Why I Guide
Guiding is so much more than just tying into a rope and teaching technical skills; it’s about meeting each student where they are and creating a supportive environment where they can feel safe, both physically and emotionally. I prioritize creating a safe and supportive learning environment where questions are encouraged, and vulnerability is embraced.
Being in the mountains brings out the best in me: discipline for long days and physical demands, presence, patience and care in my interactions with students, and gratitude for my body’s abilities and the surrounding beauty. I believe the mountains and canyons offer a unique opportunity for self-discovery and connection—to nature and to our inner selves. My guiding style is rooted in these values, emphasizing emotional awareness and a deep respect for each individual’s journey.
My Background
My journey to becoming a mountain guide began with a pivotal two-week climbing trip to Red Rocks, Nevada, to take my Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) course in March 2023. Visiting Red Rocks for the first time and climbing for two weeks straight ignited a desire for a life more deeply connected to the natural world—a life far removed from my desk job as a software engineer in Seattle. By May, I had taken a huge leap of faith: I left my stable job, traded my apartment for the open road, and embraced a less conventional, yet deeply fulfilling, lifestyle living out of my vehicle. This wasn’t a glamorous transition; it was about embracing the unknown, learning the practicalities of van life, building a new community, and gaining confidence in a completely new way of living. That winter, I applied to American Alpine Institute to be a full-time guide and by May, I was attending guide training on Mount Baker. This path, from software engineer to AMGA-trained mountain guide, has been a testament to following my passion.
Certifications
AMGA Assistant Rock Guide
The Advanced Rock Guide Course/AE (ARGC/AE) covers the tools used when guiding and instructing multiple clients on longer routes up to Grade V—management of 3rd and 4th class terrain, technical descents, simultaneous multi-client belaying, lowering and rappelling, management of transitions, and short roping and short pitching techniques. It emphasizes effective risk management while maximizing client rewards.
AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide
The Alpine Guide Course (AGC) is designed to take a competent alpine climber and develop the fundamental skills they need to guide in diverse alpine environments. It provides training for aspiring guides and experienced guides who work in a wide range of alpine environments including alpine rock, snow and glacier, mixed terrain, alpine ice, and waterfall ice. The AGC emphasizes a hands-on approach to the mechanics of guiding on alpine terrain. As part of the Alpine Guide discipline, the AGC can be completed after completing the Rock Guide Course to achieve the Apprentice Alpine Guide credential.
AMGA Ice Instructor Course
The Ice Instructor Course (IIC) is a fundamental component of the alpine guide education and certification process and is designed for skilled rock and ice climbers. This course addresses the skills and techniques used while instructing and guiding in single- and multi-pitch ice terrain.
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
The Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Program teaches climbing instructors to proficiently facilitate and instruct the sport of rock climbing in a single pitch setting. The SPI is the only internationally recognized single pitch climbing instructor certification program in the United States. It was developed to fit in the AMGA Rock program.
Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor
Leave No Trace provides environmental stewardship training for recreationalists, outdoor educators and guides.
The Level 2 Instructor Course is also designed to prepare participants to be the best possible teachers of Leave No Trace regardless of setting. Level 2 Instructor Course graduates are certified to instruct Level 1 Instructor Courses and are prepared to teach Leave No Trace Skills Courses and Workshops.
Wilderness First Responder
The Wilderness First Responder certification is considered the standard medical certification for guides, outdoor educators, trip leaders, and anyone serving as the first point of professional care in remote areas.
(Wilderness First Responder (WFR) – Remote Medical Training)
Guided Trips and Experiences
Mountaineering Courses
I’m available through American Alpine Institute as a guide and instructor. You can learn the mountaineering skills needed to climb peaks like Mount Baker.
Climbing Instruction
Possible topics include anchors, rappelling, crack climbing, multi-pitch climbing, sport leading, trad leading
Rock Guiding
Multi-pitch guided climbing is available in areas like Red Rocks, NV and Moab, UT. Climbers can also explore alpine routes in Washington Pass or Leavenworth, WA.
Alpine Rock Climbing
Alpine rock climbing routes like the Beckey Route on Liberty Bell Spire in the North Cascades, WA.
Climb with me
Contact
You can email me directly at mia@miaclimbs.com or fill out my contact form. I’m frequently out of cell service for up to a week at a time, but I will get back to you as soon as I am able.
You can also contact the companies I work for directly. Reach out for more details about their programs. You can request me as a guide on a trip or course or hire me for a private trip.
American Alpine Institute
(360) 671 – 1505
She Moves Mountains
The Mountain Guides – Red Rocks
(702) 659 – 9255
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Mia Climbs 