Why Hire Joe?

Joe's Guiding Style

While Joe enjoys climbing and mountaineering, he is primarily an Alaska backcountry ski guide. He is passionate about the slower, earn-your-turns pace of non-mechanized skiing in wild places like Alaska. Joe finds that he shares the mindset of most backcountry skiers who love being on skis in the mountains, seeing new places, and chatting on the skin track about common passions.

In terms of risk, Joe has been mountain obsessed since he was a kid. That means he has a lot of knowledge, skill, and experience. On the other hand, Joe is now middle-aged, which means he has become more risk averse. While Joe still craves big vertical days, and big terrain, his priority is low risk adventure. That means often skiing simple and challenging terrain and occasionally stepping into complex and extreme terrain when conditions and the team align.

Joe is an Established IFMGA Mountain Guide in Southcentral Alaska

You wouldn't hire a surgeon or pilot without formal training and certification. Same with a guide. Make sure your guide has the best training—and proof of it. The international standard for guiding is set by the IFMGA. The AMGA is a member of the IFMGA. Joe is internationally licensed by the IFMGA and fully (ski, rock, alpine) certified by the AMGA. Read more about the AMGA and IFMGA.

Joe Wrote the Book on Southcentral Skiing

The Alaska Factor is a guidebook written for visitors and those new to Southcentral backcountry skiing. It includes tips for planning your ski trip to Alaska, how to negotiate Anchorage, information on weather and snowpack, and how to access the main backcountry ski zones. Local skiers will find inspirational photos of their buddies and an easy gift for friends from Outside. 

Joe Has the Experience in Southcentral Alaska

Joe has skied and guided all over Southcentral Alaska. For you, this translates to exploring with a guide who will find the best conditions and terrain for your interests. These are a few of Joe's lengthy trips:  

Specializing In All Mountain Travel 

Joe has a broad set of mountain skills. He can take you backcountry skiing, ski mountaineering, trad rock climbing, sport climbing, ice climbing, scrambling, mountaineering, bouldering, mountain running, and trekking. Sorry, no base jumping!

You'll Have Fun With Joe

Your satisfaction is Joe's goal. Read more about Joe

The best! I trusted you after 1/2 day 100%, does not happen often, never to any guide up to now.
— Philipp Becker