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 Guide

Mark is a Washington native and has been climbing since 1991 and guiding since 2001. He is currently is working towards AMGA certification. Domestically his guiding experience includes extensive Alpine, Ice, Rock and Ski trips in the Cascades and Sierras with additional experience in the Alaska Range; Coast Range of Canada; Red Rocks, NV; Joshua Tree, CA; the Tetons, New Zealand, and Patagonia. Internationally, Mark has led successful expeditions to Aconcagua, Argentina; Denali Alaska; Patagonia; and China. Mark's academic background is in geology with an emphasis on mountain building processes. In the off season, Mark works as a professional ski patroller and explores the strange undiscovered corners of his back yard - the North Cascades. Mark speaks travelers German, Spanish, and Chinese.

Adam Angel

Adam has been climbing for over 15 years and is a senior guide on Mt. Rainier near his home in Washington. Over the past several years, Adam has guided in Africa, Nepal, Tibet, Argentina, Alaska, Mexico and California. He sees climbing as the best way to see the world and loves sharing the experience. When not guiding, Adam and his wife ski and ride their bikes as much as possible and spoil their daughter and dogs. He has a B.Sc. in Geology, and is a Certified Wilderness First Responder, but it is his photography business (www.AdamAngel.com) that keeps him the busiest at home. Photographic advice is included free in all of the trips that he leads!

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.

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.

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.

Ang Dorjee Sherpa

Ang Dorjee Sherpa is an 11-time Everest summiter who has reached the top of six 8000 meter peaks. He now lives in the USA and IMG is happy to be able to work with Ang Dorjee on Mt. Rainier and other expeditions. Ang Dorjee's brother is Kami, from Pangboche, one of IMG's top Sherpas in Nepal.

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 and walls 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.

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.

Carlos Escobar IFMGA Fully Certified Guide

Carlos directs IMG climbing programs in Bolivia, his native country. He has climbed extensively throughout South America, with over 20 years of mountain guiding. He was President of the Association of Bolivian Mountain Guides and is a UIAGM/UIAA certified International Mountain Guide. He has climbed Illimani over than 40 times, Huayna Potosi 70 times, Sajama 20 times, Illampu 12 times, Jancohuma 15 times, many Peruvian peaks (Ausangate, Huascaran, Alpamayo), Ecuadorian peaks (Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, Cayambe) and seven trips to Aconcagua. Carlos has also assisted several scientific expeditions in the Bolivian Andes organized by the Climate System Research Center, University of Massachusetts. The aim of these expeditions was to maintain the world’s highest satellite-linked weather station on the summits of Sajama and Illimani.

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 grew up in Phoenix, AZ in a family that spent almost every vacation camping and hiking. She began rock climbing and backpacking about 15 years ago, and climbed Mt. Rainier for the first time in 1999. She has ten summits of Mt. Rainier, two summits on Mt. McKinley and also guides on Mt. Whitney, with multiple summits. In addition to mountaineering, Jenni enjoys rock and ice climbing, skiing, running, yoga, reading and good music. She also just happens to fly KC-135's in the Air Force Reserve. In addition to the physical challenges of climbing, Jenni enjoys guiding because of the chance to meet people from all over the world and act as a catalyst to help them achieve more than they ever thought possible.

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.

Dawn Glanc

Dawn has climbed and guided 200 days a year for the past 3 years. This has taken her all throughout the western United States, Canada, and France. This past year alone Dawn enjoyed guiding and climbing in Squamish BC, The San Juan Mountains, The Northern Cascades, Smith Rocks Oregon, Red Rock Nevada, Indian Creek Utah, The French Alps, The Calanques and the Verdon Gorge of Southern France. She won second place in the women's division at the 2007 Ouray Ice Festival.

Dawn has an addiction to sandstone splitters and off-width desert cracks, long alpine rock routes and steep waterfall ice formations. It is the thrill of the sharp end and the magnificent landscaped that inspires her. The best part has been the incredible people I have met along the way and the experiences and bonds I have shared with climbing partners. Her spirit of adventure is strong and she is proud to represent the strong and motivated female climber.

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. This is his first season guiding on Mt. Rainier. So far he has 5 successful summits and over a dozen climbs. Eric is certified in Avalanche Level II and is a Wilderness First Responder.

Dave Hahn

Dave Hahn began guiding big mountains in 1986, initially on Mounts Rainier and McKinley. As of Spring 2008, he has summitted Mount Everest ten times (more than any other non-Sherpa climber,) completed 245 ascents of Mount Rainier, and 24 attempts at Denali (with 17 summits.) To date, he has managed to cram in 16 expeditions to 8000 meter peaks — leading, guiding and documenting IMG expeditions in the Himalaya. Dave has guided Cho Oyu's summit twice and has guided Gary Johnson (former governor of Dave's home state, New Mexico) to Everest's top in 2003, as well as playing a prominent role in three "search" expeditions attempting to unravel the mysteries of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine on Everest in the 1920's.

Dave has also guided for IMG in Antarctica, where he has been to the summit of the Vinson Massif 25 times (far and away the record number of ascents for Antarctica's highest point.) He has also made a specialty of guiding climbing trips by ship to Antarctic shorelines, in particular, he led the first successful guided crossing of the "Shackleton Traverse" on the Island of South Georgia.

IMG work took Dave to the Swiss and French Alps for several seasons, as well as to an attempt on Mount St Elias in the gulf of Alaska. Dave's home is in Taos, New Mexico where he still ski patrols and maintains his status as an avalanche professional and EMT. He has had articles published in Outside Magazine, has contributed to the authorship of several climbing books, and written a growing collection of dispatches and columns about life in the mountains. (Please click here to read Dave's eloquent and entertaining columns.) In 2001 Dave was awarded the Denali Pro Mountaineer of the Year by the National Park Service (for rescues on Denali) and the David A. Sowles award by the American Alpine Club (for the highest known rescue near the summit of Everest.)

In 2007, descending from his 9th Everest summit, Dave Hahn and Phinjo Sherpa executed another life-saving rescue on the upper mountain »

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.

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.)

Mike Haugen

Mike Haugen started rock climbing and mountaineering 16 years ago as a high school student with a passion for the outdoors. Haugen is entering his 6th year as a professional mountain guide on Mt. Rainier and other big mountains around the world. When he is not climbing mountains around the world, he teaches science and outdoor adventure to inner city 8th graders in Denver, CO. Mike is also the ambassador for The Coleman Company’s Exponent line of products which has allowed him to encourage students and adults from around the country to get outdoors and find their own Everest.

Mike has guided expeditions on Mt. Everest, Mt. Vinson in Antarctica, Aconcagua in Argentina, McKinley, Orizaba in Mexico, Island Peak in Nepal and numerous other peaks in the lower 48. Mike has a M.S. in Evolutionary Physiology, is a Wilderness First Responder, and Avalanche Level II certified. Mike also enjoys ice climbing, skiing, sailing, and any other outdoor activity. Big, strong, competent and compassionate are words used to describe Mike.

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

A 13-year veteran Senior Climbing Guide with over 100 ascents of Mt. Rainier, Craig leads IMG's Kilimanjaro and Himalayan climbs. His enthusiasm for the mountains is always evident and is very contagious, his clients always catch it! His resume includes successful ascents of Cho Oyu and Everest, both from the Tibet side, has guided seven climbs of Mt. McKinley, and also Aconcagua and the Mexican Volcanoes. Craig is also an avid rock and ice climber as well as a strong backcountry skier. In addition to his climbing background, Craig holds an MA in Psychology.

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.

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') 50 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'); Himalayan Peaks: Ama Dablam (22,497'), Lobuche (20,075'). His Personal Climbing Resume (Sampling): 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 Leyh has been guiding on Rainier since 2006. She has also been a guide for Sierra Mountaineering International since 2003, primarily working in the Sierras. Deb has climbed extensively in California, Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska, as well as guiding in Latin America. Currently, she is working on her AMGA Rock and Alpine certifications.

Charley Mace

Charley lives in Colorado and has been climbing all of his life. He is one of America's most successful Himalayan mountaineers with ascents of four 8000 meter peaks; Everest, K2, Manaslu, and Gasherbrum II. He began guiding in 1993 and loves to share his passion for the mountains on trips all over the world while focusing on participant enjoyment and safety. In 2001, Charley was hired as camera man and guide for The National Federation of the Blind's Everest Expedition which put the first blind man on the summit of Mt. Everest. He loves sharing the challenges and rewards of Himalayan peaks but is just as pleased to introduce folks to the pleasures of warm sunny rock climbing in the lower 48. Most recently he successfully guided both Kilimanjaro and Mt Kenya. Charley is an avid rock and ice climber as well as a strong backcountry skier and trail runner. He has a B.A. in Geology, an MBA in Energy Finance, and is a Certified Wilderness First Responder.

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.

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 five more expeditions including Ama Dablam and Everest which he has summited twice. 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.

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.

Jake Norton

Jake Norton has been a climber since 1986 when he made his first ascent of Rainier at age 12. He became a guide in 1993, and has worked with IMG since 1994. Jake's climbs have taken him the world over, from Mt. McKinley in Alaska to the peaks of the Cordillera Blanca in Peru, Mt. Kilimanjaro to Mt. Toubkal, Mt. Evans to Mt. Everest. He has made 19 trips to the Himalaya since 1992, guiding 2 expeditions to Cho Oyu (1997 & 2000). Jake was a photographer and climbing team member of the 1999, 2001, and 2004 Mallory & Irvine Research Expeditions to Everest. He reached the summit of Everest in 2002 via the Southeast Ridge shooting stills and video for The Discovery Channel, and climbed to the top again in 2003 via the Northeast Ridge shooting for The Outdoor LifeNetwork.

In the autumn of 2004, IMG guide Dave Hahn and Jake guided nine clients on the famous Shackleton crossing of South Georgia Island (click here for images). In the autumn of 2006, Jake organized and led the first documented American ascent of Gurla Mandhata, a 25,500 foot peak in remote western Tibet. Read all about it online here.

In addition to guiding and climbing, Jake is also a professional photographer and motivational speaker. His images of the mountains, people, and cultures of the world have been featured in magazines, books, and galleries around the world, and his inspirational presentations have impacted audiences from executives at Ford, Smith Barney, and ING to students and non-profits across the country. Jake lives and runs his company, MountainWorld Productions, from his home in Golden, Colorado.

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 and has logged seven seasons and over 85 summits on Mount Rainier. When not in the mountains, Liam pursues his other passion, medicine, by working as an EMT, Emergency Department Technician, and Wilderness Medicine Instructor. Liam founded and directs the Climb for Healthcare, a multidimensional program that involves pre-health sciences students in a community health center volunteer program that helps patients proactively improve their health through education, support, diet, and exercise. Liam is currently applying to medical school, working as a professional ski patroller, directing Climb for Healthcare, and climbing and guiding as much as possible in pursuit of AMGA certification.

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.

John Race IFMGA  and AMGA Fully Certified Guide

In his 16th consecutive year of guiding, JR is a senior guide on Mt. Rainier. John has guided in the Himalayas (five expeditions), Europe (five trips), South America (six trips), Mexico (eight trips), Alaska (seventeen trips), Russia, Africa, and Antarctica. He has summited Cho Oyu, reached 28,200 on Everest, and climbed Denali on 10 of 12 attempts. In addition to his international guiding, he guides full time in the Western United States, and co-owns the Northwest Mountain School with wife Olivia Cussen. John's other interests include birding and backcountry skiing. He holds a bachelor's degree in English Literature. John gained full international guide certification in 2006.

Eben Reckord

Eben was born in Eugene, Oregon. In 1995 his family moved to Tokyo where his parents took up teaching positions at the American School in Japan. Though Eben had his schooling in Tokyo, the most densely populated urban area in the world; it was during the summers in the Rocky Mountains that he developed his love for mountaineering and the outdoors. His passion for climbing would lead him to attend the University of Montana in Missoula where he included a semester in Patagonia with NOLS. He majored in history. After graduation, Eben began guiding in the summer of 2006 on Rainier. He continues to develop his technical climbing skills and is current with his Wilderness First Responder and his Avalanche I and II. Eben has climbed in the Rockies, the Pacific Northwest, Mexico and Japan and looks forward to participating in International IMG climbs in 2008. Eben's interests outside of climbing are endurance sports and Triathlons, as well as reading and carpentry.

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.

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.

Mark Tucker

Mark Tucker has been guiding since 1985, with Mt. Rainier as the starting point. Since then, he has climbed and guided classic peaks on seven continents, with the summit of Mt. Everest as his high point. Mark's extensive experience in South America, Africa and the Himalayas, combined with his lengthy career guiding on Rainier and Denali in the US, makes him a super member of our guide team. On September 29, 2006 Mark became a Seven Summiter when he led the IMG Mt. Carstensz expedition to the summit of that mountain. His first seven summit was Aconcagua in 1989 — it only took him 17 years! When not in the hills, he leads a fun-filled Other Life. Passions by land include mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, motorcycle riding, and gardening (he's still working on the golf game.) By water, he enjoys surfing, kayaking, wind surfing, scuba diving, water skiing, and fishing, and by air, hang gliding.

Greg Vernovage

Greg is very excited to be working with International Mountain Guides. He graduated from Pepperdine in 1995 with a degree in communications and education and has been involved in the educational field for over sixteen years. Greg is a veteran of expeditions to Aconcagua, El Pico de Orizaba, and Mt. McKinley in Alaska. Greg also has numerous Sierra climbs under his belt.

Before embarking on his current career Greg coached volleyball. His career was highlighted by coaching the men's beach volleyball team in the 2000 and 2004 Olympics. At Long Beach State Greg took the team to one final four appearances (2004), two state titles at Pierce Junior College (2000, 2001), and two Olympic appearances (2000, 2004). Greg successfully coached Dain Blanton and Eric Fonoimoana to a Gold Medal at the 2000 Sydney Games. As a player, Greg was part of the 1992 national championship team at Pepperdine and played internationally after leaving college.

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.

IMG Himalayan Sherpa Team

IMG Climbing Sherpas going above basecamp have more than:

250 Everest Expeditions
80 Everest Summits
150 8000m Summits
375 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. 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. 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.

Pasang Tsering Sherpa

Pasang Tsering 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 two kids.

Ang Pasang Sherpa (Sirdar)

42 years old, from Pangboche, 4 kids

Experience: Everest X 19 (4), Makalu X 1, Daulagiri (1), Cho Oyu X 9 (7), Ama Dablam X 3 (4), Nuptse X 1

Ang Pasang 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 6 (4), 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.

Experience: Everest X 13 (10), Cho Oyu X 9 (8), 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 11 (5), 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 3 (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 9 (7), 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 7 (4), Cho Oyu (2), 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.

Danuru (Dawa) Sherpa

47 years old, from Phortse, 3 kids

Experience: Everest X 19 (6), Cho Oyu X 4 (3), 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.

Tashi Tsering Sherpa

37 years old, from Pangboche, 2 kids

Experience: Everest X 12 (11), Cho Oyu (4), Daulagiri 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 7 (3), 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 (3), 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 5 (4), Cho Oyu X 2 (2), 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 7 (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 7 (2), Pokalde (1), Ramdung (1), Island Peak (23), Baruntse (1), Mera (2), Pharchamo (2).

Pemba Dorje Sherpa

45 years old, from Pangboche, 6 kids

Experience: Everest X 20 (5), Ama Dablam (3), Cho Oyu X 7 (6), Lobuche Peak (5), Many times to Island Peak etc. First expedition was American Everest in 1988.

Ang Namgya Sherpa

27 years old, from Pangboche, married 6 months so far.

Experience: Everest X 4 (2), Island Peak (7) (guided an 8 year-old American boy to summit), Mera (3). He has attended the Khumbu Climbing School twice (with first aid training).

Kami Pasang Sherpa

45 years old, from Kumjung, 3 kids

Experience: Everest X 8, Cho Oyu X 2, Makalu X 1, Kangchenjunga X 1, Pumori X 1, Island Peak (15), Mera, Pharchamo, Ramdung, etc. Also, much experience in the Alps, including Mont Blanc (3... including Freney!), Matterhorn (Hornli), Eiger (2). He has completed first aid training in Kathmandu.

Lakpa Bhote Sherpa

35 years old, from Makalu region (lives in Kathmandu), 2 kids

Experience: Everest X 3 (to North and South Cols), Pumori X 1, Mera X 1, Langtang, Thorang Peak, Yala Peak etc... as well as 9 years trekking experience. Has 70 pigs on his farm in Kathmandu.

Jamling Bhote Sherpa

31 years old, married with 2 daughters and a son. He is from Sankhuwasava (Makalu area).

Experience: Everest 3 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 6 (4), 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 5 (2). He has attended the Khumbu Climbing School (with first aid training).

Chebbi Bhote Sherpa

31 years old, from Makalu Region (lives in Kathmandu), 3 kids

Experience: Everest X 5 (2), Makalu (1), Island Peak (2), 8 years as a trekking guide.

Da Sona Sherpa

40 years old, from Pangboche, 4 kids

Experience: Everest X 12 (7), Manaslu X 2, Ama Dablam X 2 (1), Island Peak (12), Mera (2), Lobuche Peak (4)

Mingmar Sherpa

36 years old, from Damar, 3 kids

Experience: Everest X 8 (4 as ABC cook including 45 days at Nepal ABC in 2005, summit in 2007), Mera X 2, Island Peak X 4. Much trekking in Tibet including Everest ABC and BC. Guide training in Kathmandu. Med training (Kat. Environ. Educat. Project). Twice attended TII Training for Altitude Illness.

Ang Chhiring Sherpa (BC Sherpa Cook)

50 years old, from Kumjung, 5 daughters

Experience: Many expeditions, beginning in 1979 (Yugoslav Ev. Exp.), including 7 Everest Expeditions (59 days continuously at North Side ABC) Mustang 1983, Omi Kangre 1985, Kang Tare 1986, Cho Oyu 1991 and 1992. Also seven summers at Furka Pass in Switzerland (much rock climbing there).

Pemba Tsering Sherpa (BC Member Cook)

38 years old, from Bhakange (lives in Kathmandu), 3 kids

Experience: 27 IMG Expeditions (beginning with Xixipangma 1993) plus one Australian Everest Expedition 1988. First trip was in 1985 as a kitchen boy, then three years as a trekking Sherpa, attended cooking school in 1989 in Kathmandu (TTC)

Danuru Sherpa (BC Assistant Sherpa Cook)

59 years old, from Khunde, 3 kids

Experience: Many treks, at least seven expeditions including 1980 Daulagiri, 1984 Annapurna.

Nima Tashi Sherpa (BC Assistant Member Cook)

25 years old, from Bhakange

Experience: several treks and 4 expeditions to Mount Everest.

Nawang Sherpa (BC Assistant Member Cook)

35 years old from Solu Khumbu, 2 daughters.

Experience: 10 years as a trekking Sherpa in Nepal and Tibet. Grows corn, potatoes and buckwheat on his farm.

Padam Limbu Sherpa (BC Assistant Member Cook)

38 years old, from Dankuta, 2 kids

Experience: 14 years as trekking guide with more than 10 trips to Dolpo, also to the Langtang, Manaslu, Annapurna, Kangchenjunga, Mustang etc. Everest X 5

IMG Office Staff

Tye Chapman

As IMG's Operations Manager, Tye's has a variety of responsibilities. Some of these include keeping our Rainier climbs on schedule before and after the trips, ensuring that everybody is properly equipped, and making sure that our clients are well fed on their climbs. Tye also manages our rental shop and our retail shop at Headquarters in Ashford. He is a NOLS Alaska Mountaineering graduate and summitted Mt. Rainier for the first time in 2007. He is new to Washington having spent time most of his years in Oregon. 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 likes to raise chickens, train goats, and sometimes travel 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.