About

On the summit of Temple Crag, Palisade Range, Sierra Nevada. | photo Rich Graziano
Chris Simmons is a fifth generation Californian, who grew up skiing and thought nothing was cooler than to get to live in a ski town.  Today he calls Seattle, Washington, home.

Chris works year-around as an IFMGA Mountain Guide and AMGA Certified Alpine, Ski Mountaineering, and Rock Guide.  Since his first season in 1999 he has guided clients in the Wind River, the North Cascades, the Sierra Nevada, the Mexico and Ecuador volcanoes, the Andes, the Himalaya and Antarctica.

Mounting ski bindings in Kashgar,
China. | photo Patsy Garcia
In 2011 Chris earned his certification from the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA).  Also known as the UIAGM or the IVBV, this is the highest level of certification possible for mountain guides, world wide.

Chris guides primarily with Pro Guiding Service, but also works independently and by teaming up with other guide services - allowing him to offer mountain adventures from Joshua Tree to Mt Baker, and overseas to almost anywhere in the world.

In addition to his guiding, Chris is a Technical Representative for Backcountry Access and a Grassroots Athlete for Outdoor Research.  When he's not guiding, he's climbing and skiing in the North Cascades.  He has first ascents and ski descents in the Cascades, the Sierra Nevada, China, and Antarctica.

Certifications
Most people would prefer a licensed contractor over someone not licensed.  Why should guiding be any different?  Certification ensures that your guide has meet a minimum standard criteria in an examination process.  I am proudly a member of the following organizations and hold these certifications:
IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide
AMGA Certified Alpine, Rock, and Ski Mountain Guide
AIARE Certified Level 3 Avalanche Science and Level 2 Lead Instructor
PSIA Certified Level 2 Ski Instructor

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