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MEET BRIAN

Originally from North Dakota, Brian grew up hunting, fishing, and spending much of his time outdoors. He graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead (MSUM) with a degree in Anthropology, and worked for a number of years as a field archaeologist in the western United States and Alaska. Brian was introduced to climbing while studying abroad at the University of Otago, New Zealand. He returned to the U.S. with a newfound passion for the sport, and began balancing his time between digging and climbing.

The transition from archaeology to guiding came slowly, but eventually he found himself immersed in a two-year guide training program. After this program, Brian applied and was accepted as a short-term intern at Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures (CMRCA) in Northern Thailand. What should have been four months turned into five years! Initially in charge of training the Thai guides for the AMGA SPI course and exam, his duties morphed into guiding full time, and he became CMRCA’s Head of Risk Management and Guide Training.

NOTABLE ASCENTS

  • Denali (2 expeditions, 2 summits)
  • Aconcagua (4 expeditions, 4 summits)
  • Mount Elbrus (2 expeditions, 2 summits)
  • Mount Khuiten, Mongolia
  • Mount Rainier (multiple ascents via 4 routes)
  • Mount Baker (multiple ascents via 3 routes)
  • Pico de Orizaba, Mexico
  • Itzaccihuatl, Mexico
  • Huanya Potosi, Bolivia, French Route
  • Illimani, Bolvia, Normal Route
  • Cerro Arkhata, Bolivia, “The Keep, ” FA (Grade III WI3+ M4)
  • Cerro Mururata, Bolivia, “Power to the Process,” FA (Grade IV WI5 M5)
  • Haba Shan, China ( Grade III)
  • Back to the Primitive, China (Grade III, 5.11+)
  • Souls Awakening, China (Grade III, 5.10+)
  • Iceland Peak, AK (Alaska Grade II)
  • Finland Peak, AK (Alaska Grade II)
  • Torment – Forbidden Traverse, WA (Grade III, 5.6)
  • Cepeda, Picu Urriellu, Spain (Grade III, 5.10a)
  • SE Ridge Mount Cowen, MT (Grade III, 5.6)
  • Chugach Range Traverse, AK (23 days)
  • Unsupported cycling trip across Cambodia, 1000km (guided twice)
  • Numerous rock and alpine climbis across China, Spain, Bolivia, United States, Thailand, Vietnam, and Chile

CERTIFICATIONS

  • AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
  • AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide
  • AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide
  • Wilderness First Responder / CPR
  • AIARE Level II
  • Leave No Trace Trainer

AWARDS