SINCE 1985

Montana Alpine Guides (MAG) is dedicated to teaching and guiding rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, avalanche education and backpacking in Montana and Wyoming with select international programs. Based in Bozeman, MT we have guided under our existing permits since 1985. We guide and educate in these disciplines with a goal to increase the knowledge and skill sets of all participants while prioritizing safety and preservation of our public lands.

Our guides rank in as some of the best and most respected professionals in the industry with experience guiding from the Himalaya to the Rockies; from the Alaska Range to Patagonia. We regard our surrounding mountains in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem as our second home, our classroom, and our playground and we look forward to sharing our knowledge, experience and passion for the mountains with you.

MAG GUIDES

SAM MAGRO

Sam has guided professionally on rock, ice, skis and alpine since 2004 throughout the contiguous US, Alaska, Europe, and South America. He has developed climbing curricula and education for MAG, state universities, the US military, and more. He has made successful guided ascents in all disciplines including 2,000′ 5.12 rock climbs, link-ups of WI6 ice routes, technical mountaineering in Peru, Alaska, Tetons, Beartooths, and the first and only known guided ski descent of Gannett Peak, WY among other guiding achievements. Sam is fluent in Spanish. He is a father to three rowdy kids and his wonderful wife who he co-operates MAG

Certifications/Titles

  • Guiding professionally for 21 years

  • AIARE Avalanche III/PRO 2

  • Wilderness First Responder/CPR

  • HAR (High Angle Rescue)

  • American Avalanche Association PRO member

  • AMGA Member

Significant Achievements/Ascents

  • First Ascents: “Infiniti Line” (V, 5.12b, C1, 1,000’), “Sanctum Sanctorum” (5.12+, 900’), “Velvet Hammer” 5.12c (900′), Crossroads (5.13d)

  • First Ascents (winter): “The Reverie” (WI 6+, M7/A1 600’), “Raven Crack-ed” (1,400’ WI 5+ M7), “The Jocko-Phillip” WI6, M9, 650′, W. Mendenhall Tower (n. face), AK (AI5, M5, A1, 2500′)

  • Yosemite: El Capitan: The Salathe Wall (VI, at 5.11+, C2), Free Rider (VI, 5.13a), The Shield (VI, C4, 5.11); Half Dome, Middle Cathedral, etc.

  • Patagonia:  Cerro Torre’s West Face/Ragni Route.  Fitz Roy’s Cassarotto Pillar (Mate, Porro, y lo Demas)

  • Guided on Denali, Alaska; Peru: Toccllaraju, Ishinca, Urus, Llanapacha, Pisco, and others

  • Guiding: contiguous US, Europe, Alaska, Mexico, and Peru (up to 5.12 rock, WI6 ice, & 6,000 m elevation)

  • Climbing trips to Argentina, Chile, Peru, Cuba, Mexico, US, Europe, and Africa

  • Two-time Mugs Stump Award Recipient for new routes in Alaska and Chile

  • First known guided ski descent of Gannett Peak, WY’s highest mountain

  • Father to 3 rambunctious kids and husband to a wonderful wife

RYAN GRIFFITHS

Ryan grew up in Central Oregon, where from a young age he explored the local mountains on skis. His love of the mountains soon led him to rock climbing and then ice climbing when he moved to Bozeman in 2016. Ryan is a full time guide for Montana Alpine Guides. When not at work, you can find him hunting for first ascents or chasing steep and deep snow all across North America. When not in the mountains, Ryan likes to play his guitar, sew backpacks and read a good book. Ryan is pursuing IFMGA certification through the AMGA.

Certifications/Titles

  • AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide

  • AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide

  • Wilderness First Responder/CPR

  • AIARE Pro Level 1

Significant Achievements/Ascents

  • First full ski traverse of the Madison Range

  • First ascent of ‘Whipper Snapper Direct’ 5.11+ 500’

  • First ascent of ‘Battlestar Galactica’ 5.11 6 pitches

  • Multiple first ascents of ice climbs in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, including ‘Moments Notice’ WI5+ 700’

  • Ascent of El Capitan, Yosemite. Triple Direct 5.10 C2

  • One day ascent of NW face of Half Dome, Yosemite

  • 3rd ski descent of the Archangel Ridge on Mount Foraker

  • Ski descent of Denali via the Messner Couloir

  • Catch a Tiger Traverse, Mount Cowen 5.11 3,500′

TAGGART COLE

Tag­g start­ed rock climb­ing in the foothills of the Teton Range around his home of Jack­son, Wyoming at the age of two. He stuck with the sport through­out his child­hood and start­ed to alpine climb and ice climb as a teenager. Since then, Tag­g has spent his time climb­ing all over the Unit­ed States and across the globe­. Going on expeditions to Alaska and the Himalayas. Tag­g has climbed up to 5.13-, WI6+, and M10+. Besides climbing in the winter he skis and has skied the Grand Teton numerous times. Tagg enjoys climb­ing and skiing on all kinds of terrain, as well as shar­ing expe­ri­ences in the moun­tains with oth­ers.

Certifications/Titles

  • AMGA Certified Alpine Guide

  • AMGA Certified Rock Guide

  • Wilderness First Responder/CPR

  • AAI PRO 2 Certification

Significant Achievements/Ascents

  • Harvard Route, Mount Huntington, to summit ridge, in 17 hours camp to camp

  • Solo of SW Ridge of Mount Francis 5.8 in 6.5 hrs camp to camp

  • The Nose, El Capitan in 14 hours

  • Zodiac, El Capitan in 17.5 hours

  • Ski descents of the Grand Teton Via the Ford-Stettner

  • Denali via the West Buttress from 14 camp in 11 hours camp to camp

  • Rock routes up to 5.13a

  • Mixed routes up to M10+

  • First ascents up to 5.11,WI5+, and M8+

  • Guided and personal expeditions to technical routes in the Alaska Range

  • Climbing expeditions to Europe and Asia

TOM RYAN

Tom has been climbing and snowboarding in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for the last 16 years. He continues to find a deep sense of place and value in the GYE and greatly enjoys sharing that with others. Tom has split his time between teaching and guiding over the past 10 years and is passionate about education and teaching/learning. He has climbed or skied in over 15 different countries and loves to learn from other cultures while exploring the vast opportunities for adventure both at home and abroad. Tom has coached and guided everything from youth competitive climbing teams to international climbing expeditions and everything in between. Whether on rock, ice or snow, he enjoys spending time in wild places with good people.

Certifications/Titles

  • American Avalanche Institute Level II Avalanche Training

  • Wilderness First Responder/CPR

  • Youth/Adult Mental Health First Aid Training

  • MS in Education

  • AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide

  • AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide

Significant Achievements/Ascents

  • Climbed in 15 different states and 15 different countries

  • Rock climbs up to 5.13+

  • 25+ successful guided ascents of the Grand Teton

  • Snowboard descents of major peaks in Montana and Wyoming

LINDSAY FIXMER

Since her initiation into climbing in 1999, Lindsay has traveled to world-class climbing destinations and guides clients of all abilities on rock, ice, and alpine climbs. She began a career coaching youth competitive climbing teams and managing climbing gyms. Lindsay transitioned to guiding and has worked extensively across the country and abroad. Lindsay is an ice aficionado, naturally bringing this passion to Montana Alpine Guides. When Lindsay isn’t climbing, you can catch her playing guitar and singing or enjoying a homemade cappuccino.

Certifications/Titles

  • AMGA Instructor Team Member

  • AMGA Certified Rock Guide

  • AMGA Certified Alpine Guide

  • AIARE Pro 2 Certification

  • Wilderness First Responder/CPR

  • Leave No Trace Trainer

Significant Achievements/Ascents

  • Rock, ice, and alpine guide since 2006

  • Rock/Alpine: Sierra, CO and MT Rockies, Tetons, N Cascades, Alaska, Southeast, Northeast, NV, UT

  • Ice: San Juan & Elk Ranges, CO; Hyalite Canyon, Bozeman, MT; Cody, WY; Eastern Sierra; New Hampshire and Vermont; Iceland

  • International: Mexico, Argentina, Iceland

  • First ascents in the US, Iceland, and India

ADAM KNOFF

Adam grew up exploring the wilderness of Minnesota with his twin brother Eric. He likes to claim that after his first climbing class in a small state park named Taylor’s Falls, at the impressionable age of 15, he literally watched the light bulb turn on. From that moment on, climbing has encapsulated every facet of Adam’s life. At the age of 20, Adam moved to Bozeman to attend MSU but found the calling of climbing was too difficult to ignore. In 2001 he left his life behind in Montana and became a full-time mountain guide working for RMI on Mt. Rainier. Adam has been guiding professionally ever since. With numerous expeditions to the Himalaya, Alaska, South America, and Europe, Adam prides himself on being equally versed in climbing and guiding in big mountain terrain, vertical ice and rock, and long alpine adventures. In short, there isn’t anything Adam can’t climb.

Certifications/Titles

  • Over 25 years of guiding experience

  • AMGA Aspirant Alpine Course

  • Wilderness First Responder/CPR

  • AIARE Level 1 Avalanche

Significant Achievements/Ascents

  • Expeditions to Himalaya, Alaska, South America, and Europe

  • Instrumental in starting the Khumbu Climbing School in Phortse, Nepal with the Alex Lowe Charitable Foundation

  • Contributes countless hours organizing the Bozeman Ice Festival and Bozeman World Cup climbing competition

RACHEL KLEIMAN

Rachel Kleiman has been guiding professionally since 2022, with extensive experience in rock climbing and backpacking across the United States and internationally. She has facilitated a wide range of climbing sessions and backpacking trips in various regions in the Bozeman area as well as in Washington, California, Utah, and Arizona. Rachel provides instruction in climbing techniques and safety, ensuring clients of all skill levels have a fulfilling and secure experience. 

Rachel enjoys all types of climbing, from single pitch projecting to big wall climbing to long alpine routes. Her experience is complemented by a background in Environmental Science research, with a Master's degree and from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has developed and delivered educational content related to outdoor recreation, risk management, environmental resource management, and ecology both in the classroom and in the field. Rachel currently resides in Bozeman, MT, and enjoys contributing to the local outdoor community, including volunteering at the Bozeman Ice Festival and as a radio DJ on KGLT.

Certifications/Titles

  • Single Pitch Instructor (with sponsorship from Arcteryx, Flash Foxy, and Brown Girls Climb)

  • Wilderness First Responder and CPR/First Aid

  • Leave No Trace Master Trainer

  • Backcountry Food Handler

  • AMGA Member

Significant Achievements/Ascents

  • Yosemite: El Capitan: Lurking Fear (5.7 C2); Washington Column: South Face (5.8 C1); Serenity and Sons (5.10d), Book of Job (5.10), East Buttress of Middle Cathedral (5.10c A0), etc

  • Zion: Lunar Ecstasy (5.10 C2+), Smashmouth (5.11)

  • Bugaboos: Sunshine Cracks (5.11-), McTech Arete (5.10-)

  • Enchantments: Dragontail Peak: Backbone Ridge (5.9); Acid Baby (5.10+), The Valkyrie (5.10b/c)

  • Sierras: Incredible Hulk: Red Dihedral (5.10), Third Pillar of Mt. Dana (5.10a/b)

  • Grand Canyon: Zoroaster Tower: Screaming Sky Cracks (5.11-R)

  • Single pitch traditional climbing: Index: Even Steven (5.11b); The Creek: Scarface (5.11-), Crack Attack (5.11-); Zion: Dost Mitra (5.11a/b), Lap Dance (5.11-), etc

  • Single pitch sport climbing: Laos: Konterbier (5.12c), Jungle King (5.12b), True Manhood (5.12a); St. George Area: Finally Legal (5.12a), the Sadness (5.12a), The Way of the Peaceful Bolter (5.12a); Southeast US: Wild Yet Tasty (5.12a), Pockets of Resistance (5.12a), etc.