Peak Mountain Guides
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About Peak Mountain Guides
A Company of AMGA and IFMGA Certified Guides

divider
our team

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

AMGA Certified Rock Guide

AMGA Certified Ski Mountaineering 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. Matt's personal climbing and skiing achievements include 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.  He is also a Level 1 Instructor Trainer for the American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education (AIARE), helping the next generation of avalanche instructors hone their skills.  Matt was the recipient of the Marmot Ski Mountaineering Guide Exam Scholarship in 2006 and the Black Diamond Rock Guide Exam Scholarship in 2007.  Matt enjoys spending time with his wife, Megan, and his sons, Andrew and Ryan, when he's not in the mountains.

 

Chad PeeleChad Peele, Instructor & Guide
AMGA

AMGA Certified Rock Guide

AMGA Certified Alpine 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 to the world's great peaks including Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Mt. Rainier, Denali, Moose 's Tooth, and Aconcagua. Chad is on the design team for First Ascent/Eddie Bauer clothing and has been instrumental in the creation of their guide line of products.

 

angela hawse, mountain guideAngela Hawse, Instructor & Guide
AMGAIFMGA

AMGA Certified Rock Guide
AMGA Certified Alpine Guide

AMGA Certified Ski Mountaineering Guide
IFMGA Internationally Licensed 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 industry, and is one of only 6 female guides in the country to have achieved certification in all of the AMGA Guide disciplines: Alpine, Rock, and Ski Mountaineering.  As such, Angela holds the highly regarded international credential for mountain guides, that of the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA). 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.  She is also a guide trainer and examiner for the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and was recipient of the AMGA "Guide of Year" Award in 2011.

 

geoff ungerGeoff Unger, Instructor & Guide
AMGAIFMGA

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.

 

geoff ungerTim Brown, Instructor & Guide
AMGAIFMGA

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

Tim has guided rock and alpine climbs, high altitude expeditions, and ski descents throughout the continental U.S., Alaska, Canada, South America, Europe and Africa since 1995. He guides and instructs over 200 days each year, sharing his passion for teaching and backcountry travel with guests of all ages and abilities. Tim has achieved certification from the American Mountain Guides Association in all of the guide disciplines (Alpine, Rock, and Ski Mountaineering) and he has an IFMGA international license. His endless curiosity about the natural world coupled with his love of biology often adds an additional layer of education and enjoyment for his clients, and his infectious enthusiasm keeps people smiling in even the heaviest rain or thickest whiteout. Tim is a Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor Trainer for the American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education and he holds a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from the University of Virginia. He was the recipient of the North Face Alpine Guide Exam Scholarship in 2008 and the Outdoor Research Ski Mountaineering Guide Exam Scholarship in 2011. Tim is also a skilled kayaker and he can found flashing the rivers around his home of Boulder, CO when he's not in the mountains.

 

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At Peak Mountain Guides we take pride in offering exceptionally well designed programs that emphasize safety, education, and having fun.  The following Core Values guide us in our pursuit of excellence:

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.

We Take Pride in Great Service
We offer the highest level of service for your education and success. This includes prompt and thorough replies to your emails 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 top-notch 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.

 

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.  
IFMGA
International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations.  The International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA) is the world wide governing body for professional mountain guides. Guides who have passed exams in all AMGA disciplines (rock, alpine, and ski) become licensed by the IFMGA. This represents the highest level of training and credential achievable by a mountain guide. Peak Mountain Guides staff members Angela Hawse, Geoff Unger, and Tim Brown are IFMGA licensed mountain guides.
Petzl
Petzl. Petzl is an industry leader in the development of climbing hardware, ropes, headlamps, and softgoods. With game-changing innovations like the first leashless ice tools and the first harnesses with DoubleBack buckles, Petzl has a reputation as a maker of progressive, highly functional climbing equipment. Peak Mountain Guides is proud to partner with Petzl to provide our clients with Petzl ice tools, crampons, harnesses, and helmets.  We also use Petzl ropes on all our programs.
K2 Backside.  K2 Backside series skis are designed for legendary K2 performance with backcountry specific features. They have rocker tips for smooth turn initiation and float in powder, tip and tail holes for rapid attachment of climbing skins, and straight tails for easy kick turns and quick anchors.  We provide all of our clients with K2 backside skis.
SCARPA
SCARPA. SCARPA is one of the world's longest-running makers of climbing and skiing footwear.  Since 1938, their legendary Italian craftsmanship has been known for exceptional performance, fit, and durability. SCARPA has many "firsts" to its credit, including being the first to design a Gore-Tex boot and the first to design a plastic telemark boot.  They were also one of the early pioneers of a high altitude plastic mountaineering boot, which is now the standard for many expeditions today.  We provide our clients with SCARPA rock climbing shoes and ski boots.
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, Chad Peele, and Tim Brown are AIARE qualified Level 1 and Level 2 avalanche instructors. Matt and Tim also serve as Instructor Trainers for AIARE. 
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. 
American Alpine Club
American Alpine Club.  The American Alpine Club  (AAC) supports alpinists, rock climbers, ice climbers, boulderers, and mountaineers who are passionate about climbing, its community, its history, and its preservation.  The AAC does this by providing knowledge and inspiration, conservation and advocacy, and logistical support for the climbing community.  All Peak Mountain Guides staff are members of the American Alpine Club.  
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 the 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 are certified by the American Mountain Guides Association as Rock Guides, Alpine Guides, or Ski Mountaineering Guides.
Peak Mountain Guides staff members Angela Hawse, Geoff Unger, and Tim Brown are IFMGA internationally licensed guides.

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

IFMGA internationally licensed guides