We are California’s premier mountaineering school and guide service. Located in Bishop, California we offer rock climbing, summer mountaineering, waterfall ice climbing, backcountry skiing, guide training, summer and winter instruction and custom guiding here in the Eastern Sierra of California.
Knowledgeable
The Eastern Sierra has been our home for decades and these are the mountains where we love to climb, hike and ski. From home and office we look at the Sierra daily and can tell you conditions, the best routes and the small details that make for a successful trip.
There are few working guides who know the Sierra as well as we do from the popular paths of the Sierra, but the little-known places where we have been exploring new routes, tours and remote summits. We have literally helped write the books on climbing here - "High Sierra Climbing" by Chris McNamara, of Supertopo – “Eastern Sierra Ice” – self-published by us and “The Climbers Guide to the Bishop Area” by Maximus Press.
  Qualified
We are an AMGA Accredited School. This qualification means that our business practices, safety procedures, hiring and training programs have been reviewed by the AMGA and found to be at the highest standards.
Our guides are trained and certified by the AMGA. Certified guides have demonstrated before his or her peers high levels of competence and judgment as well as fulfilling additional technical requirements such as emergency medical certification, rescue training, and snow stability forecasting. Guides certified in rock, alpine and ski gain the international (IFMGA) credential. This IFMGA credential makes us one of the few companies able to guide in other member countries.
Caring about wild places
SMC takes its responsibility to the land seriously and an important part of our programs is to help others learn about and experience Wilderness. SMC guides are trained in Leave No Trace principles and travel lightly upon the land. Join us in exploring and preserving this remarkable and fragile environment.
Trips for Everyone
Our trips are designed to cater to all skill levels from the novice to the expert. We divide instructional programs into “Acquiring the Skills” for those wishing to gain knowledge and techniques and “Applying the Skills” which put your skills to use allowing you to take the next steps in challenging yourself.
Low Ratios
Large groups can detract from the learning process and the wilderness experience. We work to keep ratios as small as practical, and our small groups give you more of what you came for: skiing, climbing and exploring the Sierra.
All Inclusive
Our scheduled trip prices are all-inclusive (except for any rental equipment). Overnight backcountry programs include permit fees; group equipment such as kitchen, group technical gear, first aid supplies and avalanche beacons; and good backcountry breakfast, lunch and dinners.
Private Guiding and Custom Trips
With a custom trip you get exactly what you want, when you want it and with whom you want, if you want company at all. Call us to arrange a custom trip with your goals and specifications.
Take the next step and join us in the mountains.
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