Phil Ershler, IMG Retired Partner

Phil began guiding in 1971 while a sophomore at Whitman College. He remained one of America's more active guides for the next 4+ decades, leading trips from Everest to Antarctica, Denali to South America.

Along the way, he managed to lead nearly 450 successful ascents of Mt. Rainier.

Retirement was made official in December 2022 when he turned over his interest in IMG to partner, Eric Simonson. Not often does someone get to make their avocation into their vocation. Above all else, he'll remember the successes shared and the friendships formed with the thousands of climbers with whom he shared a rope. Life doesn't get much better.

To learn more about Phil and his career, check out the following:

• Phil and Susan Ershler become the first couple to climb The Seven Summits
• Phil Ershlers 25th Anniversary of his first Everest summit and the first American ascent of the North Face of Everest

Phil Ershler Features

Wickwire's 1983 American Alpine Journal story of IMG directors Eric Simonson, Phil Ershler and Geo Dunn's first Everest expedition »

News Tribune: Ageless Mountain Men »

US Air Force: Air Force Seven Summits Team heads to Antarctica with Phil Ershler »