Avalanche Courses

California 14,000 foot peaks

Mountaineering
courses

Rock Climbing

Mt. Whitney

Alpine Climbing /Mountaineering

Backpacking

Skiing

Mule Supported Trips

Women’s Trips

Wilderness First
Responder Courses

Custom/Private Guiding

Gift Cards

Steve

We would use SMC again in a heartbeat and recommend your service to anybody looking to do a trip. Thanks again!

Jim

I just wanted to thank you both for making our climb up Mt. Whitney an absolutely fantastic experience. You guys were terrific and the trip couldn’t have gone any better. I have been talking about it nonstop since getting back and have recommended it and you guys to several friends at home and at work.

Karl

The entire group was impressed with Dave’s technical expertise and leadership qualities. It’s a rare combination that lent itself to calming (group) stress, while providing quiet motivation and instilling confidence in the face of challenging conditions. Dave has the unique set of qualities that helped develop trust and support for everyone to reach their goal. I don’t know where you find these guys, but when people are literally entrusting their lives by believing in their leaders’ guidance, capabilities and decisions, it’s a rare talent indeed

Kirsten

I wanted to email you and tell you how amazing of a time we had climbing Whitney this past weekend! It was one of the most exciting things I have ever done, and I am so glad we had the opportunity to experience such an adventure! Both our guides were outstanding! They really knew what they were doing, I learned so much about climbing and the mountain itself, and I really trusted and felt safe climbing with them. Their leadership really made the trip so fun and do-able! I can’t emphasize enough what an AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, AND AWESOMELY FUN time we had on the mountain!!!

René and Chris

We had a feeling that SMC was a very competent organization from the way you handled your job and we were not at all disappointed.

Steve

We would use SMC again in a heartbeat and recommend your service to anybody looking to do a trip. Thanks again!

Kirsten

I wanted to email you and tell you how amazing of a time we had climbing Whitney this past weekend! It was one of the most exciting things I have ever done, and I am so glad we had the opportunity to experience such an adventure! Both our guides were outstanding! They really knew what they were doing, I learned so much about climbing and the mountain itself, and I really trusted and felt safe climbing with them. Their leadership really made the trip so fun and do-able! I can’t emphasize enough what an AMAZING, INCREDIBLE, AND AWESOMELY FUN time we had on the mountain!!!

Peter

It was perfect. Andrew is an excellent guide; I can’t imagine better. I’ve done four trips with SMC, all of them A+.

Brian

I want to thank your Team for a great Climb on Mt. Whitney this past week. Aaron and Luke did a fantastic job for us. These two young men were friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. It was a pleasure having these two guide us on the mountaineers route. At every step along the way, Aaron and Luke made us feel as if our success, safety and enjoyment was their top priority.
Connie has been extremely helpful and responsive in setting up details of this climb.
I would recommend these guides and your company to anyone wanting a first rate experience. This was an outstanding adventure I will always remember.
Thank you all for helping make it so.

Shawna (on climbing Mt Williamson)

I call and instead of a guide running the company, there is actually an office manager who handles the business side and lets the guides handle what they do best. This woman was phenomenal. This was Tuesday before I left and we talked about the plan, hired the guide, signed the contracts, discussed the gear, and everything within 3 hours. Every question I had was answered within 30 seconds of asking. I was feeling really good about this decision.

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We are the only locally-based AMGA Accredited Business

Established in 1986, the AMGA Accreditation Program endorses guide services, providing a consistent standard for judging the reliability and professionalism of a climbing service by ensuring it:

  • Conforms to industry standardsamerican mountain guides accredited
  • Guarantees rigorous and uniform guide training
  • Is compliant with state and federal law
  • Promotes ethical business practices

Expectations:

  • Businesses are committed to high technical standards, strong programs, and a quality staff of engaged and engaging climbing instructors and guides
  • Businesses have AMGA certified guides and climbing instructors on staff
  • Businesses are required to comply the AMGA Scope of Practice
  • Businesses encourage staff members to pursue AMGA certification, provide mentoring, and support staff through the AMGA training and certification process
  • Accredited businesses conduct annual terrain specific trainings utilizing AMGA certified staff members

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