he fell in love with the North Cascades. In the winter season Brad works on the Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol, just to the East of Mt. Rainier. Outside of climbing and skiing Brad is also an avid mountain biker, often seen shredding the local Washington trails or heading out on week-long trips. Brad is an Apprentice Rock Guide, LNT Trainer, Wilderness First Responder, Outdoor Emergency Care Technician, Professional Level 1 avalanche certified, and a Licensed Avalanche Blaster.

Jason Tanguay


Jason has worked as a professional mountain guide since 1996. Mountain guiding has taken him to many peaks in the western US and around the world, including the top of Mt. Rainier over 130 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 returning to school at University of Washington where he earned his dental degree in 2010. When he is not guiding you will find him working as a dentist at Mint Dental Studio in Bozeman, MT or spending time with his wife and two daughters enjoying the mountains of Montana.

Lindsay Valero

Lindsay was born in Downers Grove, IL and moved out to Chicago in 2018 to get her BA in Management at Loyola University Chicago. Lindsay started rock climbing in college and quickly found a strong community and passion in the sport. She's had the privilege of climbing in places like the Red River Gorge, Boulder Canyon, Clear Creek, Joshua Tree, and other places. Lindsay got introduced to the Outdoor Industry after working as a Summer Camp Instructor in Evergreen, CO in 2019. The following two summers she spent as an Ice Climbing Guide and Glacier Camp Manager on that Matanuska Glacier in Glacier View, Alaska. She's the right person to be around if you love fun adventures and a good meal. When not guiding, you can find Lindsay working as part of various outdoor groups serving underrepresented communities and listening to early 2000s hip hop. Lindsay has training in Wilderness First Responder and AIARE Level 1, and is a Leave No Trace Trainer.

Leandro Villegas

Leandro ("Leo") was born in 1985, and he was 14 when he climbed his first mountain. A few years later, he began to study in the Mountain Guides School of Mendoza. Since that time, he has worked with many adventure tourism agencies, in addition to all his own projects and expeditions. He began working in Aconcagua Provincial Park in 2007, first as a 'carrier' and currently now as a Certified Guide. He climbs in the Northern and Southern Andes near Mendoza, in Bariloche, and also in Bolivia. With many Aconcagua summits already, Leandro is a great addition to the IMG crew on Aconcagua and in Bolivia. Strong, good English skills, a great work ethic and unending enthusiasm add greatly to expeditions with Leandro.

Nickel Wood

I've been involved with some type of guiding for the most part since 2007 when I first matriculated to Alaska to learn the ways of climbing. Much has happened since that first visit to the Great North country. I've been blessed to see the world from the tops of Africa, North America, and South America... they all look good and are well worth the journey. I try to always be in pursuit of something and with guiding that is twofold: the facilitation of amazing experience and further certification and training. In addition to guiding, I'm due to finish Yoga Teacher Training school, and when I graduate from the Lexington Healing Arts Academy in Lexington, Kentucky, I'll be a Registered Yoga Teacher through the Yoga Alliance. Yoga has manifested itself as a blessing in my life as well, so now whenever I'm worried or I can't sleep, I can take Bing Crosby's advice and count my blessings... they're numerous. My favorite thing is being alive in the world today... and most things Kentucky — including and especially the Kentucky Wildcats. I'd like to thank any and all who have had a hand in getting me to where I am today... you know who you are! I'd also like to give special thanks to my family at International Mountain Guides. You burst into my awareness like a boon of spring, and for that I am very grateful. Aho mitakuye oyasin.

IMG Himalayan Sherpa Team

IMG Climbing Sherpas going above basecamp have more than:

    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 parentheses, ie. "(4)"

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.

Lobsang Sherpa

65 years old, from Rangadip, Okhaldunga and now lives in Kathmandu, 2 kids.

Experience: Everest X 5 including as leader of 1991 first Sherpa-only expedition, Annapurna IV, Annapurna South, Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Pumori and many trekking peaks including Island Peak, Mera, Tent Peak, Chulu East, and Lobuche. He has led many treks in western Nepal (he was the sirdar for Dr. Rodney Jackson's Snow Leopard collaring project) as well as India and Tibet. Lobsang has done the HMTTC trekking guide training and the Manang mountaineering course and has also worked as an assistant instructor for Outward Bound in Colorado on 6 courses.

Ang Karma Sherpa

45 years old, from Phortse, 1 daughter

Experience: Everest X 9 (5), Cho Oyu (2), Ama Dablam (1), Pokalde (1), Ramdung (1), Island Peak (23), Baruntse (1), Mera (2), Pharchamo (2).

Mingma Dorje

54 years old. Born and grew up in Phortse. 3 kids.

Experience: Everest X 20 (10) Cho Oyu X 9 (6) Manaslu X 3 (1 north summit) Makalu expeditions (1 from Nepal, 1 from China-Tibet) no summit. 1 Pumori (1), Putha Hiunchuli (1). Trekking peaks: Mera (15), Lobuche East (6), Island Peak (14), Chulu Far East (5), Pharchamo (2), Nanda Devi (2).

Nuru Gyalzen

45 years old. Born and grew up in Phorste. 2 kids.

Experience: Everest X 13 (6) Manaslu (2) Cho Oyu (1), Ama Dablam (1), Lobuche East (6) Island Peak (10).

Pemba Gyaltsen

25 years old, from Phortse

Experience: Everest X 3 (2), Cho Oyu (2), Putha Hiunchuli (1), Lobuche Peak (4), Island Peak (2), Many treks in Everest, Annapurna, Langtang, Mustang, etc. Basic and Advanced Climbing Course (Khumbu Climbing Center), First Aid training, NMA mountaineering training in Manang.

Fura Gyalzen Sherpa

22 years old, from Phortse

Experience: Everest X 4 (2), Cho Oyu (1), Ama Dablam (1), Lobuche Peak (7), Island Peak (4), Mera Peak (3), Nirekha Peak (2), Basic and Advanced Climbing Course (Khumbu Climbing Center), First Aid training, Long-line rescue training.

Kaji Sherpa (Head Cook)

53 years old, from Kirung Solu, 2 kids

Experience: Trekking and expedition head cook for IMG since spring of 2002. Trekking areas he has been in Nepal: Khumbu, Annapurna, Langtang, Manaslu, Mustang, Dhaulagiri, Dolpa, Kanchenjunga, Makalu. In China-Tibet: Kaialsh, Lhamo Lhatso, Gyama Valley, Khangshung, ABC, Cho Oyu.

Jor Bahadur Rai (Expedition and Trekking Cook)

52 years old, from Deusa 3 Solu, 2 children

Experience: Expedition and Trekking cook for 18 years. Treks he has worked in Nepal include Dolpo, Daulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Khumbu, Makalu and Kanchenjunga area. In India: Arunachal, Himanchal, Spiti. In China-Tibet: Kailash, Khangshung, Gyama Valley, Everest Base Camp, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma. He has also worked in Afghanistan for 27 months cooking for the Canadian forces.

IMG Office Staff

Becky Kjorvestad

Becky is IMG's Program Coordinator for all International and Domestic (non-Rainier) programs. She works closely with our Program Directors and clients to ensure a smooth registration process from start to finish for IMG climbs and treks around the globe. Being all about the numbers and the details has earned her the title of The Spreadsheet Queen — in other words, Excel makes her happy. She lives here in Ashford with her family and assorted critters.

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