Guide Bios
The staff and guides of Southwest Adventure Guides are dedicated professionals with years of experience, not only in the high mountains, but also in the countries we travel to. All of our guides are trained in accordance with the standards of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), have advanced wilderness medical training and speak the language native to the regions in which we operate our trips. In addition to our staff guides, we employ "in-country" guides for logistical support and cultural interaction.
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Nathan Disser is the Director and Head Guide of Southwest Adventure Guides LLC. He has climbed and guided extensively in North America and abroad. He began guiding in the St. Elias Mountains and has also guided on Mt. Rainier and Denali. He has a BA in Psychology and a BA in Organizational Communications, is a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and is Level 3 Avalanche Certified. Nate is also an AMGA Certified Rock & Alpine Guide, the highest level of certification available for guides working in that terrain. Nate is also a member of the AMGA Board of Directors.
Email Nate
Certifications:
WFR | Level 3 Avy | AIARE Instructor | LNT Trainer | AMGA Rock & Alpine
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Drew Billstein is the SWAG Office Manager, year-round guide, and the friendly voice on the other side of your phone calls and emails. His obsession for the steep and deep is trumped only by his love for guiding others. Drew had ventured all around the globe but calls the San Juans home. When Drew is not skiing (rare; he has skied every month of the year since October 2010 and isn’t stopping!) he can be found climbing in the high alpine, riding his bike, or cooking some fantastic grub with his lady and dog. Drew can't wait to help you plan the trip of your life!
Email Drew
Certifications:
WFR | Level 2 Avalanche | AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
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Keeton Disser is the SWA Guides Graphic Design and Marketing Specialist. She is also the Owner/Director of The Rock Lounge - Durango's Premier Climbing Gym. Aside from her superb artistic design skills, she is also an accomplished rock climber, mountain biker. Keeton is most at home in the southern Utah desert where she can be found jamming her way up the latest test piece Indian Creek crack or yet another tower. She is Level 1 Avalanche certified and is also certified in Wilderness First Aid.
Certifications:
Wilderness First Aid | Level 1 Avalanche
Email Keeton
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Matt Pickren guides a wide variety of trips from rock or ice climbing in the San Juans to backpacking in Utah. Matt has climbed big walls in CO, UT, and CA and over 60 desert spires. Matt is active on the local rescue team and has graduated from Fort Lewis College with a degree in Biology. Matt has become one of our most requested guides and after you experience his enthusiasm for climbing and the mountains you'll want to climb with him again too!
Certifications:
Wilderness EMT | Level 1 Avalanche | LNT Trainer | AMGA Rock Guide
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Bill Grasse guides rock, ice, and alpine climbing trips for us in the San Juan Mountains, as well as desert rock climbing trips in Utah. Bill is an accomplished rock climber, with many El Cap walls and hard free ascents to his credit. Bill is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and WFR and Avalanche Level 1 Certified. He enjoys teaching climbing to others and thinks there's nothing better than a great trip to Indian Creek with his closest pals!
Certifications:
WFR | Level 1 Avy | AMGA Rock Guide | LNT Trainer
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Ben Kiessel instructs rock, ice and mountaineering courses in the San Juans, and in Utah's Canyonlands. Ben is an accomplished rock, ice, and alpine climber and has a passion for teaching other aspiring climbers. Ben completed a degree in Outdoor Leadership at Western State College in Gunnison, CO. During his time there he climbed extensively in the Black Canyon, navigating many of the canyons more difficult routes. He has also climbed extensively throughout Colorado, and Utah's Canyon country, as well as up north in Denali, AK.
Certifications:
WFR | Level 2 Avy | AMGA Certified Rock Guide | LNT Trainer
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Gary Falk guides rock climbing, mountaineering, and skiing in the San Juans, Tetons, Wind Rivers, Canyonlands, The Black Canyon, and Red Rocks. Gary also guides many of our trips in Mexico, and South America. A former personal trainer, he specializes in achieving realistic climbing goals through hands on education, helping his clients build confidence through progressive challenge. Gary is also a guide for Exum Mountain Guides and Rainier Mountaineering Inc.
Certifications:
Wilderness First Responder | Level 3 Avalanche | AMGA Rock Guide
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Mark Allen is a Washington native and has been climbing since 1991 and guiding since 2001. Domestically his guiding experience includes extensive Alpine, Ice, Rock and Ski trips in the Cascades and Sierras with additional experience in the Alaska Range, Coast Range of Canada, Red Rocks, NV, Joshua Tree, CA, the Tetons, New Zealand, and Patagonia. Mark's academic background is in geology with an emphasis on mountain building processes. Check out Mark's blog here: http://alpinelines.blogspot.com/
Certifications:
Level 3 Avy | WFR | AIARE Course Instructor | IFMGA Mountain Guide
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Sheldon Kerr began her guiding career in Alaska in 2004. She has climbed, skied and guided throughout the Alaska Range, Chugach, and Wrangell-St. Elias. When a craving for shorter approaches and shiny bolts strikes, Sheldon’s favorite spots on earth are Chamonix, France; Courmayer, Italy; and Smith Rock, Oregon. She has also climbed and guided a number of high-altitude peaks including Denali, Aconcagua, and Kilimanjaro. Winter finds her in Colorado’s San Juans ski guiding from chairlifts, skin tracks, and helicopters during the week. Weekends are reserved for ice climbing and reading the New Yorker. She is a National Avalanche School graduate, AIARE (American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education) Level III certified, and teaches Level I and II avalanche courses. Sheldon is also an EMT. Follow her adventures at www.sheldonkerr.com.
Certifications:
EMT | Level 3 Avalanche | AIARE Level 1 & 2 Course Leader
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Andrew Klotz teaches our Avalanche Courses and guides our Backcountry Ski trips in the San Juan Mountains. Having climbed and skied extensively throughout the US, Canada, and select locations in South America, he's developed a particular affinity for the study of avalanche phenomenon here in the San Juans. Don't expect to reach Andrew by phone or email on a powder day, as he's sure to be doing "field research" in his quest to find the most stable line to ski.
Certifications:
WFR | Level 3 Avy | AIARE Course Leader | PSIA Level 1 | AMGA Ski Guide
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Aaron Ball has spent many years skiing and climbing throughout the US and recently settled in the San Juans. He has skied extensively in the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada, Cascades, Wasatch, Tetons, and Rocky Mountains. He worked as a staff trainer and lead instructor for Outward Bound leading courses up to 30 days long. He currently owns and operates Southwest Rescue offering courses in wilderness medicine and swiftwater rescue. He is Level 3 avalanche certified, is a Wilderness EMT, a Level 1 AIARE avalanche instructor, and a proud father.
Certifications:
Level 3 Avy | WEMT | AIARE Course Leader | WFR Course Leader |
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Adam Knoff began his guiding career in 2001 with RMI and has since climbed and worked continuously throughout the U.S., South America and Asia. In 2004 he helped create and eventually direct the Khumbu Climbing School in Nepal which helps indigenous Nepalese be more competent climbers, leaders and English speakers while working with large expeditions. Adam lives with his family in Bozeman, MT. where he guides ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon and chases his three year old son Liam around attempting to steal his ice tools. Adam has a level two avalanche certification and is a WFR and LNT trainer. Adam guides our ice climbing programs in Cody and the South Fork Valley, Wyoming.
Certifications:
Level 2 Avy | WFR | LNT Trained |
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Ian Allison has lived and played in the San Juans for the last 8 years. He is a member of La Plata County Search and Rescue, AMGA, Access Fund and the AAC. His favorite pursuits include anything vertical. Most of the year he can be found on a remote desert tower or in the high country on an alpine wall. In the winter you will find him on long ice climbs or dropping a knee in some pow.
Certifications:
WFR | Level 2 Avy | AMGA Rock Guides Course | LNT Trainer |
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Mike Sibalski is a recent graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh's Expeditionary Studies Progam. He has been fortunate enough to climb in a number of areas in the states and abroad including Joshua Tree, Red Rocks, the Gunks, Pembrokeshire, El Potrero Chico, and Hong Kong. He grew up in Wilmington, New York, which is located within the Adirondack State Park. Having spent the majority of his climbing years there, he feels that the area has greatly contributed to the climber he is today. Mike guides courses and trips in Colorado's San Juan Mountains.
Certifications:
Wilderness First Responder | AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
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Marc Beverly teaches avalanche courses and guides ice climbing trips for us in the San Juan Mountains. Originally from the alpine mecca that is Albuquerque, NM Marc, who is also a Physician's Assitant and Paramedic, is an accomplished rock/ice/mixed climber, and skier. He is an AMGA Certified Rock Guide and is also a Level 1 and 2 AIARE Certified avalanche instructor. You can read more about Marc, or take one of his professional rescue courses, at www.strikerescue.com.
Certifications:
Level 3 Avalanche | AIARE Course Leader | WEMT | AMGA Rock & Alpine Guide
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Josh Coffin, a reformed ski patroller, teaches avalanche courses and guides backcountry skiing for us in the San Juan Mountains. Josh is also an accomplished mountain biker and guide for Western Spirit out of Moab, Utah during the warm months of the year. Known for his love of powder skiing, and eternal optimism, you'll thoroughly enjoy your day with Josh. Josh is WFR and Avalanche Level 3 Certified.
Certifications:
Wilderness First Responder | Level 3 Avy | AIARE Course Leader |
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Elias des Andres Martos grew up in Segovia (Spain) at the foothills of the Sierra Guadarrama, where he began going to the mountains at the age of 8. After his college years, he pursued formal mountaineering and climbing instruction with the Spanish Mountaineering Federation, a task that he continues today with the AMGA in the USA. In 2004 he arrived in Colorado, where he matured as a climber, making the Rockies his playground, having ascended over 100 peaks above 4000 meters. Currently, he lives in Vail, where besides ice climbing, he also volunteers in the Search & Rescue group. Elías has climbed in North and South America as well as in Europe. He enjoys sharing climbing time with people on snow, ice or rock, but prefers them all combined in an attractive alpine route. Elias for sure loves to share his favorite sight ever, that of the Patagonian Ice Shelf, the 3rd largest continental ice cap in the world where he will for sure try to encourage you to go!
Certifications:
Wilderness First Responder | Level 2 Avy | AMGA Rock Instructor Course |
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Tyler Reid comes to Southwest Adventure Guides with an extensive background in snow and guiding experience on Denali, Mt Rainier, and internationally. He’s a long time backcountry skier and former ski patroller with experience in both maritime and continental snow climates. He has AIARE Level 3 Avalanche training (highest in the US), is an AIARE Instructor, Wilderness EMT, and recently became certified as an AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide. When not in the mountains he enjoys surfing, reggae music, and spending time with his fiancée Katy.
Certifications:
WFR | Level 3 Avy | AIARE Instructor | AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide
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Lindsay Mann was born in Bedford, Massachusetts. She ski raced competitively all through high school, which gave her opportunities to race and train internationally, exposing her to mountains all over the world. Her passion for skiing took her to Dartmouth College where she helped her team to win an NCAA title in 2007, while pursing a B.A. in geology. Lindsay currently spends her winters in Aspen, Colorado, coaching alpine ski racing and enjoying backcountry skiing. Besides skiing and mountaineering, Lindsay's passions also include mountain biking, climbing and soccer.
Certifications:
WFR | Level 2 Avy | AIARE Instructor |
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Andy Gresh has been guiding for Southwest Adventure Guides since the late '90s. His knowledge and expertise in the San Juan Mountain and the areas around Durango is legendary, as is his enthusiasm for all things outdoors. Andy guides rock climbing and multi-day mountain climbing trips in the summer. When he's not guiding he's chasing after his two lovely daughters and sneaking in a fast ascent in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison.
Certifications:
Wilderness First Responder | Level 2 Avalanche |
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Cara Kropp is the newest addition to the staff, but brings with her a wealth of outdorr trip leadership experience. A graduate of the Prescott College Outdoor Leadership degree program, she has also guided extensively in the San Juan Mountains for Deer Hill Expeditions. An avid traveller, Cara is also an excellent rock climber and has a passion for all things outdoors.
Certifications:
Wilderness First Responder | Level 1 Avalanche |
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Ryan Moore has spent most of his climbing career on the East Coast, but moved to Colorado in recent years in pursuit of his passion for the mountains. He has climbed in several states as well as South America including Ecuador, Chile and Argentina. He enjoys canyoneering, mountaineering, rock climbing, and snowboarding and whenever he can find the time he likes nothing more than being in the backcountry. Ryan is currently a student at Fort Lewis College studying adventure education and is the vice president of the Adventure Education Club
Certifications:
WFR | Level 1 Avalanche | AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
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Dave Rogers is the Director of Business Development for Southwest Adventure Guides. David has over 20 years of experience starting and growing environmental and outdoor industry businesses in the United States and Latin America. David is a licensed professional geologist, entrepreneur, outdoor enthusiast and avid traveler. He holds both a B.S. and M.S. in Geology.
Certifications: Level 1 Avalanche |
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Mason Disser is a future guide in training. The newest addition to the SWAG family sure has made himself right at home with the other guides. Word actually has it that he's been heard bossing a few people around from time to time, most notably his mom and dad! If you climb with us long enough you might be guided by this handsome young fellow some day!
Certifications: Terrible 2's | Driving Mom & Dad Crazy! |
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International Associates
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Mexico
Cristobal Corona organizes our trips and logistics services in Mexico. He has logged many ascents in Mexico, the Alps, Pakistan and in the United States. He has been guiding the Mexico volcanoes for the last 20 years and is one of Mexico's most respected guides. He has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He speaks both English and Spanish. |
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Peru
Rodrigo Callupe is a full time mountain guide and climbing instructor. He has been guiding for 20 years in Peru's Cordillera Blanca and is UIAGM/IFMGA Certified through the Peruvian Mountain Guides Association (PMGA). He has guided all of the major mountains in the Blanca numerous times, including Huascaran, Alpamayo, Artesonraju, and many, many more. Rodrigo is unrivaled in the Blanca for his ability to organize trips effectively, and guide both easy walk-ups and hard alpine climbs with style. He speaks English and Spanish. |
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Ecuador
Marcelo Puruncajas organises and runs our support services in Ecuador as well as guides trips. He has been climbing the mountains of Ecuador for the last thirty years and has Ecuador's top guides working under him. He speaks both English and Spanish. Marcelo is a Certified Mountain Guide through the ASEGIUM in Ecuador. |
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An individual guide, who has been through an AMGA certification exam, demonstrates a high level of specific skills which separates the professional guide from the recreational climber. An individual can obtain certification in any or all of three primary disciplines: rock, alpine, and ski. The certification process requires a substantial investment of time and money which contributes to the guide’s high operating expertise and standards. Guides who have completed the rigorous AMGA certification process have met accepted worldwide standards of guiding expertise in areas such as hazard awareness, client care, terrain assessment, minimum resource impact techniques, high-angle rescue, and professionalism.
The American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education provides avalanche instructors with the tools to educate students about the knowledge and decision making skills necessary to travel in avalanche terrain.
As a blind climber, I've done expeditions all around the world and dealt with all kinds of local outfitters and guide services; Southwest Adventure Guides is the best!
Erik Weihenmayer
Golden, CO
I would like to let you know what a great time we had in our ice climbing experience recently. Matt was an excellent guide. He was patient, thoughtful, and improved ourskills tremendously. He was very thorough and safety conscious. I would highly recommend Nate to anyone and would love to travel again with him on another trip. Happy adventuring!
Tanya H.
You showed me the time of my life in the winter of 1999. I did the ice climbing program & summited Mt. Engineer. We also enjoyed a night of stout at Carver's! Your guiding & instructional style was, for a lack of a more perfect word, AWESOME!
Jeff M.
I found the trip to be a great experience and enjoyed all of the personnel and guides associated with Southwest Adventure Guides, particularly Marc Beverly.
Steve K.
Have been to Chicago basin twice with SWA Guides. Could not be happier with both guides I've had and they represent your company very well.
Bob A.
Once again I was completely impressed with your guide Bill and the trip overall. You can trust that I will be back this winter for some more ice climbing in Ouray and Silverton backcountry.
Scott R.
"The last day touring was awesome. Tied everything together (route selection, human interaction, snow obs. etc.). Highlight was the end when the 3 dummies were buried & we had to find them, simulating a live burial. It was stressful but a great learning experience!"
-Patti R.
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