 Chris Simmons joined Sierra Mountain Center in 2003 after an apprenticeship carrying heavy packs and wet weather in the Cascades. He has climbed and skied in Asia, North America, South America, New Zealand, and Antarctica. A Certified Alpine Guide from the American Mountain Guide Association, Chris is also working to earn his international certification from the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations. He also has a Level III Avalanche Certification and is a Level I Instructor from the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education. His expedition experiences include skiing from 7546 meters on Mustagh Ata, ice climbing in Sichuan, clipping bolts in Mexico, and spending an unexpected night on the East Face of Mt. Awful in the Southern Alps. Chris has first ascent climbs and first ski descents in the Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and Antarctica. He works for Sierra Mountain Center year-around as guide and instructor in rock climbing, alpine climbing, water-ice climbing, ski mountaineering, and avalanche science. In December 2006 Chris earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from Fairhaven College of Western Washington University, with a concentration entitled Adventure Ecotourism Small Business Management.
Chris and his partner Patsy, dog Montana, and a couple of random cats live in Vallejo, California while Patsy attends graduate school. Everyone - except perhaps the cats - are looking forward to Patsy completing her studies so they can move closer to the mountains.
Chris also has his own website: Climb.Ski.Run.Sleep.Repeat.
Favorite Guided Trips: Mt. Sill – Thunderbolt Peak Traverse in the Palisades (V 5.9)
Chris Simmons’ Resume
Objective
Build a sustainable career in mountain guiding
Experience
2004 – present:
Sierra Mountain Center, LLC, Level II Guide. Western Washington University Outdoor Program, Ski, Mountaineering, and Rock Climbing Trip Leader.
2000 – 2004:
Rainier Mountaineering, Inc., Senior Guide. 49 summits of Mt. Rainier via four routes, including the classic Liberty Ridge in an eighteen hour car-to-car push. 2 expeditions to Denali (20,320 ft), with one successful summit in 2004.
2001 – 2004:
Organized and guided custom climbing trips to the Mexican Volcanoes, Ecuadorian Andes, and to Aconcagua (22,840 ft).
2003:
U.S. Antarctic Program, Field Safety Officer and Guide in Southern Victoria Land and the Ross Ice Shelf.
1999 – 2000:
National Outdoor Leadership School, Mountaineering Instructor.
Education
1991 – 1993: University of North Carolina at Asheville, Environmental Studies major, no degree earned.
2003 – 2004: Seattle Central Community College. No degree earned.
2004 – present: Western Washington University, Fairhaven College. Adventure Ecotourism Small Business Management degree, intended graduation December 2006.
Additional Training
1993 - 1994: Naval School of Health Science and Marine Corps Field Medical Technician School. Hospital Corpsman, Field Medical Technician, Fleet Marine Force. National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Intermediate earned and maintained 1995 – 1998. National Registry Emergency Medical Technician Basic maintained 1998 – present.
1999: American Avalanche Institute Level I Avalanche Forecasting
2000: Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS, Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, maintained to present.
February 2001: American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) Level II Avalanche Forecasting
September 2002: American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) Alpine Guides Course
September 2003: AMGA Advanced Alpine Guides Course
December 2003: AIARE Level III Avalanche Forecasting
November 2004: AMGA Rock Instructor Course
April 2005: AMGA Rock Guides Course
Technical and Guiding Highlights
Alpine Skiing since 1976
Rock Climbing since 1990
Alpine Climbing and Mountaineering since 1998
Outdoor education instructor since 1999
Mountain guide since 2000
Climbing experience in Thailand, New Zealand, Antarctica, Alaska, Canada, lower U.S., Mexico, Ecuador, and Argentina
First ascent of Mt. Dido, Southern Victoria Land, Antarctica. South Ridge, 14+ pitches, V 5.9, Chris Simmons and Thai Verzone, January 2002. Reported in the 2004 edition of the American Alpine Journal.
Technical guiding in Alaska, Mexico, Ecuador, Argentina, and Antarctica
Technical abilities
Lead 5.10-, 5.8 in mountain boots, WI 4+, ski on alpine and telemark gear
Other relevant information
American Mountain Guides Association member since 2001.
American Alpine Club member since 2002.
Bellingham, Washington, Program Coordinator for the Alpine Safety Awareness Program, which works with local high schools and middle schools to introduce avalanche awareness to students in towns near ski areas. |
