Meet Your Guide

Backcountry ski guide, Private Alaska Ski mountaineering guide, Guided ski trips in Alaska, Chile, Tetons, Colorado, and Mexico

Chris Martin

Owner & Lead Guide
IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guide via AMGA

Based in Crested Butte, Colorado, Chris is deeply committed to his role at Eleven Experience and Irwin Guides, guiding clients through breathtaking alpine landscapes. Yet, he remains just as passionate about his personal pursuits in the mountains, continually seeking new challenges and experiences.

Outside of guiding, Chris explores his creative side through yoga, music, and art, often inspired by the stunning views and powerful experiences that nature offers. In addition to his guiding certifications, he also holds a Pro 2 avalanche forecasting certificate and serves as an AIARE Course Leader, underscoring his expertise in both safety and education in mountain environments.

Chris Martin embodies the essence of adventure, having embraced the thrill of the mountains since his first ski descent. His passion for skiing opened the door to a world filled with exploration, an enthusiasm he now channels into guiding others toward their own mountain aspirations. With extensive experience that spans from South America to Alaska, Chris provides both personal adventure and professional guidance in climbing and skiing.

As an Internationally Certified Mountain Guide, acquiring his IFMGA Mountain Guide Licensure in 2022 marked a significant milestone in his career. His dedication to safety and skill in mountain operations are further underscored by his experience in rescue operations with the National Park Service on Denali. This profound understanding of the challenges posed by mountain environments has instilled in him a deep sense of humility and the necessity for intentionality in risk assessment and mountain travel.

Credentials

  • IFMGA Licensed Mountain Guide via AMGA

  • SKILLSET: Ski, Rock, Ice, Alpine, River

  • 4FRNT Skis Ambassador

  • AIARE Course Leader

  • Avalanche Forecaster: AIARE Pro 2 Certification

  • B.A. Adventure Education

  • Wilderness First Responder

  • 200 Hr Yoga Teacher Training - School Yoga Institute

  • Revo Sunglasses Ambassador

  • Friend of RMU

  • Internationally Certified & Licensed Mountain Guide(IFMGA / UIAGM)

  • Guide for Irwin Guides & Eleven Experience

  • Heli Ski Guide In Haines, Alaska for SEABA HELI

  • Guide at Exum Mountain Guides

  • Guide for Limitless Guiding in Japan

  • Guide for Ice Axe Expeditions in Antarctica

  • Guided Ski Descents of six South America Volcanoes

  • Guided Alaska Range Ski Mountaineering Trips

  • NPS Rescue Team on Denali (2015 & 2017)

  • Guided Climbing Ascents of Cathedral Traverse in the Tetons

  • Guided Ascents of many classics in the Wind River Range of Wyoming

  • Guided Ski descents of Mount Baker & North Cascades National Park

  • Guided Ascents in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison

  • Guided Ski Descents of many Colorado 14ers

Career & Guiding Highlights

Notable Descents:

Backcountry ski guide, Private Alaska Ski mountaineering guide, Guided ski mountaineering trips in Alaska, Chile, the Tetons, Colorado, and Mexico

  • SE Face, Punta Velluda (6594'), Fitz Roy Massif - El Chalten, Argentina 

  • West Buttress, Denali (20,320'), Alaska Range 

  • Ford Stettner Couloir - Grand Teton (13,775'), Grand Teton National Park 

  • El Jamapa Glacier, Pico De Orizaba (18,491'), MEX 

  •  Volcan Callaqui, Bio Bio Region (10,381’), Chile

  • Volcan Punitaguda - Cordon Cenizos, East Face, Los Lagos Region (8,179’), Chile

  • Fuhrer Finger, Mt. Rainier (14,411'), Mt. Rainier National Park

Notable Ascents:

  • West Rib AI3, Denali (20,321'), Alaska Range 

  • Anguja de Hielo AI2, Pico De Orizaba (18,491'), MEX 

  • Cirque Traverse 5.9, Grade V, Wind River Range 

  • Grand Traverse 5.9, 12,000’, Grade V, Grand Teton National Park

  •  Scenic Cruise 5.10+, 1700’, Grade IV, Black Canyon National Park

  • Stand Up Comic 5.11+, Grade III, Black Canyon National Park

  • Silk Road - High Times 5.11, 1000', 14 pitches, Grade IV, Calaveras Dome 

  • Time Wave Zero 5.12a, 2300’, El Potrero Chico, Mexico

  • Ao Nang Tower 5.11, Phra Nang Peninsula - Andaman Sea

  • The Diamond 5.11, 900’, Grade IV, Rocky Mountain National Park, CO

Do you have questions about our trips?

Please don’t hesitate to reach out!