Jake Gaventa hails from the hills of East Tennessee where he was introduced to rock climbing in high school by an inspired teacher. This love has lent itself to many years of vagabond adventures to the mountains of Europe, Asia, Alaska, and (almost!) every range in the lower 48.

Jake View

While not having grown up on snow, Jake is making up for lost time by spending 150-days a year in ski boots. In 2013 he was awarded a grant from the American Alpine Club for a ski mountaineering trip in the Neacola Range of Alaska, where he and two friends succeeded in three first ascents, and 20 first descents. Other notable achievements include winning an uphill downhill ski race while wearing a women’s mini skirt and a fruit basket on his head, surviving a ski traverse in Alaska with no food for eight days, and guiding a novice blind climber up the first Flatiron. Jake loves guiding because he believes strongly in the power of positive outcomes people experience in the mountains.

Jake in a skirt

After nearly 20 years, his passion is continually fueled by being able to share these experiences with others.

Jake has a BA in Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies from Prescott College and is pursuing a Masters in Adult Education. He has worked for Outward Bound, adjunct faculty at Prescott College, as a rock and ski guide in the Front Range, Ski Patroller, and trekking guide in the European Alps. Certifications include Wilderness EMT, Professional Member of the American Avalanche Association, AIARE Course Leader, AMGA Single Pitch Instructor, apprentice AMGA rock and alpine guide, and aspirant AMGA ski guide.

Testimonials

“Fabulous Leaders, Teachers, and Mentors to Our Son”

- Rhonda Davie

“He’s the Best”

My favorite mountain school in Colorado, they have very competent and friendly guides. Jake Gaventa was my guide two times of rock climbing and both were awesome he’s the best mountain guide, very patient and always easy to spark a conversation with. He’s very eager to teach everything he does and careful that you learn something everytime you go out with him. You’ll definitely enjoy your time with the school.

- Abdulrahman Khoja

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