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IMG Guides and Staff

The Active Guides of International Mountain Guides

Kevin Alexander

Kevin grew up moving all over the country, living in 5 states before landing in Washington at the age of 12. He quickly took to the mountains and spent his younger years hiking and scrambling around the Cascades and Olympics. Upon graduating high school he moved back east to complete a degree in Earth Science at Dartmouth College, where he caught the mountaineering bug hook, line, and sinker. During this time he spent a summer researching glacial dynamics on the Juneau Icefield in Alaska before returning to the high alpine environment of Hanover, NH to teach backcountry skiing and guide student outings while wrapping up his degree. Since then Kevin has pursued a career and personal objectives in the mountains, climbing and skiing peaks across most of the Western states and up into Canada while guiding across Washington for IMG. When Kevin is off the mountain, you can find him in a local music venue playing banjo and singing old folk tunes to anyone who will listen or on our beautiful PNW rivers and lakes fishing for trout and salmon. Kevin maintains a Wilderness First Responder certification, American Avalanche Association Pro 1 certification, Leave No Trace Trainer certificate, and is pursuing further certification through the American Mountain Guides Association.

Brooke Auvil

Brooke was born and raised in Seattle Washington then pursued a degree in Neuroscience and public health at the University of Washington. Growing up she spent much of her time exploring Washington’s outdoors by trail running and skiing then transitioned to more technical outdoor activities including rock climbing and mountaineering during college. This past winter she began her professional career as a ski patroller at Crystal Mountain and plans to continue working this job in future winters. While this is Brooke’s first year at IMG, she has a strong foundation of personal climbing experience from climbing glaciated peaks in the North Cascades, the Washington volcanoes, and multi pitch rock climbing in Washington and Canada. In her free time she enjoys trail running, playing soccer, and going to concerts. Brooke’s training includes Wilderness First Responder, Outdoor Emergency Care Technician, and has her AIARE 1, BLS/CPR, and Leave No Trace certifications.

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.

Jacob Barstow

In 2013, Jacob completed a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University and left his home state for the Pacific Northwest. He was introduced to climbing and scrambling through the Mountaineers, and quickly developed a love for rock climbing. Since then, Jacob has climbed in 7 states across the US and internationally in Namibia, Mexico and Canada. After submitting all of the volcanoes in Washington and hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2021, Jacob focused on guiding and joined Edgeworks Seattle as a Single Pitch Instructor. Jacob loves to climb with people of all skill levels- whether it’s their first time at the crag or swinging leads on a hard trad route. In his spare time, Jacob enjoys honing his pizza craft to find oddly delicious combinations of flavors and perfecting the ratios for his homemade dough. Jacob is an Apprentice Alpine Guide, and a certified Single Pitch Instructor with the AMGA, a Wilderness First Responder, a Leave No Trace Trainer, and holds an AIARE PRO 1 certification.

Butch Bolger

Originally from New Hampshire, Butch found a passion for the outdoors hiking and camping with his family in the White Mountains. After completing a BS degree in accounting at Clemson University, Butch headed west to Colorado to ski and climb bigger mountains. Butch now ski patrols at Crested Butte and heads to Washington in the summers to alpine guide. Butch is an avid skier and loves to rock climb when the weather is warm, but truly his favorite hobby is climbing in the alpine in search of a challenging and rewarding backcountry experience. Butch holds and maintains EMT and Wilderness First Responder certificates as well as having taken the AIARE 1 and AIARE avalanche rescue classes.

Max Bond

Max Bond hails from the "glaciated mecca" of Cleveland, Ohio, where he found an unlikely love for the outdoors at a young age. After high school, he moved to the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where he attended Dartmouth College and earned a degree in glaciology and climate science. This piqued his interest in mountaineering, and eventually, guiding. Max has worked in the outdoor industry since 2014 as a ski instructor, ski guide, mountain guide, and avalanche educator. He has guided teams on Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Manaslu, Mera Peak, Denali, in Ecuador, and throughout the Pacific Northwest. He has gone on personal expeditions to South America, remote parts of SE Alaska, Iceland, France, and the Canadian Rockies. In the winters, Max is a ski guide and avalanche educator. When not climbing or skiing, Max can be found playing the piano and guitar and is an avid musician. Max is an AIARE Course Leader and an AASI Level-2 Certified Snowboard Instructor, and maintains Wilderness First Responder, AAA Pro-2, Leave No Trace, and AMGA Ski and Alpine Guide Course certificates.

Paal Bredal

Paal grew up in Idaho and Norway before heading to Washington to pursue a BA in History at Gonzaga University. He began skiing from a young age and continues to compete in Nordic races. He fell in love with climbing and the volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest during college and began pursuing mountaineering objectives more seriously after graduation. Paal has skied or climbed peaks all over the American West, Norway, Italy, Austria, Southern Africa, and Mexico. He began guiding for IMG in 2023 and started his ski guide career in Beitostølen, Norway in 2024. When not guiding, Paal enjoys surfing, reading, painting and working on his motorcycle. Paal maintains Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Pro 1, and Leave No Trace certifications.

Lael Butler

Lael grew up on the Olympic Peninsula of Washington State in the small town of Port Angeles. She found her interest in mountains in early high school- she began climbing at the local sandstone cliffs and trail running in the Olympic mountains. Lael spent a month in the Wind River range of WY after graduating high school- during this time she realized how much she enjoyed exposure in big mountains. After high school Lael pursued a BS in Environmental Science, during these 4 years she continued to develop her climbing in the North Cascades and began her professional guiding career with IMG. Lael has worked professionally as a mountain guide and outdoor educator since 2019. Today she spends her winters teaching avalanche courses in Bozeman, MT and her summers guiding in the mountains of WA and AK. Lael enjoys many facets of climbing, anything from steep sport climbing to long alpine days to winter ice/mixed climbing and skiing. When not working Lael enjoys spending time with friends and family, a good summer beach day is hard to beat! Certs: Rock Guide Course, Alpine Guide Course, AAA pro 1, AIARE ITC, WEMT, LNT

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.

Grace Coady

Grace was raised in Colorado and Massachusetts before attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where she earned a BS in Environmental Management and Protection with a minor in Geology. She began climbing in college, quickly falling in love with the sport. She feels fortunate to have guides in her immediate family as role models who have worked in both Yosemite and Denali National Parks. This interest in guiding has motivated her field of study, jobs, and certifications pursued. Grace feels incredibly fortunate to begin this next step with IMG to continue building her technical knowledge. Grace enjoys trail running, sport climbing, reading, and spending time with her friends and family when not guiding. She maintains her EMT, LNT, CPR, and AIARE Level 1 certification, with hopes to continue growing her outdoor and professional knowledge.

Clara Coffey

Clara grew up in Colorado and began her guiding career after graduating with a BS in Biology from the University of Utah. During her time in Salt Lake City she began her climbing career in the desert of southern Utah and the granite of Little Cottonwood Canyon. She also learned to love backcountry skiing and spent weeks backpacking in the desert as often as she could.

Clara’s summers throughout college were spent working as a bike patroller at the downhill mountain bike resort in Whitefish, MT. When back in Utah for the winters, Clara guided canyoneering, bikepacking, skiing, and climbing for Outdoor Adventures and taught avalanche courses through U-Explore for the Women’s Outdoor Leadership Initiative, an organization which she led during her time in Utah. When not in the mountains, you’ll find Clara drinking copious amounts of tea and reading a book.

Clara’s training includes Wilderness-EMT, AIARE Rec 2, Leave No Trace, and Advanced High Angle Rescue Technician.

Maia Crichlow

Maia was born in San Francisco, where she grew up romping around the Sierra Nevada, on skis, foot, and bike. She then lived in New York City, where she went to high school, and learned to find moments of green between tall, gray buildings. Maia is currently a student at Dartmouth College, where she studies Earth Sciences, with a concentration in glaciology and remote sensing, where she is also a rower for the Dartmouth Women’s Rowing team. She has contributed to research on the remote sensing of seasonal snow and avalanches at Boise State University. Outside of academia, Maia is an avid skier, mountain biker, trail runner, and climber, making the most of what the White Mountains have to offer. Maia has training in Wilderness EMT, AIARE Rec 2, and Leave No Trace.

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.

Peter Dale

Peter was born and raised in Everett, WA and learned to love the outdoors in the surrounding Cascades through skiing, climbing and mountain biking. He has climbed and skied all the volcanoes and many other prominent peaks in the Northwest. After earning a B.S. in Athletic Training at Washington State in Pullman, he returned to the wet side of the state and began guiding during the summers and ski patrolling at Crystal Mountain during the winters. Over the past decade or so Peter has primarily guided in the North Cascades, on Mt Rainier and in Alaska. In his spare time, Peter enjoys climbing and skiing in different places. These adventures have taken him to Europe, South America, Asia and Alaska to sample ski lines from all over the world. He is a nationally registered EMT and has completed American Avalanche Association Level 1 and 2 training.

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.

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.

Jackson Hall

Jackson was born and raised in Olympia, Washington and caught the mountain bug in high school, founding a hiking club and introducing other students to hiking and backpacking. He began climbing and mountaineering while studying at the University of Washington, earning a B.S. in Microbiology and Molecular Biology in his spare time. It was also in college that he started his career in the outdoor industry, first as a sea kayaking guide in the Salish Sea and then guiding paddling, backpacking, and mountaineering trips. When not climbing, Jackson enjoys running, paddling, ski touring, playing guitar, and drinking herbal tea. He spends his offseasons in Vancouver, WA, where he works as an emergency medical technician. Jackson maintains certifications as a Wilderness EMT, AIARE Pro 1, and Leave No Trace Trainer.

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.

Liv Holbrook

Liv was born in Baltimore, Maryland and graduated from Hamilton College in Upstate New York with a major in Studio Art and a minor in Geology. Her thesis in art focused on the effects of climate change in alpine environments. Liv started rock climbing and mountaineering in high school and has had the privilege of climbing and exploring in Alaska, Nevada, Utah, New York, Washington, and Iceland. Liv started her guiding career in 2020 on the Matanuska Glacier in Glacier View, Alaska. She fell in love with glaciers and mountain running in Alaska and has spent the last three years guiding glaciers in Southcentral Alaska and in the Talkeenta and Chugach Mountain Ranges. Liv currently lives in Bozeman Montana and will be obtaining a Masters of Fine Art at Montana State. When not guiding, Liv will be found painting, trail running, or skiing. Liv maintains a Wilderness First Responder Certification, a Leave No Trace Trainer Certification, and AIARE Level 1.

Izzy Holmes

Izzy was raised in the White Mountains of Northern New Hampshire. Following high school she moved across the country to Squamish, British Columbia to pursue a Bachelor of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Quest University Canada. Halfway through Izzy’s time at university COVID-19 surfaced, relocating her to South Lake Tahoe, California to complete her studies remotely. She began skiing and hiking at just 2 years old. Towards the end of her high school career, Izzy was introduced to rock climbing. Having fallen in love with the mountains, she took a gap year to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. During her hike, the decision was made to attend school in British Columbia to continue growing as a mountain athlete. Through Izzy’s community in Squamish, she was exposed to the joys of big wall climbing, long distance trail running, and backcountry skiing expeditions.During college Izzy’s summers were spent working as a raft guide on the Cheakamus and Elaho River in Squamish. When the pandemic came around, she moved to Tahoe to begin her career as a professional ski patroller at Heavenly Mountain Resort, where she is now a member of the Avalanche Rescue Dog Program. Through Heavenly Izzy was introduced to members of the Helly Hansen Design Team, where she now works as an ambassador and gear designer. In her free time, she works intermittently in Emergency Medical Services as an EMT. She values community more than anything else! When not busy working you can find her dancing, cooking, and exploring with friends. Izzy maintains a Leave No Trace Certificate, an Emergency Medical Technician Basic Certificate, a Wilderness First Responder Certificate, a Swift Water Rescue Certificate, and an AAI PRO 1 Certificate.

Blair Hutchinson

Blair hails from Seattle, WA, and started climbing and skiing in the North Cascades at a young age which has taken him all around the United States and Europe. Some of his most notable alpine climbs and ski descents include Liberty Ridge and the Fuhrer Finger on Mount Rainier, the North Ridge on Mount Baker, and Le Grand Envers on Aiguille de Midi. Blair was a rock and ice instructor in the White & Green Mountains on the East Coast and began guiding with IMG in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska in 2009 and has over 40 summits on Mt. Rainier. When not in the mountains, you can find him riding his bike in the city and gardening at his home in Seattle. Blair has taken his AMGA Alpine Skills and Emergency Medical Technician courses and maintains his Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 2, and LNT Trainer certifications.

Stuart Johnson

Stu grew up in the shadow of Tahoma (Mt. Rainier) in Seattle until he moved to Italy for four years as an adolescent. He happily found his way back to Washington and began to intimately explore the mountains he was raised in. Stu climbed his first glaciated peak at the age of 15 and has eagerly pursued mountaineering ever since. Since then he has developed his rock climbing in California, skiing in Washington and Colorado, and ice climbing in Colorado to round out his alpine skillset. Stu began guiding professionally in 2021 with International Mountain guides and has guided Ama Dablam, Mera Peak, Denali, Aconcagua, and more. When he isn't in the mountains Stu enjoys writing music while sipping some of his home-brewed Kombucha. Stu maintains a Leave No Trace Trainer Certificate, a Wilderness EMT Certification, and holds an AIARE Level 2 Certification.

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:

Cole Jones

Cole was born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska. He moved to San Luis Obispo, California, for educational and outdoor-related purposes, and has recently graduated from Cal Poly with a BS in Biochemistry. Growing up in Alaska, Cole had skis on his feet as soon as he could walk. He developed a love for the outdoors from a young age, with the Chugach Range located basically in his backyard. As he grew, so did the depth and diversity of his outdoor interests. Cole has climbed, skied, backpacked and more throughout Alaska, Canada, the continental US, Argentina, Japan, and is excited to add to this growing list. In his down time, Cole enjoys reading and listening to music. He also plays the guitar, piano, and is trying to learn the saxophone. Cole has completed an intensive Level 1 Certification with the Alaska Avalanche School. He also holds a Wilderness Responder certification, a CPR certification, and has completed a Leave No Trace course.

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 Washington, swimming competitively before her family moved to Estonia in Eastern Europe for two years in high school. She attended the University of Washington where she earned a B.S. in Biology and Oceanography. Annabelle fell in love with the outdoors during a month-long NOLS Alaska backpacking course in high school. During college, she spent time whitewater kayaking and working in outdoor education, leading sea kayaking and backpacking courses all over Washington state. After several years in outdoor education, Annabelle transitioned to a career in Ski Patrolling at Crystal Mountain, WA and guiding with International Mountain Guides. In her down time, you can find her playing with her Avalanche Dog, Cudi and exploring with her boyfriend and fellow guide/patroller, Forrest. Annabelle maintains her Emergency Medical Technician, AIARE Rec 2, and Leave No Trace certification.

Grace Kline

Grace was raised in Michigan before moving to Salt Lake City to receive a BS in Kinesiology at the University of Utah.While in school she developed a passion for the mountains, spending any amount of free time rock climbing, backcountry skiing, ski mountaineering or trail running. Grace took any opportunity to do trips to the Tetons, Ruby mountains, Cascades and the Alps for various climbing and skiing trips. After graduation she stayed in Salt Lake City to continue skiing the best snow.Grace got into the outdoor industry in school. She spent many weekends leading trips for the Outdoor Adventures program, taking students to the desert for climbing, canyoneering and backpacking, and to the mountains for skiing.When not in the mountains you will find Grace trail running, crocheting and spending time with friends. Grace has certificates in Leave No Trace Trainer, Wilderness First Responder, Emergency Medical Technician and holds an AAI Pro 1 certification.

Alex Lombardo

Alex grew up in Kansas City, MO before moving to California for college (B.A., Claremont McKenna College) and graduate school (M.S., University of California, Davis). While in college, Alex competed in varsity cross country and track and field and was an USTFCCCA All-American in 2014. He also began rock climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing in the San Gabriel range of southern California while at Claremont, developing a passion for long days in the mountains. Alex began working in the outdoor industry full-time following the completion of his graduate work and has experience as a guide (IMG and IAG), ski patroller (Taos Ski Valley), and ski instructor (Sugar Bowl). Some of Alex’s favorite routes to guide include the Fisher Chimneys on Mount Shuksan, the Blue Glacier on Mount Olympus, and the Kautz Glacier on Mount Rainier/Tahoma. In addition to his work as a guide, Alex is also the head grant writer for Full Belly Brasil, a NGO focused on food and water security in Brazil, and maintains an active role in ongoing geochemical and sedimentological research with both his undergraduate and graduate advisors. His certifications include AAA PRO I, AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide, NREMT and various state EMT licenses (MT and NM), and LNT 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 grew up in Winston-Salem, North Carolina and his passion for outdoor recreation and travel flourished while in college at Appalachian State University, where he studied International Business, Spanish Literature and achieved a masters in Spanish Education.

A long time swimmer and runner, Tyler transitioned from these sports to climbing and mountain pursuits during school in Boone, NC and while studying abroad in Chile. His 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), Mexico, Morocco and many states in the US. He is also an avid backcountry skier.

Tyler’s professional career began soon after graduating from his Spanish masters program. Having worked for many years in the Outdoor Ed and Adventure Travel industry, mostly leading international trekking trips, Tyler transitioned to a career in mountain guiding stretching from the Cascades of Washington down to the Andes of South America. Tyler has guided climbs up multiple routes on Rainier, Olympus and in the North Cascades as well as in Peru and on Aconcagua with IMG.

When not in the field, Tyler enjoys road cycling, rock climbing, trail running and exploring the art exhibits, cuisine and museums of his various seasonal homes, most recently living in Granada, Spain.

Tyler maintains a Leave no trace trainer Certificate, a Wilderness First Responder, an AIARE Level 1 and an AIARE Level 2.

James Nash

James grew up around Minnesota where he finished his BS in Biology before moving to Montana. He started climbing and skiing in the Bitterroot mountains sparking a passion that has led him all over the country. James began his guiding career leading backpacking trips in Yellowstone. When not guiding James enjoys playing chess. James maintains a WFR, AIARE level 1, and Leave No Trace Trainer certificate.

Timm Phillips

Timm began guiding with IMG in 2019, leading trips in the PNW, Alaska, and South America. He ski guides in Japan in the powder season, and California in the spring. Tim completed the MG's advanced ski guide course, alpine, and rock guide courses; maintains a WFR and LNT; is an AIARE course leader, and has his Pro 2 avalanche certification. Apart from the mountains, he enjoys time at the ocean, wearing sandals and being warm.

Tory Peters

Tory was raised in Salt Lake City, Utah where she found her love for all things outside during winters skiing in the Wasatch, springs backpacking and mountain biking in Southern Utah, and summers romping around the West. Tory is currently pursuing a degree in Atmospheric Science and GIS from the University of Utah, where they spend every free second climbing, backcountry skiing, and trail running. Their outdoor career started as a camp counselor in the San Bernardino Mountains and has led them in many directions since, including teaching avalanche classes, participating in the Juneau Icefield Research program, head coaching for the Utah Nordic Alliance, and guiding in canyoneering, climbing, and skiing for both Outdoor Adventures and Backcountry Squatters - an outdoor club for women and nonbinary folks that they founded and run at the University of Utah. When not guiding, Tory can be found memorizing dad jokes, creative writing, and jumping in cold water. Tory’s training includes a Wilderness-EMT, an AIARE Pro 1, and a Leave No Trace Certification.

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!

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 grew up at the foot of Mt. Rainier splitting time between Ashford and Tacoma. When not romping around on the soccer field or shredding the slopes of White Pass, Audrey spent her time exploring almost every inch of Mount Rainier National Park and the surrounding area with her parents, Eric & Erin Simonson, who introduced her to the wonders of the natural world. Audrey’s first ascent of Mt. Rainier was at 14 and Denali at 19.

Audrey started working at IMG as just a kid, helping out in the gear shop cleaning and putting away gear. From there, she has worked her way up the chain to one of our Operations Managers and Lead Guides. Audrey has since led trips to Denali, Peru, Tanzania, and Nepal. When not working at IMG, Audrey is one the training coordinators for the Crystal Mountain Pro Patrol specializing in the medical training program as well as teaching AIARE courses. Audrey currently holds and maintains her National & Washington State EMT license, AAA PRO 1, AIARE ITC, and LNT Trainer certifications.

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.

Adriana Yarkin

Adri was raised on a small farm on Vashon Island, WA. She moved to San Luis Obispo, CA, where she studied Cell and Molecular Biology at Cal Poly. Adri grew up backpacking in the Olympics and Cascades with her two younger sisters and began climbing in college, where she became part of the Climbing Club at Cal Poly and began a girls’ climbing group. She enjoyed being five minutes away from Bishop Peak, as well as within range of Yosemite, the Sierras, and more. When not in the mountains, Adri enjoys racing sailboats and playing bagpipes competitively as well as rowing, running, cycling and open water swimming. Adri maintains Wilderness First Responder, AIARE Level 1, and Leave No Trace certifications.

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; she works closely with our Program Directors in organizing IMG’s international climbs and treks while ensuring efficient registration for our valued clients.

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