Dan Mydans

Though Dan seems to carry a warm smile and enthusiasm everywhere he goes, he most comes alive in the mountains – especially snowy mountains. His heavy involvement in our avalanche and ski mountaineering programs well suits his sharp, scientific mind and his passion for skiing and guiding. Then again, he also loves rock climbing, and can often be found guiding in Eldo, Lumpy or RMNP

Dan has completed several avalanche and guide education courses including the AMGA Ski Guide and Advanced Ski mountaineering course. He has also done Both AMGA rock guiding courses and completed the AIARE level 3 Avalanche course

Before focusing his considerable energy on guiding, Dan used his biology degree to conduct conservation research on birds and bighorn sheep, and for behavioral disturbance research on raptors for the Access Fund. He’s also researched climber traffic in Yosemite.

Dan began climbing at age 13 with his uncle and father, and with them, he also climbed his first alpine route – it left a big impression. They were nearing the summit of Mount Owen in the Tetons when “We saw this tall skinny guy running around all by himself. It turned out to be Alex Lowe. He was soloing the Grand Traverse and congratulated us on our first big mountain. He then went off to solo the Grand Teton. I’ve been hooked ever since.” Dan’s 2 biggest passions are ski mountaineering and Big Wall climbing. He has backcountry skied in Canada, Alaska, France, Argentina, and all over the western US. He has also completed 10 big walls including 4 routes on El Capitan.