Jack Klim

jack klim

director of sj operations : aspen expeditions

@jacksreel

year you started guiding

2014

what guide services do you work for and where?

San Juan Expeditions, Aspen Expeditions, Alaska Heliskiing, Mountain Trip on Denali, Colorado Outward Bound School

what do you teach? any specific certifications?

AIARE Level 1, AIARE level 2, AIARE Companion Rescue, Crevasse Rescue, Splitboard/ski mountaineering, Rock climbing, Alpine skills. AIARE instructor, Apprentice Rock Guide, Apprentice Ski Guide

what inspired you to become a guide?

I started my career in the outdoors working for the Colorado Outward Bound School, evoking change in students on 30 day mountaineering courses in the Weminuche Wilderness. This sparked my passion for motivating people to get out in wild environments and help others find answers to questions they never thought to ask. Being a guide for me has been a rewarding experience of teaching people how to move and interact with this big beautiful world while learning to develop strong and meaningful relationships through the practice of communication, patience, and getting rad!

any advice for upcoming guides?

Be humble and seek mentorship, fail, practice, send! I have come to understand that I wouldn't be where I am now if it wasn't for those who questioned, challenged, and ultimately supported me in my process of becoming a guide. I recommend fostering the relationships from those that 'have been there and done that' and from the people who have learned the hard way. Build your community of mentors and get into the rhythm with the things you are unfamiliar with.