John Collis

Guide

American Mountain Guides Association Alpine Guide logo, featuring an ice axe inside a blue circle.
American Mountain Guides Association Rock Guide logo, featuring a camming device inside a red circle.

John grew up in New Jersey and has been guiding professionally since 2013. His first experiences climbing outdoors took place out west on the crumbly sandstone towers of the Colorado Springs area, which is perhaps why he still holds a special place in his heart for adventurous choss. John has guided rock, ice, and alpine routes in areas across the western states as well as further abroad and typically spends time every season both working and climbing personally in the Washington Cascades, Alaska, and the desert of southwest Utah, the last of which he considers his favorite place on earth. When not climbing, John can typically be found sleeping or eating. John is an AMGA certified Rock Guide and Alpine Guide and is actively pursuing his Ski Guide certification in order to become an IFMGA Guide.

Skyward Mountaineering guide, John Collis is climbing a rock route at Wall Street in Moab, Utah. He is reaching for a handhold below a protection bolt.

Climbing and Guiding Highlights

  • Multiple guided ascents throughout the Alaska Range, including:

    • Ham and Eggs, Moose’s Tooth (AI4, M4, 60°, IV)

    • Southwest Ridge, Peak 11,300 (5.8, M4, 60°, V)

  • 30+ guided ascents of Takhoma (Mount Rainier) via multiple routes

  • Guided challenging rock climbing ascents in Moab, including:

    • Infrared (5.11+, III)

    • Finger Of Fate, The Titan (5.8, C2+, V)

  • Guided challenging ice climbing ascents in the San Juan Mountains, including:

    • Bridal Veil Falls (WI5/6, II)

    • Ames Ice Hose (WI5, M5, II)

    • Bird Brain Boulevard (WI4, M6, III)

Book a private trip with John Collis!

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