About Us
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Located at the base of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, First Ascent Mountain School specializes in unforgettable adventure trips for the whole family. First Ascent offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, mountain biking and hiking trips, along with the most in-depth climbing classes and clinics available. Education and inspiration are at the heart of every adventure, and together with our unrivaled passion for what we do, define us at First Ascent.
We emphasize safety above all else and this shows through our flawless record. Together with years of experience, First Ascent rock climbing instructors are required to hold internationally recognized training and certifications from the American Mountain Guides Association, along with current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certifications. Winter guides are also required to hold AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Level 1 or 2 avalanche training. We constantly support the continuing education of our guides so that in turn our clients will always receive the best possible experience and outdoor education. |
Our commitment to the community and the environment
At First Ascent, it's is important to us that we not only have a positive effect on our clients but on the local community and environment as well. All of our guides practice and teach Leave No Trace ethics. Whether they are out guiding or simply exploring with friends, they are constantly setting an example.
In an effort to reduce our impact on the environment, we use a paperless waiver system and by digitizing our registration paperwork have eliminated the use of over 30 lbs of paper a year.
More than anything, we support our local non-profits organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Friends of North Cheyenne Cañon, and Friends of Garden of the Gods who continue to improdve our local parks, trails an open spaces so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come.
At First Ascent, it's is important to us that we not only have a positive effect on our clients but on the local community and environment as well. All of our guides practice and teach Leave No Trace ethics. Whether they are out guiding or simply exploring with friends, they are constantly setting an example.
In an effort to reduce our impact on the environment, we use a paperless waiver system and by digitizing our registration paperwork have eliminated the use of over 30 lbs of paper a year.
More than anything, we support our local non-profits organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Friends of North Cheyenne Cañon, and Friends of Garden of the Gods who continue to improdve our local parks, trails an open spaces so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Our guides and instructors -
With over 19 years of climbing experience, John is the founding director of First Ascent Mountain School. His passion for climbing, skiing, teaching and inspiring others is ingrained in the roots of First Ascent. John is completed the AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor course and exam, and has completed AIARE Level 1 and 2 Avalanche courses. He is also a member of various outdoor organizations including the AMGA, American Alpine Club, and the Access Fund.
In the winter John is an avid backcountry skier and as such has a passion for teaching avalanche awareness. John also serves on the Board of Directors of a local non-profit organization that specializes in grassroots avalanche education. When he is not working, you'll find John climbing the South Platte, skiing the Colorado backcountry, or more often than not simply exploring the globe! |
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Kirtis C.
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Jeff D.
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Luke has spent most of his time in Ogden, UT. He has been climbing for 12 years and loves sharing his passion with others. Luke has an impressive list of outdoor hobbies that include: sailing, slack-lining, hiking, wind-surfing, mountain biking, backpacking, and whenever he can save the money, traveling.
Luke has a masters degree in Education and minors in Spanish and Recreation. He has facilitated multiple team building activities incorporating many of his hobbies above. Luke has completed the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor course and exam, and in certified in Wilderness First Aid. |
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Sam grew up in Jackson Hole and has been climbing since he was in middle school. He moved to Colorado Springs as a resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center for the USA Mountain Bike Team.
Sam is a guide at heart and loves showing people the best views around. When he is not guiding, Sam is a middle school science teacher. Sam is an AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor and hopes to one day be a full AMGA Rock Guide. |
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Brett began climbing in high school after a trip to Joshua Tree National Park opened his eyes to the vertical world. Since then, he has travelled all over North America for rock, ice, and alpine climbing. With each ascent in a faraway place, Brett’s passion and love for this sport has grown and he is excited to share that passion with others.
Brett believes that guiding should entail a lot more than simply getting somebody up a climb. Integral to this discipline is the desire and ability to pass on what you have learned. Brett wants to help people become safe and informed climbers, whether they have extensive personal experience or it is their first time out. |
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Jes M.
Jes is a Colorado native who has been teaching and climbing since 2004. Jes has a climbing resume that speaks for itself with ascents spanning the country. When she's not climbing, Jes is a senior field staff member for the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, a non-profit in Colorado Springs, and helps facilitate alpine restoration and trail building work in sensitive high-use climbing areas.
Jes' approach to climbing instruction and guiding is geared toward self-sufficiency. Although watching an individual progress over time is a highlight, the intention is not to keep a client dependent on a guide but to teach them safe climbing practices and evaluative skills so they are capable and confident to practice on their own. For Jes, there is no better reward than to share her passion for the sport of climbing with those who are eager to learn and ready for a challenge. Her personal climbing adventures have yielded an impressive list of accomplishments including the women's speed record for a solo ascent of The Nose. Jes has completed the AMGA Rock Guide Course and the AMGA Advanced Rock Guide Course. |
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Our Staff -
Rebecca H.
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First Ascent works with a number of local guides, many of whom are not profiled here. If you would like more information on a particular guide, let us know!
