Born in Bend, Oregon, Ryan cut his teeth as an alpine ski racer before ditching the gates for skins. Ryan has called Bozeman, Montana home for the last 10 years and has guided skiing and climbing for the last 8. Ryan has a strong background in expedition climbing and skiing with eleven expeditions to the Alaska Range and two to the Himalaya. He was recently awarded the prestigious Piolets d’Or—an annual mountaineering and alpine climbing award organized by the Groupe de Haute Montagne—for a climb in Nepal in 2024. As a mountain guide, Ryan has obtained the Ski Guide and Alpine Guide Certifications through the American Mountain Guides Association, as well as the Professional Level 2 Certification through the American Avalanche Association. He has been certified as a Wilderness First Responder since 2017. Ryan holds low angle wiggles and big alpine faces in equally high regard, and simply loves to be in the mountains. When not at work, you can find him hunting for first ascents or enjoying a good read and a strong cup of coffee. We are stoked to have Ryan in position to lead guide WKS1-2 of our 2026 Kyrgyzstan season.