Katlynne Schaumberg

Mountain Guide

I started my career in the outdoors during college, when I worked as a guide and environmental educator at Mount St. Helens. After completing my B.S. Environmental Education, at Western Washington University, I moved to Colorado to instruct for Outward Bound. It was there that I fell in love with expedition style trips in the mountains. Waking with the sun, carrying all that I needed on my back, building the trust in my community as we made ourselves vulnerable each day-- living in nature became my norm and happy place. After six consecutive seasons with COBS, I moved into my van and have yet to end the road trip!

In 2016, my work as the logistical support with the American Alpine Institute brought me to Alaska for the duration of the three month climbing season. I was the sole woman there, ensuring the 21 day expeditions had all the food and gear needed to make summit attempts on the tallest mountain in North America, Denali. I watched climbers return from the awe-inspiring Alaska Range, clearly changed by their time in the mountains, I decided I wanted to walk the path of becoming a mountain guide myself.

Now, in my third year guiding for the Alpine Institute, I have been on two Denali expeditions, among many other successful trips and climbs in the Cascades and Southwest United States. I believe the friction of embracing unknown and challenging situations, like that of climbing  mountains, can provide the power of igniting a person’s inner flame and help lead them into having the continued passion for living the greatest life imaginable. As a guide, I lead my clients and students into technical multi pitch rock and alpine terrain, instilling a discernment for decision-making and risk management, with the aim of empowering others with the confidence and curiosity to explore the beautiful landscapes around. As part of the Girls On Ice team, I hope to model and support girls as they develop their own sense of place and belonging in the outdoors.