|
|
|
|
|
Store
|
|
Khumbu Climbing School Program
Conrad Anker - KCS Director Bozeman, Montana
"When I first visited the Himalaya and old hand mentioned that it was the people not the mountains that would change my life. In my typical self-centered, 20 year-old view of the world, I doubted his sage observation. The Himalaya were the big range, where I would prove myself and stand on windswept summits. After the first expedition I realized how prescient my mentor was. It was the people. They changed my life.
Realizing they brought so much into my life I knew that it was up to me to give back. Being merely a climber, it dawned on my wife Jenni and I that as climbers our best way to give back was with the skills that we knew best. Climbing and being in the mountains.
Going into year six of the Khumbu Climbing School it is the Sherpas who have
given so much in return. They have given me a sense of happiness, joy and
fulfillment. "
Chhongba Sherpa - KCS Director of Operations in Nepal.
With some tea overlooking the village of Phortse, Nepal - photo by Karl Swingle
Khumbu Climbing School 2009 Instructors
Amy Bullard- KCS Program Director 2009 - Bozeman, Montana
"Climbing in Nepal has been popular since the 1950's; yet most Nepalese will never get a chance to try it. KCS is an opportunity for Nepalese to become familiar with their world, as we know it. KCS brings safety and fun to climbing as an avocation and a profession for Nepalese living and working in the mountains. By teaching basic climbing safety systems, as well as English and First Aid, the students are more ready for hire and can express themselves more effectively in this rapidly growing trekking/climbing industry. After climbing in the magic kingdom of Nepal for the past 15 years, it is tremendously meaningful (and fun!!) for me to work with these people who have taught me so much."
Guide for 13 years in North America, Nepal, and Tibet, France. New routes in Peru including Artesonraju, Millishraju, Jatunriti, and Colquecruz. First ascent of Dos Cuernos Southern Patagonian Icecap, Argentina. Many Himalayan expeditions including Mustagh Tower in Pakistan, first ascent Melanphulan in Nepal, unclimbed peaks Hongu Nepal, led first unsupported American Women's expedition to an 8,000 meter peak- Cho Oyu in Tibet, summitted Everest in 2004 as a guide and climbing double for Universal Studios. Big walls in Yosemite and Zion. Guides for Exum, Chicks with Picks, and Montana Alpine Guides. Marmot sponsored athlete. KCS Instructor for 3 years and program director 2009.
Pete Athans- Seattle, Washington
Peter's name has been synonymous with the exploration of Mt. Everest for nearly two decades. He has led or participated in sixteen expeditions to the mountain and has personally summited seven times, more than any other climber of non-Sherpa ethnicity. He has also distinguished himself in the Himalaya with speed ascents of Annapurna South, Pumori, Ama Dablam and Cho Oyu. In addition, he has led expeditions to Manaslu, Makalu and K2 and made the first alpine-style ascent of the Breaking Point ridge, Alaska's southeast spur of Mt. Hunter. When he isn't exploring his own objectives, he guides climbers to the highest points of all seven continents. Peter is a strong proponent of Sherpa culture, documenting their prodigious talents at high altitude and their contribution to mountaineering history. Recently he has taken a keen interest in the exploration of both the physical and cultural landscapes of Tibet and Western China, home to countless untrammeled peaks and unique, vanishing cultures. He is a board member of the Himalayan Cataract Project (HCP), which brings eye care to those suffering from cataract blindness in the Himalaya. (In the spring of 2005 Peter led a successful HCP expedition in Nepal.) In addition to film and writing, Peter studies Asian history, Buddhist philosophy and surrealist poetry. He and his wife Liesl Clark, along with Phoebe Coburn, created and are in charge of The Magic Yeti Library Project - (see link to the left). 2008 is Pete's third year as a KCS instructor.
David Burger, Ph.D. - Boulder Colorado
David Burger has been adventuring and guiding since the early 1970's. He worked as the Director of Experiential Education at the Colorado Springs School, extensively with the Colorado Outward Bound School from instructor to Program Director, and has guiding experience from all over the world, with a focus on Indian Himalayas, Nepal, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Norway, Canada, Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, the European Alps, Africa, and of course the western United States including Alaska. David's favorite medium is ice climbing, but enjoys Nordic skiing and is developing a passion for mountain biking. David has enjoyed 60 summits above 6,000 meters including the first November ascent of Mt. Everest South Summit in 2003. He also lived a year in India, studying Yoga. Becoming comfortable with diverse cultures, and as a psychologist, David also works an executive coach and senior team builder taking clients on expeditions to trek, climb, study leadership, have cross-cultural experiences, do service work, and sometimes family therapy.
Lincoln Else-Yosemite, California
"The Khumbu region of Nepal is one of the most spectacular places on
earth, and the people who live there are equally breathtaking. Like
others instructing with the KCS, spending time in Nepal has taught me
the meaning of selflessness, strength, and generosity. I'm looking
forward to passing on some of my own knowledge in return for these
Nepali lessons. To put it simply, what the Khumbu Climbing School is
trying to do is sincerely good; good for the students, good for the
instructors, and the good for the region. I'm excited to help the
program work toward it's laudable goals, and of course I can't wait
to get back to a place and a people I truly love."
Lincoln learned to climb in Yosemite National Park as a young child,
and after getting a philosophy degree from Yale he returned to the
park to work as a climbing ranger for the Park Service. What started
as an excuse to live and climb in Yosemite Valley for a while after
college turned into a decade of work with Yosemite's rescue team and
wilderness department. Lincoln has traveled and climbed around the
world and recently began a second career as a photographer and film
maker, a passion that brought him to Nepal in 2004 to film for a TV
documentary about the Everest medical clinic. Currently Lincoln
lives in the Yosemite area and works full time as a documentary
producer and cameraman while continuing to work with Yosemite's
search and rescue team. 2008 will be Lincoln's second year as an instructor.
Luanne Freer- Bozeman, Montana (photo at Mt. Everest Base Camp)
She runs the nonprofit HRA-USA and continues to return to volunteer and direct the medical clinic on Everest every spring. www.everester.org/.
Adam George-Salt Lake City, Utah
"I am excited to share my knowledge and experiences with the Sherpa People through the Khumbu Climbing School. It is an opportunity for me to give something back through a sport that has taught me so much. I'm looking forward to discovering and learning from a new culture, especially one who shares a similar love for the mountains."
Adam began climbing in New Hampshire's White Mountains when he was 15 years old. Initially looking for something a little more "extreme" than just hiking, climbing quickly became his passion. Adam is well versed in all disciplines the sport has to offer including big walls, hard free climbs, alpine routes and ice climbing. É! Adam has climbed around the world in places like: Morocco, Argentina, India, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Alaska, Canada, throughout Europe and of course extensively across America. Adam is a certified AMGA rock and Aspirant guide and is pursuing his IFMGA certification. Adam is based out of Salt Lake City and splits his time guiding in the Wasatch during the winter months and the European Alps during the summer.
Caroline George-Salt Lake City, Utah
As a professional athlete, Caroline travels the world in search of striking lines to climb while exploring new cultures and horizons. Recently, she put up new routes in Iceland, Ethiopia and Canada. Caroline is a full time guide and is currently pursuing her full IFMGA / AMGA certification.
While on a trip to the Khumbu in 2001, Caroline wanted to give back to the Nepali people who welcomed her to warmly, but did not know which form this would come in. When hearing about KCS, she found out! Together with her husband, Adam, Caroline is looking forward to teaching at KCS this coming winter and help the Nepali people perfect the skills they use while climbing in the mountains.
Brandon Latham- Yosemite, California photo by Lincoln Else
"I first traveled to Nepal in 1995 and always hoped to go back to
ramble among the enormous mountains and once again visit the kind
people of this great country. Last year, I was fortunate to be able
to return as an instructor for KCS, which has opened my eyes to many
other aspects of the local culture. I am very excited to be with KCS
for a second season, working with the students to help increase their
knowledge of working safely in the mountains.
."
Philip
Henderson- Vernal, Utah (photo at the
KCS, January 2006 by X
Lee)
"The
Khumbu Climbing School (KCS) is an awesome
experience for everyone. After being involved in
the school last season I see the need to help
extend the knowledge and experience of the Nepal
climbing community. I am very fortunate to be a
part of the effort put forth by the Alex Lowe
Charitable Foundation (ALCF). Working with the KCS
staff, and with the Nepalese population is vibrant,
fun, and exciting as well as educational for me and
the students that participate in the
program."
Renny Jackson- Jackson, Wyoming photo taken at The Creek, Mexico
"I am 56 years old, and have been climbing for 40 of those years throughout the US, Alaska, and the Himalaya. I have not gotten to the summit of Everest twice, once on the Direct West Ridge and once on the Southeast Ridge. I climbed the North Face of Cholatse w/3 other climbers in 1984. The Teton Range in Wyoming is my home range and there I have climbed hundreds of routes including many first ascents and first winter ascents. My favorite place to climb is the southwest desert in Utah, on towers and the walls of Indian Creek. I have spent much time in Yosemite over the years and have climbed 9 big wall routes on El Cap.
In order to maintain my sanity and pay for my climbing habit I have worked for the National Park Service as a climbing ranger in Grand Teton and Denali National Parks, beginning in 1976. I am currently the Jenny Lake Sub-District Ranger in Grand Teton and supervise the mountain rescue and helicopter rescue programs. I co-authored \i A Climbers' Guide to the Teton Range \i0 with Leigh Ortenburger.
I am really excited about working at the Khumbu Climbing School and I feel very humble and honored to be invited to do so. I have not been to the area for twenty years, but I am hoping that some of the same Sherpas who I met and climbed with years ago may still be there, living and working."
A long-time Northwest mountaineer, Dave has climbed and guided throughout the Himalayas, South America, the Cascades, Alaska Range and Russia. He has traveled and climbed extensively over his lifetime and has worked as a full-time guide for Alpine Ascents for the past five years. Dave has led expeditions to Everest, Vinson, Elbrus, Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Cho-Oyu, Mexico, Aconcagua, Denali, Bolivia, Rainier and many Washington and Alaska mountaineering climbs and courses. He has completed his Level III Avalanche training. His grasp for languages, history and climbing have made him both an educated and successful guide for many of domestic and international expeditions. In 2002, Dave received the AAC Mountain Adventure Award. Recently Dave summited Everest three times as a leader of 2004 - 2006 guide teams and successfully led Mount Vinson, Cho-Oyu and Island Peak Expeditions and put up a new route on Mount Vinson with Todd Passey. Dave also summited Carstensz Pyramid twice as the leader of a successful 2006 expedition which put 7 team members on top. 2007 was Dave's first year as a Khumbu Climbing School Instructor. He will be there again in 2009.
Mingma Ongle Sherpa - Phortse Village, Nepal
"I appreciate how the ALCF has changed the lives of Nepalese climbers by teaching them so much about safety in the mountains. Even though I had climbed many peaks in the Himalaya before attending the KCS, I was surprised as to how I did climb them. I made a lot of technique mistakes back then. I have learned much from the KCS and am now giving back to my friends in the mountains by teaching them."
Panuru Sherpa - Phortse Village, Nepal
Everest summit 6 times, Cho-Oyu summit 5 times, Shishapangma summit 1 time, many other 6,000 peak summits. Training from Khumbu Climbing School 3 years. KCS instructor for 3 years. 1st aid medicine training 3 years.
Pasang Tenzing Sherpa - Phortse Vllage, Nepal
DOB January 21, 1978 - Summited Mount Everest 8 times, Ama Dablam 3 times, Cho Oyu 1 time, numerous other trekking peaks. Scholarship student for NOLS course in Wind River Range, Wyoming, 2007. KCS Instructor since 2005.
Phunuru Sherpa - Phortse Village, Nepal(photo - on the summit of Choy Oyu
Lee) Everest summit 4 times (3 times south side 1 time North side), Cho-Oyu summit 9 times (all North side), Ama Dablam up to camp II times, first summit Ngirika Peak, Mount Aneto summit (Spain), many other 6,000 peaks which includes (Island Peak, Mera Peak, Lobuche east, Phapcharmo Peak, Pogalde Peak etc). Khumbu Climbing School Instructor for 5 years. 1st aid training from Khumbu Climbing School under direction of Khunde Hospital
Ang Tsering Lama - "Mountains and its people has always been a part of me. So left my Engineering career for the mountains. Now guiding high altitude treks and trekking peaks in Nepal, Tibet and India for years....I have learned a lot from The Khumbu Climbing School and want to give back what I learned. Great instructors and lots of fun !! Will be my third year at the KCS. Thank you KCS"
Jim Williams Jackson, Wyoming First ascent of Rudshe Konka, China - 1982. Expeditions to Chile, Peru, Africa, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, and Tibet. Explorations in Shagskam region, Xinjiang, China, K2, northern Karakorum. Co-leader 1989 Ski Expedition to South Pole. Co-leader Patagonian Ice Cap Traverse, 1991. Guide on Mt. Everest, Nupste, Lhotse, Mt. McKinley, Ama Dablam, Carstenz Pyramid, Elbrus, and Aconcagua. Reached summit of Mt. Everest in 2000 with clients. Co-leader of Shackleton Traverse, South Georgia Island - 2000. First person to have successfully guided all "Seven Summits" in less than one year. Recipient of National Park Service Search and Rescue Award - 2003. Named member in 2005 of "Durable Dozen" in Best Life Magazine (along with Ullyses Grant, Ernest Shakleton, Chuck Yeager, and others) for Seven Summits guiding achievement. AMGA Board of Directors for 5 years. AMGA Certified Alpine and Rock Guide..
Heidi
Wirtz- Boulder, Colorado (photo - in
red jacket- at the KCS, January 2006 by X
Lee) Heidi’s
love for adventure and exploration has been the
driving force behind her climbing accomplishments.
She enjoys all types of climbing, finding herself
high on giant rock walls and frozen waterfalls
throughout the world. She has been climbing in the
U.S. as well as parts of Canada, Baja, Great
Britain, South America, and India over the past
twelve years and doesn’t plan to ease up on
her globe-trotting any time soon, with plans to
climb in Europe, Tazmania, and Greenland in the
near future. While continually raising the bar for
her personal performance and for women’s
climbing in general, Heidi envisions a broader view
for her role in the sport in the years ahead,
hoping to do more work with people in need around
the world and create opportunities to “give
back, help and inspire.” KCS
instructor 2005, 2006, 2007.
Past KCS Instructors
Kris has organized three different expeditions (1997, 1998, and 2000) to Peru's Cordillera Blanca to photograph alpine first ascents and ski first descents. Among his accomplishments there are new routes on Caraz III and Santa Cruz Norte, and the first ski descents of Tocllaraju and the Shield route on Huascaran Sur (22,205'), the highest mountain in the Tropics.
In Feb, 2000, Kris and a group of extreme skiiers and snowboarders went to The Antarctic Peninsula aboard the converted Russian scientific vessel M/V Schulayken. Despite atrocious weather characteristic of the region, the group made four serious ski descents; Kris captured images of the wildlife and geography of this remote continent.
In June, 1999 Kris and a group of seven climbers and skiers went to a never-visited glacier in Alaska's Fairweather Range. Only 12 miles from the Pacific Ocean, they encountered storms which dumped 6 feet of snow in 24 hours. They also made the first ascents and descents of half a dozen untrodden peaks. KCS instructor in 2006, 2007.
Adam
Knoff- Salt Lake City, Utah (photo at the
KCS, January 2006 by X
Lee)
"I first visited Nepal in 2004 as one of six invited instructors participating in the inaugural Khumbu Climbing School. My imagination and excitement was piqued. Knowing only the stories I'd read and heard of the legendary Sherpa people, the chance to work with them first hand seemed to me a wonderful opportunity.
For the past several years I have guided and climbed around the world. The reputation of the Sherpa people as amazingly strong climbers is common knowledge among international climbing communities. What I had not realized is that the climbing strength these people possess has been created in large part without the basic training and fundamental skills needed to make this type of occupation as safe as possible.
The strength of the Sherpa people is equaled only by their spirit and incomparable generosity to all who visit their homeland. It is this compassion that changed me forever. The combination of teaching valuable vocational climbing skills in the most majestic mountain setting on earth with the most generous warm-hearted people I have ever met moved me beyond expectation. It is this transformation which has led me back to the Khumbu each year as a volunteer instructor.
I am honored and delighted to accept the appointment as Director of Climbing for the January 2007 Khumbu Climbing School. I see it as my goal and responsibility to keep the KCS on its forward track as a respected vocational climbing skills program for all who participate as students."
Eric
Knoff-Salt Lake City, Utah
Seth
Hobby- Bellingham, Washington (Seth, in white visor, photo at the KCS, January 2006 by Ross Lynn)
"Throughout my travels to mountain regions, I have never found any people as giving as the Sherpas of Nepal. I have been to Nepal six times and going on my seventh trip now and I have amazingly strong and rewarding relationships with the Sherpas of the Khumbu Region. They have taught me the true meaning of selfishness, spirituality and care. I have studied the Nepali language with friend and co-instructor Renan Ozturk, deepening my connection to the people of Nepal and allowing a greater sense of freedom while wandering the high hills. The Khumbu Climbing School allows me the oppertunity to give back to the Sherpas and teach skills that will keep them safe in their work as high altitude porters and guides throughout the Himalaya."
Seth has significant ascents in the Nepal Himalaya, Alaska Range, Chugach, Coastal Range B.C., Canadian Rockies, North Cascades, Sierra, and Colorado Rockies. He is a senior guide for the American Alpine Institute Bellingham, Washington. KCS
instructor 2006, 2007.
"After a combined six trips to Nepal, we have many close Sherpa friends and even an adoptive family! We are both enormously thrilled to have this incredible opportunity to share with, and learn from the students at the KCS. We feel honoured to be involved in a program that promotes the safety of high altitude Sherpa guides. We look forward to continuing to experience and embrace the generosity, dignity, and spirituality of these amazing people."
Bryce and Sunny are both climbers and ER docs with an interest in wilderness medicine and rescue. They work and play primarily in the wilderness of Northwestern Ontario, but also love to climb the mountains, rocks and ice of the incredible Canadian Rockies. Bryce has traveled to Alaska (Denali), Yukon (Logan), the lower US, Tibet (Kula Kangri) and Nepal (Everest, Ama Dablam, Island Peak). He has also spent 4 seasons on Everest as an expedition doctor, researcher and climber. Sunny grew up with the Canadian Rockies as her playground, and has more recently adventured in Africa and Nepal (Lobuche East, Ama Dablam). 2008 will be their first year as KCS instructors.
"Over
the course of my many trips to Nepal, I have always
been the recipient of boundless generosity and good
will from the local people. In the Khumbu,
employment in climbing and trekking occupations are
sometimes the only option, and there is the need
for training in basic safety systems. I'm thankful
to have this opportunity to use some of the things
I have learned in life, to give something back to
these wonderful people."
Guide for 10 years.
Twenty-eight years of climbing throughout western
North America. Numerous expeditions to Nepal
Himalaya including Makalu, Ama Dablam, East
Kangchung, Naya Kanga, Island Peak, unnamed peaks
in Hongu, and first ascent Melanphulan, Hinku
Valley. Mustagh Tower, Pakistan. Solo climbs and
new routes in Peru including Alpamayo, Huascaran,
Artesonraju, Millishraju, Jatunriti, and
Colquecruz. First ascent Dos Cuernos, Patagonia,
2004. Big walls in Yosemite and Zion. 2008 will be Peter's 3rd year with the KCS.
Steve has been climbing for over 25 years and teaching climbing classes for 15. He has climbed rock, ice, alpine, and big wall routes throughout the western U.S. and Canada. He has been involved with many expeditions to the St. Elias Range and the Alaska Range, including an exploratory trip to the Surprise Glacier area with several first ascents. In 1999, he and two partners trekked from the south shore to the north shore of Iceland which involved a 65-mile crossing of the Vatnajškull, Europe's largest glacier. Steve also summited Aconcagua in 1998. He has put up new ice routes in Utah, and ice, rock, and alpine routes in Montana. Between climbing trips, Steve is a Professor of Chemistry at The University of Montana Western. 2008 will be his first year as a KCS Instructor.
Renan
Ozturk- Barrington, Rhode Island (photo
at the KCS, January 2006 by X
Lee)
Renan discovered his passion for climbing while attending
Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. As a
member of the small community of climbers there, he honed
his skills, deepened his connection to the sport of
climbing and dreamed of the remote and beautiful places
it could take him. Renan graduated with a degree in
biology but not before traveling to Nepal to study the
language and culture of a country to which he is still
intimately connected. During the last three years Renan
has spent multiple seasons climbing in Indian Creek,
Yosemite, Joshua Tree, Squamish, and the Bugaboos. The
stunning scenery of these locations serves as inspiration
for Renan’s other passion, his artwork. Footage of
Renan’s onsight solo of the 300-foot North Six
Shooter tower in the Utah desert can be seen in the
current climbing film Return2Sender: Parallelojams. KCS
instructor 2006, 2007.
Whit started climbing in the Tetons when he was 16 years old. His hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio never looked the same after a summer in Jackson Hole and two years later he moved to Montana and took up climbing in earnest. With a fall back career as a social studies teacher on hold, Whit has spent the last 10 years focusing on hard rock and ice climbs from Yosemite to Wyoming. Instructed for the KCS in 2005, 2006, & 2007.
Kevin Tatsugawa- Flagstaff, Arizona
"I have been fortunate to have climbed and guided in Nepal, Russia, Thailand, Alaska, California, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, and other locales in America. I have been to Nepal several times since 1993. I have climbed, guided, conducted research, presented papers, and worked as a volunteer instructor during my travels there. I have always enjoyed getting to know the local mountain people in Nepal and consider many of them close friends. I have been teaching wilderness medicine courses for 3 years at the university level and teaching in foreign countries for 5 years. When I heard about the KCS, I knew that it was an extremely worthwhile endeavor that I wanted to support in any way that I could. Luckily, I was chosen to teach the wilderness medicine courses 2 years ago and have found the school rewarding and the Nepalis enchanting and very appreciative. I have always distinguished between being a tourist and a traveler; a tourist goes to see and a traveler goes to do. I have always wanted to be a traveler, especially when it is working with good people pursuing altruistic goals such as those of the KCS!!"
Brad Johnson- Ridgway, Colorado (photo on Chopicaiqui 2007) "My first trip to Nepal and in the Khumbu Valley was in 1987. It was a trekking trip just to see and experience the magic of the Himalaya. Starting with that first trip and continuing with other trips to the Khumbu Valley, I have had the privilege to develop Sherpa and Nepali friends and have received their warmth and open arms to visit their homes or have climbed with them and tried to keep up.
The 2008 season will be my first time to visit the Khumbu Valley in winter and to work with the Khumbu Climbing School. I feel honored to be asked to be a part of this program and have the opportunity to share my knowledge with the students and learn from the other instructors. I can't wait to get there."
With thanks to
Adventure Medical Kits - Alpinist Magazine - Anonymous - Apple Computer - Arcturus Motion Pictures - Artshoppe - Backcountry.com - Banff Mountain Film Festival - Barnard Construction - Barrel Mountaineering - Big Sky Wind Drinkers - Black Diamond - Bluewater Ropes- -Camp USA- -Charisma Productions - Climb On! - Climbing Magazine - EPIC online magazine - Fox River Mills - Grivel North America - High Performance Sports, Ltd. - International Mountain Guides - Kahtoola - Kent Mountain Adventures - Kneeland Gallery - La Sportiva - Mackenzie River Northwest - Mammut USA - Merica Design - Montana Aleworks - Montana State University - Mountain Gear - Mountain Link - Nepal Mountaineering Association - New England Ropes - Northern Lights - Omega Pacific - Osprey Packs - Outdoor Research - Outside Magazine - Patagonia - Petzl/Charlet - Prana - Rite in the Rain - Rock and Ice Magazine - Sack's of Bozeman - Sam Medical Products - Selby's - Serac Films- Snowbird Renaissance Center - Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort - Sterling Ropes - Summit Coffee - Telluride Mountain Film Festival - The Bishop Family Foundation - The Bos Foundation - The Charles J. Wylie Jr. Foundation - The Communities Foundation of Boulder County - The Communities Foundation of Texas - The Dick Bass Foundation - The J. Paul Grayson Foundation - The Mountain Institute - The North Face - The Pease Family Fund - The Schlesinger Scholarship Fund - The Snowbird Renaissance Center - The Tom Brokaw Family Foundation - Trango Climbing Gear - Timex - Vasque - Wasatch Backcountry Rescue - Wilderness Adventures
Women's Adventure Magazine - Yates Gear
"I have worked closely with many climbing Sherpa and other Nepalese for the past 10 years. Once I heard about Khumbu Climbing School I thought it would the perfect way to show my appreciation for everything they have given me. By instructing Nepali climbers to help do there job safer, everyone that interacts with them will benefit, from their families and to other climbers."
"
Extensive Rock and Ice climbing experience. Guiding throughout the United States.Wyoming,Washington, Colorado, Utah. Alpine climbs in Nepal, Tibet, North America, Antarctica and South America. Expedition leader on Denali x18, Cho Oyu x4, Ama Dablam x4 (22,850ft.) Vinson & Shinn Antarctica x2, Ecuador-Chimborazo-Whymper route, Cayambe-SW side, Cotopaxi-North side,Illiniza Sur-N. face, Mexico-Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl, Orizaba. Alaska mountaineering courses - mutli 6/12 day trips, Mooses Tooth and Mt.Huntington W.Face. Telluride Ski Patrol/ Snow safety team. National Avalanche School Field Instructor. Outdoor Emergency Care (OEC) & CPR- current. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guides Course, Rock Instructor Course, Rock Guide & Aspirant exam.
.
"My first opportunity to visit Nepal came in 2005 when I began instructing with the KCS. The inspiring beauty that I saw, and the people I came to know through that experience has kept me coming back. Having a chance to be immersed in another culture is an opportunity not to be missed."
Ross moved to Bozeman in 1997 and began to expand on the climbing experiences he had in high school. Since then, he has traveled on expeditions to Canada, South America, New Zealand, China, Tibet, and Nepal. Ross works as an editor for Off The Grind, a Montana monthly publication, as well as a freelance photographer, and part-time musician. Instructed for the KCS in 2005, 2006, & 2007.
"Is there a more spectacular place for a school? The KCS is doing great things and it's a delight to be a part of that. After working many seasons in the Solu-Khumbu it's good to offer something back to the people of the region. Not only does the KCS offer skills to help Nepalis improve their ability to work in the mountains safely but it offers the instructors and students a chance to simply have a lot of fun. What a wonderful combination! It's clear that the KCS is a great benefit to the mountain tourism industry in Nepal."
Kris Erikson- Livingston, Montana (photo in the
KCS gear room with Panuru, January 2006 by Ross Lynn)
Bryce Brown and Sunny Twelker - Thunder Bay, Ontario
Peter Carse- Bozeman, Montana (photo at the
KCS, January 2006 by X Lee)
"This is my first trip to Nepal and I am honored to be involved with KCS. I can think of no better way to experience Nepal for the first time than to be with a group of talented and dedicated climbers whose goals are focused on the safety and well-being of others. The experience is especially meaningful to me as it is a way to honor the legacy of Alex, a friend and climbing partner. I hope that the contributions I can make to the school, the students, and the community can match what I believe I will gain from them"
"I
work for KCS because it gives me the opportunity to be at
the top of the world and give what I love most to the
people who need it most. There is nothing better
than running around in the Khumbu with ten sherpas ice
climbing every day, what more could a climber
want?"
