Manifesto
We founded CMA because we craved a different approach. While mountain guiding is a discipline that requires sharp skills, deep expertise and extensive investment in years of training, many established operations churn and burn through their workforce seasonally. The result is an uphill grind for many and a profession that is not sustainable for most in the long run. We believed there was a better route.
For us, solving that crux resulted in a cooperative model, where each guide has a personal stake in our collective success. But beyond just strong partnership, having voice in choosing our objectives incorporated both our mountain passions and our business principles into the foundation of what our operation represents and projects. That critical difference means not just a route to happier, healthier guides but also a different operational style where our clients feel the positive guiding energy.
Mission + Vision
By providing high-value training and building institutional knowledge through worker retention, we prioritize work-life balance for our members so that we can provide stellar mountain experiences for our guests and a sustainable career for our guides.
Our strength is in our members. The lessons we’ve learned in the mountains—collaboration, adaptability, managing uncertainty—are foundational to how we operate. We know that climbing partnerships and communities thrive when each member’s voice, skills, and talents are respected and uplifted, so we built a business structure from the ground up that realizes that ultimate objective.
Brand Value
COMMUNITY FOCUSED
We believe in the power of our community. From our rope teams to the global mountain network, we seek connection and forge relationships based on mutual care and shared stoke. We gain inspiration from like-minded mountain people, the PNW town we call home and a professional network of guides we’ve built in our travels and trainings. At the same time, we give back to these groups through sharing our knowledge and investing our time.
Brand Value
DEDICATED PROFESSIONALS
Developing true mountain craft is an ongoing pursuit and we’re in it for the long-haul. Our guides are trained and certified through the AMGA and AIARE, while also bringing dialed technical skills and dynamic leadership skills to every trip. Led by a deep commitment to safety, education, respect, and clear communication, our crew doesn’t just meet industry standards—they raise the bar. We also know that personal mountain time hones skill and fuels passion, so we support our guides in realizing individual goals and getting after it on their days off.
ALYSSA
Mountain Guide & Avalanche Educator + Operations Manager & Co-op Coordinator
From NorCal to her adopted home range of the North Cascades, Alyssa is dedicated to the cause, whether avalanche awareness, affinity programs or co-op businesses.
PHIL
Mountain Guide & Avalanche Educator + Guide & Permit Coordinator
Born and raised in New England, Phil’s scientific pursuits enabled him to range from Montana, Arizona and Alaska to Colorado, California and Argentina en route to earning his creds as a meticulous mountain guide and landed Washingtonian.
ZACK
Mountain Guide & Avalanche Educator + Avalanche Education Coordinator
Zack is a natural educator who cut his teeth in the San Juans and studied elementary ed in college but did his post-grad work on extended Alaskan expeditions for Outward Bound.
MIKE
Mountain Guide & Avalanche Educator + Insurance & Training Coordinator
A passionate high-energy splitboard guide raised at 9,500 feet in a small Colorado mountain town, Mike craves high-output, big-reward missions in our local mountains.
