Peak Mountain Guides
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About Peak Mountain Guides
A company of AMGA Certified Guides

10 Reasons to Go with Peak | Partners and Affiliations
divider
our team

matt wade, mountain guideMatt Wade, President & Founder of Peak Mountain Guides

AMGA Certified Ski Mountaineering Guide
AMGA Certified Rock Guide
AIARE Level 1 & 2 Avalanche Instructor
WMI Certified Wilderness First Responder

Matt's caring nature and thoughtful program design characterize his many successful years as a professional climbing and skiing guide. He brings a methodical and practical approach to teaching climbing and skiing, ensuring his clients build a strong foundation for future endeavors. Stemming from his belief in guided programs that emphasize education and client care, Matt founded Peak Mountain Guides LLC. Also a dedicated logistician, Matt ensures every Peak Mountain Guides program runs smoothly from start to finish. As an accomplished climber and skier, Matt has an impressive resume including first ascents of alpine routes in the Andes of Bolivia, first ski descents of steep couloirs in the San Juans of Colorado, and ascents of El Capitan and Half Dome in Yosemite. He holds a BS in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry from Pacific Lutheran University, where he also developed the Associated Students Outdoor Recreation Program. Matt enjoys spending time with his wife, Megan, and his son, Andrew, when he's not in the mountains.

Chad PeeleChad Peele, Instructor & Guide

AMGA Certified Alpine Guide
AMGA Certified Rock Guide
AIARE Level 1 & 2 Avalanche Instructor
WMI Certified Wilderness First Responder

Chad's patient demeanor, thorough teaching style, and friendly nature bring out the best in all his climbers and skiers. He is known for his witty sense of humor and a special dedication to his clients' learning and enjoyment. Chad has shared his professional approach to guiding with a diversity of clients, from beginner to advanced and young to old, throughout North and South America for 13 years. Chad is a veteran of many big mountain expeditions including multiple trips on Mt. Rainier, Denali, Moose 's Tooth, and Aconcagua. Chad lives in sunny Ridgway, Colorado with his wife Melissa and his son Nico.

angela hawse, mountain guideAngela Hawse, Instructor & Guide

AMGA Certified Alpine Guide
AMGA Certified Rock Guide
WMI Certified Wilderness First Responder

Angela has been climbing for 25 years and has worked professionally, full-time as a guide for over two decades.  She is one of the most experienced women guides in the country and is a favorite amongst our female guests.  Her indefatigable positive attitude and perpetual smile will brighten anyone's day!  Angela is an AMGA Certified Alpine and Rock Guide and is pursuing her IFMGA certification.  She has led over 20 high altitude expeditions including ascents of Denali, Ama Dablam, Aconcagua, Carstensz Pyramid and lesser peaks in the Himalaya.  In 1998 Angela reached the south summit of Mt. Everest, the second highest point on earth at 28,875 feet.  She has climbed big walls in Yosemite, Zion, and Pakistan and has personal ascents in Patagonia and throughout the Andes, Himalaya, and Karakoram.  Angela has a Master of Arts degree in International Mountain Conservation and has served on the Board of Directors for the American Mountain Guides Association for six years. 

 

geoff ungerGeoff Unger, Instructor & Guide

AMGA Certified Rock Guide
AMGA Certified Alpine Guide
AMGA Certified Ski Mountaineering Guide
IFMGA Internationally Licensed Guide
WMI Certified Wilderness First Responder

Geoff is one of only 50 guides in the United States to have achieved certification in all of the AMGA Guide disciplines: Alpine, Rock, and Ski Mountaineering.  As such, Geoff holds the highly regarded international credential for mountain guides, that of the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA).  While Geoff is a wizard of technical movement and ropework, he is also an exceptional teacher with a knack for tailoring instruction to the situation and his client's level.  Geoff has guided around the world including Alaska, the Alps, South America, and many of the seven summits.  After visiting so many exotic places he still loves coming home to the sandstone rock climbing in his backyard of Moab, UT.  Geoff holds a Bachelor's Degree in International Political Economics from Colorado College.

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At Peak Mountain Guides we offer the Peak of Excellence in guided climbing and skiing programs. All of our programs are built on a foundation of caring. We listen to you, and we go out of our way to create a supportive atmosphere for your learning and enjoyment. We develop your program with the utmost care and attention to detail, and we pride ourselves on perfect program design and seamless logistics.

Risk Management is our First Priority
At Peak Mountain Guides we are 100% dedicated to risk management. Our decision making can be characterized as consistently thoughtful and attentive, and our AMGA certified guides have the training and experience to make sound decisions on your behalf.

Many steps are taken to ensure we are maximizing your rewards while minimizing risk. Our AMGA certified guides have customized daily route plans, weather and avalanche forecasts, communications devices, and well maintained equipment at their disposal. We have a risk management plan designed for every one of our programs, and we review it with you prior to departure. These extra steps are taken so you feel comfortable and in good hands when you climb or ski with us.

Caring is the Foundation of Our Leadership
As a company that is dedicated to individuals and groups of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, we build trust and form relationships through caring. First and foremost, we listen. We want to hear about your dreams and goals, your apprehensions and concerns, and your questions. Our guides are approachable and easy going so our dialogue together is always relaxed and enjoyable. We go out of our way to create a supportive atmosphere so you feel safe and comfortable throughout your experience.

We Believe in Education
What sets our guides apart is their ability to consistently design learning opportunities that facilitate your skill development and mountain judgment. Of course our guides hold high credentials, an impressive technical ability, and proven judgment, yet their willingness and skill for teaching is what makes them truly special. After spending time with us you will have greater proficiency in skills and a deeper understanding of an array of climbing and skiing concepts. In addition, your judgment and decision making ability will improve as our guides articulate the process of staying safe and having fun in the mountains. Every program you do with us will enhance your repertoire of skills and understanding so you continue to grow as a climber or skier.

Service is Our Focus
We offer the highest level of service for your education and success. This includes prompt and thorough replies to your email and phone calls; assistance with your gear selection; careful trip planning with customized daily route plans, risk management plans, and time estimates; pre-trip in-person consultations before all multi-day trips; and a commitment to your learning by taking every opportunity to share our process of decision making with you. This attention to detail ensures perfect program design and seamless logistics.

Let's Have Some Fun!
Climbing and skiing with Peak Mountain Guides is fun! While we're working hard for you, we're having fun! And so will you! Whether we're flowing through perfect powder in a beautiful bowl, or pulling the crux move to stand on an incredible summit, we're always taking a moment to smile and laugh. After all, this is what it's all about! Join us for good times, lots of smiles, and memories that will last a lifetime.

 

10 Reasons to Choose Peak Mountain Guides:

  1. Our leadership is rooted in caring. We go out of our way to create a supportive atmosphere so you feel safe and comfortable throughout your experience.
  2. We offer 100% dedication to risk management. Careful program development and constant attention to risk management maximizes your enjoyment while minimizing risk.
  3. All of our guides are AMGA certified and possess industry leading credentials, impressive technical ability, and experience throughout many ranges of the world.
  4. All of our guides are master educators with a born willingness to teach. After spending time with us you will have greater proficiency in skills and a deeper understanding of an array of climbing or skiing concepts.
  5. We offer a unique level of personalized service. Thorough and prompt responses to your inquiries, assistance with gear selection, and pre-trip in-person consultations represent our commitment to the highest level of service.
  6. We are dedicated to individuals and groups of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Our guides take care in building relationships and maintaining friendships that last for many years.
  7. All of your trip preparations are coordinated by your guide. This unique, personalized approach makes certain you get thorough answers to your questions and enables you to build a relationship with your guide before you even hit the mountains.
  8. Climbing and skiing with Peak Mountain Guides is fun! Join us for good times, lots of smiles, and memories that will last a lifetime.
  9. We listen. We go out of our way to understand your goals and concerns.
  10. Finely tuned logistics. We attend to all the details so your program will run smoothly from start to finish.

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PARTNERS & AFFILIATIONS

AMGA logo
American Mountain Guides Association.  The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) is the sole provider of training and certification for mountain guides in the United States.  Guides who have achieved certification from the AMGA represent the most highly trained and qualified guides in the country.  All  Peak Mountain Guides staff hold certification from the AMGA.  
Certified Guides Federation
Certified Guides Federation.  The Certified Guides Federation (CGF) is a cooperative of AMGA certified guides that provides insurance and land access for member guides.  All Peak Mountain Guides staff are members of the Certified Guides Federation and many Peak Mountain Guides programs are operated through the CGF. 
Back Country Access
Backcountry Access Backcountry Access (BCA) makes innovative avalanche safety equipment that is grounded in comprehensive research.  BCA has contributed numerous cutting-edge discoveries to the avalanche community about important topics such as strategic shoveling, multiple burials, and probing techniques.  Peak Mountain Guides' clients are provided with BCA beacons, shovels, and probes on all skiing and avalanche programs.
Feathered Friends
Feathered Friends. Feathered Friends has been making the finest down sleeping bags, parkas, and jackets in the world since 1972 and their Seattle retail store is one of the premier expedition outfitters in the country.  Peak Mountain Guides is proud to have Feathered Friends as a down products sponsor and retail partner.  Peak Mountain Guides' clients receive a discount on all Feathered Friends products and retail store merchandise.
AIARE logo
American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education.  The American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education (AIARE) is the country's foremost authority on avalanche education. Peak Mountain Guides staff Matt Wade and Chad Peele are AIARE qualified Level 1 and Level 2 avalanche instructors.
Avalanche Research
American Avalanche Association.  The American Avalanche Association represents the professional interests of the United States avalanche community including educators, ski patrollers, forecasters, guides, and snow safety officers.  All Peak Mountain Guides staff are Professional Members of the American Avalanche Association.
Leave no trace logo
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.  The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics is an educational, nonprofit organization dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people, worldwide.  Peak Mountain Guides is proud to be a Partner Organization with Leave No Trace. 
Ouray Mountain Sports.  Ouray Mountain Sports caters to rock climbers, ice climbers, and alpinists.  They have a wide selection of climbing gear and their friendly, knowledgeable staff can offer expert advice on any gear question.  Peak Mountain guides is proud to have Ouray Mountain Sports as a retail partner.  Peak Mountain Guides' clients receive a discount on all store merchandise at Ouray Mountain Sports. 
Leave no trace logo
US Forest Service The mission of USDA Forest Service is to "care for the land and serve people".  Peak Mountain Guides is an agency partner with the Ouray Ranger District of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests.  As an agency partner Peak Mountain Guides promotes responsible recreation and low impact ethics.
National Park Service
National Park Service. The National Park Service oversees the management and safeguarding of the National Park System, which includes nearly 400 places with over 275 million visitors every year.  Peak Mountain Guides serves as a steward of Mt. Rainier and North Cascades National Parks by fostering resource protection and providing interpretation for the guided public.

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AMGA Certification
All Peak Mountain Guides staff hold certification from the American Mountain Guides Association as Rock Guides, Alpine Guides, or Ski Mountaineering Guides. All Peak Mountain Guides staff are members of the Certified Guides Federation.

Peak Mountain Guides, LLC | PO Box 992 Ridgway Colorado 81432 | 970-318-1011 | info@peakmountainguides.com

 Certified Guides Federation