Emma Gasman 
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Book Now Ski and Splitboard BOOK NOW Snowshoe BOOK NOW Ski and Splitboard BOOK NOW Snowshoe BOOK NOW Mammoth Lakes, California – 2 Days Ski and Splitboard Dates January: 29-30 (2 spots left) February: 1-2 (Full), 8-9, (Full), 15-16, 19-20, 22-23 March: 1-2, 5-6, 8-9, 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 April: 5-6, 9-10, 12-13, 19-20 Snowshoe Dates … Read more
BUY GIFT CARD Overview Looking for the perfect gift for the outdoor enthusiast in your life? A Sierra Mountain Center Gift Card is more than just a present—it’s the gateway to unforgettable mountain adventures, learning new skills, and experiencing the beauty of the Eastern Sierra. How It Works Choose any amount to fit your budget. … Read more
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BOOK NOW Mammoth Lakes, California – 3 Days Overview Itinerary Resources Start your backcountry adventures with our Intro to Backcountry + AIARE Level I Avalanche Course! Designed for skiers and splitboarders of all experience levels, this course provides the skills and knowledge you need to safely navigate avalanche terrain and make informed decisions in the … Read more
Register at WMI Dates Overview Our Hybrid Wilderness First Responder (WFR) includes an online component in addition to the traditional scenarios and skills. The Wilderness First Responder course is essential if you work or recreate in the outdoors or in other austere environments where access to medical care is delayed or communication is unreliable. It … Read more
Register at WMI Dates Overview Our Hybrid Wilderness First Responder (WFR) includes an online component in addition to the traditional scenarios and skills. The Wilderness First Responder course is essential if you work or recreate in the outdoors or in other austere environments where access to medical care is delayed or communication is unreliable. It … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources This course has been designed to provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the art of winter mountaineering. Our primary objective, Crystal Crag, serves as an ideal base camp location. It offers the unique advantage of being in terrain that remains accessible even during significant winter storms, safeguarded from … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Our three-day Intro to Mountaineering Course is designed for hikers and rock climbers who are ready to expand their skills into the world of mountaineering. This course will prepare you for our technical alpine climbing trips in the Sierra Nevada and beyond! As outlined in our itinerary, we cover … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Expand your rock climbing skills and confidence with two full days of extended multi-pitch adventure! This course builds upon the skills taught in our Rock II: Intro to Multi-pitch Course. During these two days, we will savor panoramic vistas, enjoy beautiful rock routes, experience the thrill of air beneath … Read more
Contact Dates Overview Itinerary Resources The heart of lead climbing is solid protection and anchoring skills. It is vastly different from following. You are in charge of protecting yourself, route finding and belaying your follower. This course will give you the skills to climb single pitch traditional and sport climbs. Traditional Lead Climbing Course Curriculum … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Learn essential skills in our multi-pitch climbing course! Multi-pitch routes require a whole new skill set. Our AMGA-certified guides will teach you these skills including building and cleaning anchors, rope and gear management, down climbing or rappelling, and comfort with exposure. We keep our groups small, just two guests … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Enjoy a new experience in the beautiful Eastern Sierra. Our beginner rock climbing course is great for families and friends. No experience is needed, our AMGA-certified mountain guides will show you the ropes. This course can be held in Bishop, Mammoth Lakes, or Lone Pine. We will supply all … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources This is the classic route up Mt Whitney, the highest peak in the lower forty-eight states. The 2,000-foot-high face is rated 5.6, but do not underestimate it! You will be at over 14,000 feet carrying a small pack with the essentials for the day, and ascending about 12 pitches … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources The East Buttress of Mt. Whitney is certainly the best-known climbing route in the Whitney area, and for good reason. With ten high-quality rock pitches at moderate difficulty, it would be classic even if Whitney weren’t the highest point in the lower 48 states. But with that distinction, The … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources At 14,495 feet, Mount Whitney is the high point of the lower forty-eight states, attracting mountaineers from across the globe. The Mountaineer’s Route is an alternative route to the more popular Whitney Trail, which is the standard hiking route to the summit of Mount Whitney. Over the years, the … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources As ascent of Bear Creek Spire provides one of the finest views in the central Sierra from start to finish. The Northeast Ridge offers fourth-class climbing, with a spectacular ridge traverse to the summit. The shady North Buttress is best climbed in the summer and offers 5.8 climbing before … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Charlotte Dome is a large granite dome rising out of the Bubbs Creek drainage, a tributary of the Kings River, in Kings Canyon National Park. Reminiscent of the famous rock of Tuolumne Meadows, the dome is legendary for the quality of its climbing and its amazing setting. With views … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources The original inhabitants of the Eastern Sierra called it “Neenameeshee” or Guardian Of The Valley. It is easy to see why once you have viewed it from the Owens Valley. Even close up, although its summit is lower than some of the neighboring 14,000ft peaks, it still looks the … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources There are fifteen peaks in California that exceed fourteen thousand feet in height, and most of them are in our backyard. This trip ascends a couple of the Palisade 14ers. We will choose between Thunderbolt, Sill, Starlight, North Palisade, or Polemonium peaks and ascend two or three of these … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Mt. Williamson (14,375 feet) is the second highest peak in California behind Mt. Whitney (14,505 feet). The few feet it lacks in elevation it more than makes up for in difficulty and the work involved to climb it. There are no easy ways up this peak, nor are there … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Mount Russell is Mt. Whitney’s next-door neighbor, offering great views and one of the best long alpine routes around. As one of the fifteen peaks in California that are over 14,000’ in height, Mt. Russell is popular, but generally via the less technical East Ridge route. The Fishhook Arête … Read more
Contact Dates Overview Itinerary Resources The Palisade Traverse is for those of you who have alpine experience and are ready to take on one of the great Sierra Nevada traverses Thunderbolt Peak to Mt. Sill. Tag five California fourteen-thousand-foot summits and experience an en-route bivy. Prerequisites You need to be able to follow efficiently at … Read more
Contact Dates Overview Itinerary Resources A superb, classic ridge climb. The ridge is only rated 5.6 in difficulty, but carrying a pack makes all the difference. This ridge involves continuously interesting climbing on impeccable Sierra granite with exhilarating exposure and fantastic views of the Whitney region. It can be done with a low bivy or … Read more
Contact Dates Overview Itinerary Resources There is no other fourteen thousand-foot peak in the Sierra with a better ridge route to the summit. This route is certainly not hiking, but the difficulties are not so great as to require technical climbing skills. Mt. Russell is Mt. Whitney’s often-forgotten neighbor to the north and offers stunning … Read more
Contact Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Just clearing the 14,000’ bar at 14,040’, Middle Palisade is a lot less well known than many of the other peaks in the Big Pine, California area. However this is certainly one of the more tricky peaks to summit. The climbing is not too hard, but it is consistent with … Read more
Contact Dates Overview Itinerary Resources We set up comfortable camp below Temple Crag and climb two of these classic alpine routes in the Palisades area. Route options include the Celestial Arêtes on Temple Crag, Mount Robinson arêtes, and many more. These four days will be filled with as much climbing as you can handle and … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources This is one of the most aesthetic and difficult High Sierra climbs – perfect granite high above Mono Lake with spectacular views out into the Nevada desert. This route has an almost European feel to it, with an easy hike to the top where extra gear is cached before … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Crystal Crag is the perfect introduction to multi-pitch climbing in an alpine environment. Our AMGA-certified guides will lead you up the this impressive feature’s North Ridge. We start with a few pitches of steeper climbing, approximately 5.7, before a roped ridge traverse leads us to the summit. If you … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources There are only a few High Sierra backcountry climbs that are reasonable to do in a day car to car and this is one of our favorites. A beautiful initial hike to the start of the route past sparkling lakes and high alpine tundra and meadows takes us to … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resupplies Details Resources Experience the John Muir Trail: A Journey Through California’s Wilderness The John Muir Trail is widely regarded as one of the world’s premier wilderness hikes—a true bucket list adventure. Starting near Mount Whitney, the highest peak in the lower 48 states, our route takes you on a … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Embark on our “Introduction to Backpacking Trip,” crafted to offer a transformative wilderness adventure while equipping you with the essential skills to become a self-sufficient backpacker. Our journey unfolds along the Thousand Island Lake Loop, nestled near the charming town of Mammoth Lakes. Here, amidst the Sierra’s enchanting landscape, … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources This route includes the Pacific Crest Trail, the John Muir Trail, and the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest point in the continental US! We start at the Cottonwood Pass trailhead and finish at the Shepard Pass trailhead. We will pick you up at the end of the trip … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources The John Muir Trail is one of the finest hikes to be found anywhere in the world. The full hike reaches about 200 miles from Yosemite National Park to the high point of the lower forty-eight states, Mount Whitney, and takes about 20 days. This four day segment of … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources This six-day segment of the John Muir Trail takes us through some of the most beautiful portions of the JMT. This hike has a little of everything, a wide river valley, a high pass crossing, great views, stunningly beautiful lakes, and jagged peaks. This trip can be made in … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Temple Crag stands as a magnificent natural wonder right in the heart of Big Pine’s stunning landscape. This iconic rock formation attracts outdoor enthusiasts, including avid rock climbers and hikers, all year round. Our adventure kicks off at Glacier Lodge, where we embark on a picturesque hike following the … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources The awe-inspiring Paiute Pass to Pine Creek route, affectionately known as the Sky Marathon, spans a magnificent 26 miles of alpine lakes, rugged granite peaks, and vast open meadows. If you’ve ever set foot in Bishop, California, you’ve undoubtedly been captivated by the majestic Bishop skyline, which proudly showcases … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources The Evolution Loop begins at the Bishop Pass trailhead and ends at the Piute Pass trailhead. This 54-mile loop packs in many of our favorite spots. We hike over Bishop Pass and enter Kings Canyon National Park. Then we drop into Le Conte Canyon and meet up with the … Read more
BOOK NOW Dates Overview Itinerary Resources Mount Ritter and Banner Peak in Mammoth Lakes dominate the northern Sierra skyline. This area offers a perfect introduction to the pleasures of Sierra peak climbing as the terrain does not exceed third class. John Muir first ventured here in 1872 and we follow his footsteps into mountains little … Read more
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Colin grew up hiking and camping via family vacations and the Boy Scouts across 15+ national parks. He still remembers the nervous exhilaration he had when his parents let him and his brothers do the exposed hike up Angels Landing in Zion National Park by themselves. When he joined the military after high school, he thought he would need to largely leave the outdoors behind. He was wrong. As part of his training, he got the opportunity to take part in two month-long NOLS courses mountaineering in Alaska and instead discovered a passion for big adventure and challenge in the mountains. After eight years on active duty and multiple deployments as a Marine Infantry Officer, Colin transitioned to reserve status in 2022 to pursue a career in mountain guiding and moved to Bishop after unintentionally falling head over heels for the Eastern Sierra during a weekend trip. He improved his skill sets as a client of fellow SMC guides Tyler Logan and Louie Allen before earning professional certification from the AMGA and NOLS to begin working as a guide/instructor in 2023. He is proud to now be in the position to call them both colleagues and also help others achieve their goals or experience the outdoors in more meaningful ways. His first love is to climb in the alpine regardless of the medium (rock, snow, or ice), though be assured, he isn’t picky and believes strongly that any day spent outside, no matter the activity or difficulty, is better than a day spent indoors.
Beyond the Eastern Sierra, he teaches three to four multi-week NOLS backpacking and rock climbing courses per year across various locations in Alaska, Wyoming, Utah, and Nevada. When not guiding/instructing anywhere, he works as the Online Sales Manager for Eastside Sports in Bishop, CA; actively serves on the Inyo County Search & Rescue team which covers missions everywhere from Death Valley to Mt Whitney; and, conducts ~6 weeks of reserve duty with the Marine Corps each year.
Allen Giernet grew up in San Diego and always had a thirst for the outdoors. Whether in the mountains, the ocean, or the desert – he had to be outside. After several years running the youth snowboard competition team at Mountain High, his longing to get into the peaks beyond the resorts took him into splitboarding. This in turn took him into the Sierras, The Rockies, The Cascades, and more. In 2010, he began teaching rock climbing as an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor in Joshua Tree and other So Cal Areas. In 2012, he founded So Cal Snow Avalanche Center, began teaching avalanche courses with the National Ski Patrol, and began to guide on splitboard.
He has traveled all over the west and beyond in search of great climbing and big snow covered mountains to find powder filled descents. But the magical Eastern Sierra will always hold a special place in his heart.
Allen currently calls Methow, Washington home in the North Cascades and still spends time in So Cal. He ski guides and teaches avalanche courses in The Eastern Sierra, Colorado, and the North Cascades. That thirst for the outdoors remains unquenched and Allen loves to share this enthusiasm with anyone and everyone out there. When not out in the mountains searching for the next descent, hiking, biking or paddling, he may be found running The Methow Store with his partner in the Methow Valley. Serving up cold beer and great food next to the best put in on the Methow River.
An enthusiasm for backpacking was Ian’s gateway into the mountains and soon led to a love of climbing. After cutting his teeth on the rock and ice crags of New England he traveled all over the country making ascents of everything from short roadside rock climbs to big peaks in remote areas. Over a decade ago he discovered that the Eastern Sierra hold a magical mix of amazing mountains and climbing, easy access, and good weather. Now this place is home for him and his family.
Though he loves all kinds of climbing, big walls and winter routes hold a special place in Ian’s heart. He rounds out the year with forays to Alaska, Red Rocks, Joshua Tree, Moab, the North Cascades, and Canada.
Mike is originally from Pennsylvania where he learned to ski on the icy mountains of the Northeast. He moved to Northern California soon after high school and received degrees in Outdoor Adventure Education from Feather River College and later Southern Oregon university. He has worked in outdoor education for over 15 years, leading wilderness education expeditions all across the world and the American west. Mike currently ski guides and teaches avalanche education courses in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. He loves to ski steep narrow couloirs on warm sunny days in the Sierras! When not guiding on skis, Mike can be found kayaking the rivers in the Pacific Northwest.
Heather grew up in the Bay Area and has many fond memories of backpacking and camping in the Sierra as a kid. She moved up to Oregon to attend Lewis & Clark College and obtained a degree in Environmental Studies focusing on education and food systems. While living up in Oregon Heather fell in love with the Cascades and began guiding her peers on backpacking trips, cross-country skiing and even local mushroom foregoing. Following her passion for guiding and the outdoors she spent the summers guiding children on backpacking trips and adults in sea kayaking. Heather enjoyed living in the Portland area, skiing on Mount Hood and doing lots of cycling but eventually she decided it was time to come back to sunny California. For the past couple of years she has been spending summers and fall in California guiding students in backpacking, river trips and day hikes. She is excited about guiding backpacking trips in the Eastern Sierra this summer. Heather is a Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Trainer.
Robert “SP” Parker, hails from the picturesque landscapes of New Zealand. His journey into the realm of mountaineering began during his days at the University of Auckland, where he delved into the world of climbing alongside the university tramping club (akin to “backpacking” for our American counterparts).
He relocated to Yosemite Valley in 1979. He traveled the US climbing in all the great places: Yosemite, Tuolumne, Colorado, Joshua Tree, Devils Tower, Canada. In 1996, he joined forces with Todd Vogel to found Sierra Mountain Center. SP has over 40 years of full-time professional mountain guiding experience. He has earned IFMGA certification in Rock, Ski, and Alpine disciplines and has served as a past director of the AMGA.
As the torch of ownership at SMC passes into the capable hands of Emma, his passion for guiding in the breathtaking Sierra region continues to burn bright, and he eagerly supports Emma in her new role.
Larry is a native of the New Jersey shore. Raised as an ocean lover, Larry spent his early days surfing and being in the water as much as he could. Through an active involvement in scouting, as well as an adventurous friend group, Larry found a passion for the mountains. Naturally, this passion had him trade his surfboard for a snowboard, and he went west! Larry graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder with degrees in Environmental Studies as well as Atmospheric and Oceanic Circulation. In Colorado, he fell more in love with the mountains. After graduating, Larry moved to Alaska to explore the wilderness of the last frontier through backpack and canoe guiding. When COVID struck and found Larry abroad in Central America, he came back to the states hoping to get back to Alaska, but discovered the Sierra along the way. And the high peaks and the fairer climate of California was as far as he made it. Larry now resides here in Bishop, where he spends his time exploring the mountains via roped climbing, splitboarding, and hiking. When not guiding, Larry enjoys traveling and climbing the high, glaciated peaks of Central and South America. Larry’s favorite trip to lead in the Sierra is the Bishop to Mammoth backpack as the variety of the terrain offers tremendous opportunities for natural and human history studies! Larry holds a certification as a Wilderness First Responder, a Leave No Trace Trainer, and a AIARE Level I.
Louie began guiding with Sierra Mountain Center in 2015 after falling in love with the people and places of Bishop, CA, and the Sierra Nevada mountains. He grew up climbing and backpacking in the southeastern US and moved West to pursue bigger mountainous terrain. He is a passionate and dedicated climber in all of its forms and has backpacked extensively across the Sierra. It is a joy for him to share his favorite peaks and trails with visitors. Louie is an equal-opportunity cookie lover and die-hard Cincinnati Bengals football fan. He travels to the eastern US often in order to pursue world-class rock and ice climbs, but always finds his way back to the Sierra.
Louie is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and is pursuing Alpine Guide certification. He holds an MS in Recreation and Sport Sciences and a Graduate Certificate in Sport Coaching. He works as a guide, strength trainer, and climbing coach to help developing climbers and hikers achieve meaningful goals in the mountains.
Anouk grew up on the glaciers and peaks of Switzerland where her family is from and currently resides. Anouk has had an appreciation for the elevated outdoors from an early age. She has lived in Europe, America’s east coast, and finally, she came to the west coast in her teens, and never left. Even though she calls the Eastern Sierra her home, she began her guiding career in the Pacific Northwest, where she worked on glaciated peaks such as Mt Rainier and Mt Baker, and rock guided during the summers. However, having learned to rock climb in California and frequenting the Eastern Sierra during her years living in Los Angeles, she ultimately returned to California eight years ago and has been guiding here year round. In the summers, Anouk guides rock and alpine trips, and during the winter seasons, she ski guides and teaches avalanche courses. She sees her guide work as a way to increase and infuse passion and knowledge into the outdoor community – her way of giving back after having been fortunate enough to receive solid mentorship during her initial years climbing in California.
Anouk is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide, Apprentice Ski Guide, and Apprentice Alpine Guide, as well as an AIARE avalanche course leader and AAI course leader.
Dave is originally from Alberta, Canada, but has traded in his Canadian passport for his American one, lured by clean Sierra granite and perfect California weather. He graduated from Mount Royal University in 2007 with an undergrad in Ecotourism & Outdoor Leadership and has been working ever since as a ski patroller and avalanche forecaster in Canada during the winters. Dave has been climbing since 2003 and has climbed in Squamish, the Canadian Rockies, The Bugaboos, the Tetons, Red Rock, Indian Creek and Peru, to name a few destinations. His first time climbing in California was in 2103 in Yosemite Valley and was instantly in love. He has been with the SMC team since 2015 and is excited to continue climbing and guiding in the Range of Light.
Dave holds a Wilderness First Responder certification, and a Canadian Avalanche Association Level 2. He began the AMGA program in 2014 and has become a fully certified IFMGA Mountain Guide.
Emma joined the Sierra Mountain Center team in early 2021 as the Program Director. Fast forward almost three years, and she has now taken the reins, becoming the proud owner of the company previously helmed by the legendary Robert “SP” Parker. Emma is passionate about making the marvels of the mountains accessible to individuals of all skill levels. Emma grew up backpacking and skiing in the western Sierra Nevada, where her personal connection to these majestic landscapes began. While attending college in Oregon she discovered rock climbing and skiing touring, which ultimately led her to the Eastern Sierra. Emma is ready to carry forward the rich legacy established by SP back in the 1990s, eager to nurture and expand upon the successes of the company.
Barb began working for SMC in the summer of 2016 as a backpacking and climbing guide. After 4 summers, she began working as an adaptive sports instructor and program coordinator with Disabled Sports Eastern Sierra in Mammoth Lakes. Fast forward to 2024 and Barb is back in the office at SMC. She enjoys organizing all the trip details and other behind-the-scenes tasks to help guests get outside and enjoy the Eastern Sierra. She has always been involved in the outdoors in a variety of ways: hiking, climbing, mountain biking, running, and more. Moving to the Eastern Sierra was a great choice!