Guide Profile: Joseph Vitti of Alpine Endeavors
Age? 43.
Where did you grow up?
Farmington, CT.
Where do you live now?
I moved with my family to High Falls, NY five years ago after spending about 12 years living in Boulder and Nederland, CO. Our house is right on the edge of the Mohonk Preserve, just a stone's throw from the Shawanguk Ridge.
What is your rock climbing experience?
I started climbing in high school. There are some fine crags in CT and an excellent community with a long history dating back to the 1930's. Fritz Weisner put up a couple of the most difficult climbs in the country for their time and people like Layton Kor and Henry Barber and many others have, over the years, tasted the basalt that the best CT cliffs offer. Climbing has been central to my life since 1983, I've traveled to and lived near cliffs all of my adult life. My favorite areas are The Gunks for the unparalleled rock quality and beautiful lines; Eldo for the light, heights, roar of South Boulder Creek and views of the Indian Peaks; Red Rocks for the warm weather when it's cold everywhere else and the gobs of brilliant pitches one on top of another and another and another; and Yosemite because it is Mecca.
What is your training background?
I am an AMGA certified Rock Instructor, a SOLO Wilderness First Responder and NY State EMT.
Where do you guide?
Gunks, Adirondacks, Eldorado Canyon and Red Rocks.
What is your favorite part about this job?
I love the challenge of creating a positive experience for my clients, of picking lines that push them and all the while managing their safety in a fluid and unobtrusive way. Getting to the end of the day or a trip with big grins all around and the clients certain they've done something that they didn't think they could, that is the best. (I'm also a lead hog!)
Most gripping or scary time on a climb?
Watching the circus on the High Exposure buttress on any given sunny October Saturday afternoon would have to rank high.
What success are you most proud of?
I am proud that I am able to make a living doing what I most love and still be completely engaged in the lives of my kids.
What makes you a good guide?
I'm good at looking out for people and I love getting to know people out of doors and helping them learn the tricks and overcome their fears.
What is the most important part about being a guide?
Remembering that it is not about you, that you are in service to your client and their safety and sense of well being is the whole point.
What type of climbing is your favorite? Why?
I have a hard time picking a favorite type of climbing, I am jazzed about bouldering and routes on the Diamond and I love steep waterfall ice and mixed climbs on short little cliffs and long alpine snow gullies. It's boring to be too specialized, if it's climbing it's all good!
Where is your favorite climbing destination? Why?
There are so many brilliant climbing areas, the New River Gorge, Cathedral Ledge, Hueco Tanks, Wind Rivers, Buttermilks ... I guess the Gunks are best though because the rock is incredibly solid and you've got to get your own gear and we've got Rock and Snow!
Why should a climber hire a guide?
A good guide makes you efficient in achieving your goals, whether it is tagging a specific summit or route or mastering a set of skills that you can use to climb on your own. Climbing is dangerous and preparation is critical, a guide will teach you what you need to know to manage the risks.
What advice do you have for climbers who hire guides?
Do your homework, make certain who you hire has made a commitment to the profession, look for AMGA certification. Once you have made a choice, trust your guide.
How can customers prepare for a guided expedition?
Don't be afraid to ask questions and follow the instructions to a tee, do not end up unprepared because you cut corners before you left home.
Where do you recommend that rock climbers travel with guides?
Anywhere that captures your imagination.
For more info visit: www.alpineendeavors.com
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