Sawtooth Mountain Guides — Local services in Stanley

I saw a video of 4 people climb the super slabs. I thought it would be a good location for vacation with my family and an opportunity to send my first trad multi pitch. I called Rachel to inquire about the slab. I told her I wanted to lead my first trad multi pitch with my wife in tow and I wanted to hire a guide to manage my kids. I was working that day and she responded super positive about me climbing the slabs and that she would send me an invoice. I looked it over that night and I called her with some questions. It was $1,475.60. I asked her why I needed 2 guides, if I was leading my wife there was no need for a second. She said it was policy to have a guide per 2 people for safety. She also said that it’s unusual to lead. I made it clear I intended to lead my pitch and she said that my guides would work out all the details the day of. She also said there is single routes nearby that we could climb if anyone was unable to make it up their pitches. I sat on the invoice for a few day obviously conflicted. I called asking for something specific, I was clear in what I was asking for and what my expectations were. She charged me a premium for 2 guides.

I met my guides the day of and they asked me what gear I had, I rattled off my rack and they told me I wouldn’t be doing any lead climbing that day. I wasn’t given the option on any route. I was separated from my wife and son for a majority of the climb and was left with a massive feeling that I missed an opportunity. The guides also had us walk down from the summit on steep terrain that my 9 year old fell on multiple times because there wasn’t time to rappel down.

It was a massive disappointment. Rachel, you ruined my adventure. I wish I never called you.

For anyone looking for a (rock climbing) guide service that will provide you with an actual service and not a rigid product that’s excessively priced. I highly recommend Smith Rock. You can find guides there for around 500 a day. The climbing is way more accessible so your day won’t get eaten up in travel. Also it’s 60$ an hour if you go over time and you will be involved in all as opposed to none of the decision making. Smith Rock is Disneyland. It’s worth the drive and you will save enough on your guide for a hotel and food.

Some of the positives. My sons had a good time. They enjoyed themselves and really thought they did something. The experience was positive for them and our guides Neil’s and Drew were genuinely good dudes. I couldn’t enjoy myself as I was fuming most of the day. My boys are interested in doing more multi pitch climbs. For that I’m thankful.

I will be returning home with clean gear, anger and regret. If you love your kids, hate money and have no ambition or desire to learn. Sawtooth Mountain...

Wish the weekend would have lasted forever! Completed the AIARE Level 1 with Chris, Sara and Kirk and I could not have asked for better instructors or hosts. This class is so critical for anyone aspiring to spend more time in the back and the side country. The curriculum that they put together will help any successful student be able to plan wisely before arriving to the trail, make salient observations on the conditions, help you set boundaries as to not get in over your head when conditions are bad or good, to be able to function as a member of team and to know when and where to go to be safe and have fun!

During our class, we were able to experience what it's like to have to travel in the back country during a winter storm and high avalanche danger as we had a pretty hefty winter storm pass through. We had a great classroom and great instructors. At no time did I or anyone else in my group feel unsafe. The accommodations that Sawtooth Mountain Guides put together for us was comfortable too. We had a full class and filled both yurts. We stayed plenty warm at night and no one went hungry during the trip either.

I will definitely be using Sawtooth Mountain Guides again in the future for the refresher course they offer, ski mountaineering clinic and eventually the AIARE Level 2 course. I wholeheartedly recommend Sawtooth Mountain Guides if you are considering any of those. Its truly an unforgettable experience with top notch instructors in a world...

The Backcountry Skill Class I took in December was everything I expected and so much more! Chris & Sara are amazing guides. Not only do they know the terrain extensively, their avalanche and safety protocol kept us safe the whole time.

This course will give you an overview and exposure to everything needed to be safe and have fun in the backcountry. It is not best suited for those just learning to ski or if you don't maintain a solid fitness base. Other than that, you will learn so much!! I was definitely humbled by the physical, mental requirements that one must have to navigate the backcountry and remain safe.

Chris and Sara do a fantastic job of educating. They also make sure to have fun. I have yet to mention the food--outstanding! It was a great reward to eat amazing meals after long days out in the snow.

Beautiful setting and great skiing--We skied fresh tracks every run! I highly recommend this course and look forward to taking the Level 1 course later this year or next season.

Ryan...