Guide Profile: Dave Elmore of Mountain Professionals

Age? 35

Where did you grow up?
Pacific Northwest. 

Where do you live now?
I currently live in Boulder, Colorado.

What is your rock climbing experience?
I started climbing when I was a student at the University of Oregon. I got involved with the Outdoor Leadership Program, which in turn introduced me to climbing locally in Oregon, and gave me the skills to explore climbing in the west...places like the North Cascades, Yosemite, Tetons and Wind River Range.

What is your training background?
My first formal training began within the Outdoor Leadership Program leading to work and training within Pacific Crest Outward Bound School. There I focused on getting solid hard skills training. After working for OB, I eventually (co) started Mountain Professionals, which was the impetus to get my AMGA Alpine Guides training started. I am currently pursuing my Alpine Guides Certification.

Where do you guide? 
 I am currently co-owner and Director of Operations of Mountain Professionals. I am working and guiding full time.

What is your favorite part about this job? 
I enjoy the opportunities to work both as a guide but also as a company owner. Creating a company from the ground up is hard work and has definitely given me an appreciation for those companies who have not only survived but also thrived. It is hard work but I really enjoy the owner aspect as well as the opportunity to get out and explore the world when I am in the field working as a guide.

Most gripping or scary time on a climb?
Seems like the "scariest" times while climbing have been the most seemingly benign trips...not the big Himalayan expeditions but at the local crag. I can remember a few rock routes where I got off route and felt pretty sketched!

 What success are you most proud of?
With relation to my climbing career I would have to say being a part of an international rescue effort on Gasherbrum II in the summer of 2007. In a that year Pakistan saw huge snowfall, a team triggered an avalanche, which resulted in two deaths and two critically injured climbers. My business partner Ryan Waters and I were in the position to act as C2 incident commander and basecamp incident commander. We facilitated a 3-day rescue, which involved a great international effort to save a fellow climbers life. The rescue involved multiple attempts, multiple people, embassy calls, a call to president Musharraff and ultimately a successful rescue. I was very proud to have helped 2 climbers get home safely, one of which has since fully recovered and returned to successfully summit Gasherbrum II.

What makes you a good guide? 
I think having a solid background in both formal training and personal experience along with my background in education…being a people person...not my cooking…excitement and motivation for doing what I love.

What is the most important part about being a guide?
I believe safety and quality go hand in hand. Continually asking yourself if you are meeting these two elements in order to meet your client’s needs.

What type of climbing is your favorite? Why?
I enjoy long alpine routes.  Climbing in that environment presents addition challenges and rewards. The solitude and self-reliance are elements I really enjoy in the alpine environment.

Where is your favorite climbing destination? Why?
The Bugaboos are an incredible place and offer some of the best alpine climbing in the world. 

Why should a climber hire a guide?
I think each climber has different reasons for hiring a guide. In general, I believe hiring a guide provides a great opportunity to challenge oneself on more technically challenging terrain, to learn and grow as a climber and to focus on specific goals while benefiting from a great resource…the guide really has so much to offer in terms of local knowledge, route familiarity, risk management and overall support of climbers looking to explore outside their area of knowledge or comfort.

What advice do you have for climbers who hire guides?
The old saying, “you get what you pay for” is only one part of the equation…research the company, the guide and if possible meet the guide in person.

How can customers prepare for a guided expedition?
Start early. Don’t procrastinate. Stay focused. Be committed.

Where do you recommend that rock climbers travel with guides?
I believe in the individual process of exploration…but a guide is great any place or time you feel you need support. 

Visit: mtnprofessionals.com for more information

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