Steven Van Sickle
I’m an American mountain guide who moved to Ouray from New Mexico 16 years ago and have been working full time in the guiding industry for the past 13 years. Living in the San Juan Mountains gives me the chance to ski and climb year-round, while also traveling the world for work and adventure. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to join more than 20 expeditions to Alaska and to climb and ski extensively throughout the lower 48, Canada, France, Switzerland, China, India, and Mexico.
In 2022, I earned my IFMGA guiding license, which opened the door to even more opportunities to explore and share experiences in the European Alps, something I’m deeply passionate about. Guiding has taken me from Yosemite’s big walls, where I’ve climbed routes like The Nose, The Shield, and Zodiac, to the Matterhorn’s Hörnli Ridge, to ski traverses of the classic Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. I’ve also guided countless days closer to home in the San Juans, including ice climbs like Bridalveil Falls and Ames Ice Hose, as well as ski descents such as the Snake Couloir on Mount Sneffels and the Elevator Shaft on the Sultan.
When I’m not in the mountains, I love playing guitar, especially heavy metal, and spending time with my wife, Alex, our pug Geezer, and our Catahoula, Bailey.
I’m a Certified Rock, Alpine, and Ski Guide, and hold certifications in Avalanche Pro 2 and Wilderness First Responder/CPR.
