about forest

Forest guides year round in the US, Canada, Alaska, and Europe. He lives in North Bend, Washington with his wife Erin.  Forest is an IFMGA licensed mountain guide and holds a degree in English and French.  When he is not climbing or skiing he spends his time writing essays and short stories and--god help the neighbors--playing guitar. Forest also serves on the board of the Certified Guides Cooperative, a not-for-profit organization serving certified guides throughout the country.

about mountain guiding

The work of a mountain guide is to bring people into the mountains, and to help them learn how to move over rock, snow and ice in a wilderness setting. A guide must manage risk in a dynamic environment, and must strike a balance between persistence and prudence while trying to reach the summit. The guide's work takes many forms:

• Teaching skills courses on rock and ice climbing, glacier travel and crevasse rescue, and ski touring.
• Guiding climbers of all levels on ascents chosen for pleasure, for challenge, or for educational value.
• Guiding skiers up and down complex, glaciated mountains.
• Guiding long traverses and expeditions in remote areas, on foot and on skis. 
• Teaching  courses on avalanche safety.

The western tradition of mountain guiding began in the Alps of France and Switzerland over two hundred years ago, and has spread to alpine mountains all over the world. In the Northwest, these activities frequently take place in a wild setting, far from roads and human settlements. A guide strives to be a resource for all those who love mountain travel, and to provide a rich experience with reasonable risks to clients of all abilities. If you would like to learn more about guiding, spend a little time exploring my site and drop me a line.