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Since the introduction of private guides to great mountain ranges such as the European Alps and the Canadian Rockies in the early part of the 20th century, many climbers have experienced the flexibility, freedom, and joy of climbing with a professional "guide de montagne."
The following is a particularly articulate description of this relationship:
"I just wanted to write and say that I was very satisfied with my guide’s attention especially to safety. I feel like I can tell the difference between the guides now, in terms of noticing the few that take a passionate interest in the parts of the safety routine like short-roping. Most guides, I think, get to a threshold of competence with a skill like that, and leave it. The really good ones, I think, respect those skills that might seem elemental or boring or not needing so much attention, and consider their mastery an important goal. Like the difference between the guides who short rope well, and the guides who short rope like it was art. You could really tell that my guide was in the latter camp, placing high emphasis on numerous skills like short roping. As you know from my previous feedbacks, safety is something I value highly. On this climb my guide was very astute in the management of safety, and even the most cautious climbers would feel confident in pushing their limits."
-Cathleen Graham - Burnaby, British Columbia
Mountain Madness can design an adventure just for you! Our custom trips are a great way to push your limits, pick your own route, or design a special itinerary for yourself, or a small group of friends, family, business associates, or old college buddies. Please call our office to speak with one of our area specialists. We look forward to "Making It Happen" for you!
Custom Guiding and Instruction Prices
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Client to Guide Ratio Price/Per Person
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1:1 - $350 /day
2:1 - $275 /day
3:1 - $225 /day
4:1 - $200 /day
Porter - $190 /day | |
- For any custom climb or course other than our regularly scheduled trips you are required to provide transportation for yourself and your guide. You can drive your own vehicle or rent one. Another option is for guides to receive a gas stipend from you (52 cents per mile) if you choose to drive your own vehicle separately or meet the guide at a specified location. You will be invoiced for approximate round trip mileage prior to the trip by Mountain Madness. Any necessary adjustment will be made after the trip (refund or charge).
- Mountain Madness provides:
- mountain food and the guide does the cooking
- cooking equipment
- tents
- group climbing equipment
- You are responsible for providing all of the equipment mentioned on the equipment list as well as any other personal equipment you might choose. You are encouraged to bring your own snack foods.
- Camping fees, trail and park passes, and restaurant meals are not included and your responsibility.
- Climbing equipment may be rented from Mountain Madness, but it is available on a first-come, first-served basis. There are several retail shops in Seattle we recommend for rentals. Mountain Madness works closely with Second Ascent and Feathered Friends. Both are great at answering equipment questions, rent quality gear, and ship anywhere in the U.S.. Second Ascent can be reached at (206) 545-8810 or http://www.secondascent.com. Feathered Friends can be reached at (206) 292-2210 or http://www.featheredfriends.com
Please call our office at 800-328-5925 or 206-937-8389 if you have any questions.
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Alaska Custom Guiding
Mountain Madness is excited that you have chosen to join us in the Alaska Range! Any trip to the remote and challenging peaks of Alaska is aspectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience. All trips start from the small town Talkeetna and fly via glacier plane to established landing sites throughout the range. Please read the following and don’t hesitate to call our office with questions or concerns: (206) 937-8389 or (800) 328-5925.
- For any custom climb or course other than our regularly scheduled trips, you are required to provide transportation for yourself to/from Talkeetna. In addition, you are required to pay for glacier flights for yourself and your guide to/from your chosen climbing venue.
Mountain Madness works with Talkeetna Air Taxi and we are happy to make your bookings at our discounted rate. Check out T.A.T’s site at: http://www.talkeetnaair.com/.
- Unless other arrangements are made, your Mountain Madness guide will meet you in Talkeetna. If you would like to develop a special itinerary with your guide, please call our office.
- Mountain Madness provides mountain food, cooking equipment, tents, climbing equipment, and all other “group gear.” You are responsible or providing all of the equipment mentioned on the equipment list, as well as any other personal equipment you might choose.
- We strongly recommend you purchase trip insurance for climbs in the Alaska Range. It is not uncommon that expeditions are forced to deal with glacier flight delays to and from your chosen destination. Please check out our LINKS page for information.
NOTE: Alaska Custom Guiding prices reflect the seriousness, commitment, and level of training that guiding in the Alaska Range demands. Similar to guided trips/pricing in the European Alps, one can expect the highest level of expertise from their guide.
Alaska Custom Guiding Prices
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Client to Guide Ratio Price/Per Person
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1:1 - $550/day
2:1 - $400 /day
3:1 - $300/day
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