10 Reasons You Should Hire a Climbing Guide

When learning any new skill or exploring a new area, be it hiking, running, skiing, snowshoeing, or climbing, hiring a guide is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Climbing is a pretty technical sport and we highly recommend hiring a guide to learn the “ropes” (see what we did there?).

We know what you just said in your head: “But my friend knows how to do that. They’ll teach me.”

Your friends may be pretty awesome climbers, and it seems like total sense to ask them to teach you their skills, but here are some real benefits to hiring a guide:

1. You’ll Have Your Guide’s Undivided Attention

When starting to climb, it is super tempting to tag along with a group of experienced people. Normally what happens is they teach you a few things, you wait around at the bottom while they get some climbs in and then when you’re finally on the rock, you’re left dangling from a rope on the wall, straining to hear your buddies at the base…. and they even drank all your beer! Believe me, we’ve all been there. With a guide, it’s just you and them and you have their undivided attention. They are there to teach you, not for their personal outdoor experience.

2. ALL THE SKILLS!

Your friends may be very smart, legends even, but chances are they are not certified. With a guide, you get the collective knowledge of hundreds of people who spend 200 plus days a year in the mountains teaching. They’ve taken many classes, passed many exams, read many books, and know the five most efficient ways to do just one thing. Your friends have their way, but that one way may not work for you. Having five options to learn a new task is more beneficial, especially for different types of learners.

3. Safety First

You like your friends, but when hanging out with a group, sometimes it’s not as cool to wear a helmet. Your guide is going to make protect your brain as they constantly assess the terrain and the risks associated with climbing. Plus, helmets make you look like an “alpinist.”

4. …which means you’ll feel more confident

Your guide has the knowledge, skills, and medical training to handle any situation that may occur (but wont because prevention is key). That means you are free to feel more comfortable and able to tackle those difficult tasks.

5. Patience, my friend

Your guide has plenty of it. This is what they love doing!

6.Tailored learning.

All guide led services are probably similar, but with Golden Mountain Guides, all guided trips are custom tailored to what you want to learn. Maybe you already know how to sport climb but want to break into trad climbing. Just tell your guide and that’s what you’ll work on. There’s no set teaching plan or “one trip fits all” mentality.

7. No question is stupid

Your guide is there to answer any and all questions you may have!

8. Good for a laugh

Oh, you bet there are jokes. Maybe even a few about climbers! (What type of music do climbers listen to? HARD ROCK!)

9. Local knowledge

A guide can help find the perfect places suited just for you to practice as well as local flora and fauna to check out (or avoid).

10. Try it before you buy it

With Golden Mountain Guides, all gear is included. That way you get a chance to find the perfect fit and test your skills before you spend the money on your own gear.

So next time your want to try out a new activity, look up a local guide to try it before before you get stuck dangling from a rock!

Written by: Whitney Vestal

Whitney is one of the owners of Golden Mountain Guides who love teaching people how to climb and reach goals they never thought possible. All trips are custom-tailored to your skill level. Even if you’ve never climbed, or have been climbing for many years, we can help take you to the next level. Whitney also writes at Racing The States blog.

More Articles For You
Our Community Partners
leave no trace
backcountry
protect americas climbing
campfront technical adventure