About Us

The Spirit of Adventure

Shortly after completing the coveted, yet harrowing second ascent of Kilimanjaro’s Breach Icicle, Mountain Madness founders, Scott Fischer and Wes Krause, took pause. Relieved they survived the ascent of this vertical, detached pillar of ice, they also realized that they were hooked on adventure. Over the years they were chased by grizzly bears, walked among lions, rode avalanches, and made first ascents as they traveled across the globe. From this partnership emerged Mountain Madness and the passion to share the challenge, beauty, and joy of climbing and trekking.

In the more than twenty-five years that have elapsed since those wild and crazy days, Mountain Madness has achieved worldwide acclaim for excellence. And we continue to provide a wide range of trips for the first time trekker, all the way to those striving for an ascent of Mount Everest—and there is always a new cutting edge adventure waiting for those who join us year after year!

Our mission at Mountain Madness is to provide the highest quality experience for beginner and advanced mountaineers and trekkers alike. Every trip we offer provides highly qualified guides (expert in their specific destination) and the opportunity for cultural exchange; an extraordinary mental and physical challenge unique to mountain travel; wilderness skills development and self-discovery. And while achieving your goal is important, so is enjoying the process. We treat you right every step of the way, from the first time you call our office to the last goodbye.

It’s not the destination that’s important; it’s how you get there...

Since 1984 

We can help you live your dream. Whether your challenge is reaching the summit of a 20,000-foot peak, unraveling the meaning of Buddhist Mani stones on your trek to the Mount Everest base camp, or prusiking out of a crevasse on a pristine glacier in the wilds of the North Cascades, you will discover wonders beyond your wildest dreams! From our expert guides, experienced office staff, all the way to our carefully selected cook staff, we’re passionate about what we do. Our goal is to share our expertise with you to make your journey a memorable and challenging experience.

Our guides 

Mountain Madness guides are highly skilled professionals with an infectious enthusiasm for climbing. We’ve selected our staff based on their advanced training, climbing experience, technical proficiency and patient teaching style. Each has a passion for the mountains that makes it easy to form new friendships and create memorable experiences for everyone. Our guides often have academic backgrounds in fields such as environmental and outdoor education, natural sciences, social work and teaching that can enhance your adventure.

Many of our guides hold full certification with the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) – the highest level of guide training available in the U.S. These guides have reciprocity with the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA), enabling them to work in Europe and other member countries throughout the world that maintain the highest standards possible.

Mountain Madness guides are dedicated alpinists, trekkers, explorers, ski mountaineers and rock climbers whether they’re on the clock or not. Many of our guides have made first ascents on major peaks in the North Cascades, Alaska, the Andes, or the Himalaya. We invite you to experience the expertise and share the passion of our guides!

International Guides

In some cases, Mountain Madness hires local guides to provide service on international trips. Local guides often know the mountains, weather and environment better than anyone. They also offer insights into local culture, language, customs, and natural history. This knowledge makes traveling and climbing with international guides in their home countries a special experience. All our international trip leaders are experienced climbers and trekkers and have been certified as Wilderness First Responders and trained in technical rescue and hazard assessment. Our trek leaders have comparable training and possess local knowledge that make our trips run smoothly.

Office Staff

Our experience not only shows on the mountains and trails we guide, but in the office where the ideas and preparation for your trip begin. In almost every instance, an individual from our staff has been where you plan to go and is ready and able to offer you hands-on advice to let you know you are in capable hands. 

Logistical Support

To fully appreciate a dependable guide staff there needs to be an office and ground staff that supports them. We celebrate the relationships with our overseas operators that have been built on more than twenty-five years experience and that are based on camaraderie and trust.  In short, we provide the most experienced and dedicated guides that are supported with a staff worldwide that provides you with the expertise needed to execute your trip at the highest standard possible.

Mountain Madness is an equal opportunity service provider authorized to operate under a Special Use Permit from the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie, Okanogan, Wenatchee, Gifford Pinchot, Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests and the Denali, Mt. Rainier, North Cascades and Olympic National Park and areas within the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.