Frequently asked questions

Why should I choose Skyward Mountaineering?

We are a small guide service that focuses on providing customized guiding in technical terrain. Our guides are accomplished skiers and climbers with an impressive resume of first ascents and professional development in the guiding industry. We have a proven track record of safely guiding some of the most challenging climbing routes and ski descents around the world. Our guide staff are what make us stand out as a leader in the industry with guides who are experts in their field.

As an AMGA Accredited Guide Service we have also gone through rigorous assessment of our ethical business practices, risk management and guide training. In addition to giving back to our community, supporting local non profit organizations, participating in environmental clean-ups and providing mentorship to the next generation of guides, we also strongly believe in supporting our clients from start to finish with detail-oriented logistics, training recommendations and coaching. Learn more about Our Philosophy and What Sets Us Apart.

which trip is best for me?

Our admin team are climbers, skiers and guides - we’re here to help you from start to finish. Contact us to discuss your schedule, goals and previous experience, we will help you figure out what is the best trip for you is and how you can prepare.

I don’t see a trip in the location that i want to go…

We have extensive permits in some incredible terrain, but if you have a specific area in mind please let us know as we may be able to get permits there. Also, many of our guides also work for other guide services with operations in other areas, so we’d be happy to help set you up with one of our guides for a custom trip somewhere we don’t operate.

Do you teach avalanche courses?

We do offer custom avalanche courses for small groups, though we are not currently affiliated with a certifying body so any course is educational but will not come with a certificate. Several of our guides are AIARE Professional Providers and are very knowledgable and talented instructors.

I want to sign up for a course but the dates don’t work for me, can I book a private course?

Yes, all of our courses can be structured as private so you can get fully individualized and personalized instruction. Most of our trips are private bookings and we only offer a select few open enrollment courses, we would be happy to schedule a private course for you.

Where do I meet my Guide?

This depends largely on the trip location. You will receive a logistics email from our admin team upon signing up for a trip with more specific information and your guide will get in touch with you in the days before the trip begins to discuss current conditions and logistics such as details on where and when to meet. Generally, transportation is not provided and you will meet your guide at the trailhead or carpool/caravan from the nearby town if in a remote area.

What gear does Skyward Mountaineering provide?

We provide all group equipment, which often includes ropes, protection and anchor material. For overnight programs, this may also include kitchen equipment and tents. All trips and courses have detailed equipment lists and clients are generally responsible for providing their own personal clothing and technical equipment. If you need to borrow equipment such as harness, helmet, ice tools, crampons, avalanche rescue gear, tents, etc. please get in touch ASAP and we may be able to provide these items for you at no additional charge.

Should I tip my guide?

This is a personal decision which you can make based on your financial situation and commensurate with the level of client care that you receive. Mountain guiding is a customer service industry and gratuity is generally standard, our guides strive to go above and beyond and provide both a safe and enjoyable adventure in the mountains. As with other customer service industries, generally 10-25% of the trip cost is average.

I’ve never climbed before, do you have trips for beginners?

Yes, we offer trips to a variety of venues that cater to people with different levels of experience and abilities. Whether you’ve never climbed a day in your life, are a gym climber who wants to learn the skills to climb outside or are an advanced climber with years of experience who needs a reliable partner, we’ll make recommendations appropriate for your abilities and goals.

All private climbs and courses are custom structured to meet your individual goals and abilities. If this is your first time climbing, we'll start with the basics to develop a foundation on which you can improve during future adventures. If you have a future goal with a climb that requires specific skills you may add on a prerequisite course to help you learn the necessary techniques.

Are there age restrictions?

There is no age restrictions to having fun in the mountains and with plenty of terrain options we will work together to choose an activity appropriate to your family’s abilities. We have lots of experience guiding young children and helping “young at heart” clients achieve big goals.

What is the client to guide ratio on a trip or course?

All of our guided trips are on a custom and private basis, so you will only be in a group with the people you registered with. Most of our guided trips are with 1 or 2 clients and 1 guide, we are proud to continue to prioritize these individual relationships with our clientele and offer these small ratio trips. For single pitch climbing or backcountry skiing we may also offer larger ratios, still on a private basis, for your team with up to 4 clients per 1 guide. If you have a larger team, you may have extra guides to maintain or small ratios.

Do I have to sign a waiver?

Yes, all clients and people participating will have to complete a waiver before going into the field. We encourage you to read through the pre-trip material and let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Here is our Release of Liability, Acknowledgement of Risk and Waiver.

What is your cancellation policy?

You may cancel your dates for a full refund, minus a $50 fee per person ($500 per trip for international or corporate/institutional programs) up to 21 days before your reservation. Deposits (50% of trip price) are forfeited for cancellations, for any reason, less than 21 days before a reserved booking. You are liable for the entire trip fee for cancellations, for any reason, with less than seven days notice before the start of the program. We will try to work with you to reschedule your course with more than 21 days notice, if space is available. Schedule changes are subject to a $50 fee per person and may not be possible. If conditions or circumstances preclude running a scheduled program we reserve the right to make the decision as to whether the program will be cancelled, rescheduled, or an alternative provided. In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.

What happens if the weather prevents us from going on the trip?

Please see our cancellation policy above for our formal statement. Bottom line: we want you to be psyched on the trip with us and will do everything in our power to help make that happen. We understand that the mountains have inclement weather and conditions and our guides will have an open discussion with you about risk management and whether we can safely guide in the terrain. If we’re unable to guide the trip, we often have flexibility to adjust the objective or date and still get into the mountains with you.

What can I expect to be included in the price of a trip or course?

What is included and excluded in the pricing is explicitly stated on the webpage for the trip. In general, Skyward Mountaineering does not provide transportation, meals (with the exception of Alaska or international expeditions) lodging, or personal clothing and equipment. With that said, there are no hidden fees and we strongly believe it is wrong to nickel and dime clients. Our rates are based on paying our guides fair wages, if you have questions about the value in a trip cost, please give us the opportunity to explain the importance of paying guides fairly and the benefit of a reputable guide service such as Skyward Mountaineering. We also offer several open enrollment courses at discounted rates in comparison to private guiding because we understand the burden of costs with hiring a guide.