AMGA PARTNER ATHLETE PROFILE: MIKE ARNOLD, WITH DYNAFIT, SALEWA, WILD COUNTRY, and CAMP USA
The AMGA is excited to announce a new blog series, to run for the rest of 2015, featuring Q & As with AMGA guides, instructors, and members who are integral members of our corporate sponsors’ athlete teams—men and women who are delivering both in the guiding world and as ambassadors for their brands and chosen outdoor sport(s). There is and always has been much overlap between mountain guides and top mountain athletes: guiding and teaching are a natural fit for those who excel in skiing, rock climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering, as the activities pull from the same passion, wisdom, and skill set.
This week’s mini-profile is of AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide Mike Arnold, an athlete for our partners Dynafit, Salewa, Wild Country, and Camp USA.
Mike Arnold, AMGA guide and Dynafit, Salewa, Wild Country, and CAMP USA athlete, on Cosmic Couloir, Chamonix, France. Photo: Silas Rossi
How you did you get into skiing and climbing, and then guiding?
It all began in eastern Canada where I grew up ski racing. From there, my passion for the mountains took me into the realm of rock, alpine climbing, and ski mountaineering. After a struggle to establish who I was in Maine, I moved to Colorado to pursue my passion for the mountain lifestyle. Taking outdoor-education classes soon lead me to the AMGA, and then to my current status of IFMGA Mountain Guide. I started guiding seasonally for Rocky Mountain Ventures in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, then had an opportunity to apprentice with Eli Helmuth. Soon after, I found myself.
Why do you love guiding?
Guiding is more than just a job; it’s a passion and a lifestyle. I have yet to come across a community like the guiding/mountain community. No matter where I am in the world, there is a common interest that I am surrounded by. This past year in Chamonix, we had 10 American IFMGA guides at dinner, just reminiscing about past/future trips. Those moments, I will cherish for the rest of my life. Any guide would not be in that environment if it weren’t for our guests. Our guests are the bloodline to the mountain—without their passion and willingness, we wouldn’t have a profession.
Why is standardized guide education important, especially now?
Education, in general, is a crucial element to our society. That is the base of our evolutionary track. Without education, we wouldn’t have state-of-the-art sciences, agriculture, political powers, etc. So why would we think differently about mountain guiding? In the last four years, the interest in backcountry skiing and climbing has grown, with more demand for guides then ever. But what are these guides’ backgrounds? Does climbing 5.13 make you a high-level rock guide? Does skiing big-mountain lines expedite your career as a ski guide? There is more to guiding than just inspiring your guests with your personal abilities. This is where a proper foundation and structure come into play. We need to focus on risk management, client care, etc. to have one uniform idea/thought about doing certain things in the mountains. Our ability to work with other folks and in different countries comes from the education process. Whether it’s with the AMGA or AIARE or any other educational process, we need to have the ability to grow the sport and industry. I look back at my AMGA process on a daily basis when in the mountains—it’s invaluable learning at its finest. Now I plan on specializing in certain disciplines and continuing my professional development as a mountain guide.
What is in your pack on a typical day of guiding?
Honey Stinger products, Voke Tabs, Delorme IN-Reach, first aid, navigation of sorts, and of course, a little treat for the clients. My client database has a block for client comfort food when in the mountains. Nothing like seeing your client perk up when you pull out those Oreos or Gummy Bears.
What has been your best day out guiding, and why?
Some of the best days out guiding are working with return clientele. Seeing someone progress in his or her passion is a priceless moment for a guide
AMGA guide Mike Arnold climbing on Independence Pass, Colorado. Photo: Katrina Devore
What is the one, most essential trick you’ve learned to make you a more efficient guide or climber?
The list of tricks I have learned throughout my career as a climber and skier is endless. But the one crucial/essential trick is the art of longevity. As a young guide, I feel physically invincible at times. But, that’s not reality. I compare it to when I was playing soccer in Europe. My coaches always reminded me: “There is a time to sprint, and then there’s a time to watch and be strategic.” It’s the same idea in guiding or my personal endeavors. With any passion, you need to find a proper balance! Mentorship will help guide you down this path of longevity.
AMGA/IFMGA guide Mike Arnold skiing in Courmayeur, Italy. Photo: Silas Rossi
What is the one item you can’t live without?
Everyone is aware of this: I can’t live without donuts and ice cream.
How do you let loose/relax when you’re not working?
Love playing golf with family and friends. I’m always up for a night out on the town! And, of course, I love climbing and skiing for myself and pushing my personal limits.
What are the top three songs on your playlist?
Chris Malinchak: “So Good To Me”
Lotus: “Behind Midwest Storefronts”
Avett Brothers: any song
