Hire A Guide – Eric Zaharee

Certifications
    First Name
    Eric
    Last Name
    Zaharee
    City
    Sterling
    State
    MA
    Phone
    978-660-8360
    Website
    States worked in
    Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont
    Countries worked in
    United States
    Brief Bio
    I started rock climbing recreationally in 1978 at Crow Hill in Massachusetts with co-workers from the military. I continued to climb throughout New England reaching consistent and comfortable level as solid 5.8 leader traditional climber competent at multiple pitch climbs. I also received training in military mountaineering skills and training as a ski military instructor. In 1981 I had an opportunity to participate in an exchange program with the Austrian Army and attend a military ski mountaineering course. Skiing and climbing in the Austrian Alps and Tyrol’s fueled my love of the mountains. My military career allowed me the opportunity to lead, train, and manage risk for operations in alpine and other austere areas of the world such as Norway, Germany, Austria, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Honduras, Bolivia, Chile and Afghanistan. I have always made use of the time I had to pass on my knowledge and assist friends, family and co-workers to enjoy rock climbing and skiing. After retiring from the U.S. Army, Special Forces, I started using my experience to teach winter alpine survival, navigation, travel and search & rescue skill in the National Ski Patrol (NSP), Eastern Division in 2006 as candidate instructor for Mountain Travel & Rescue (MTR) Program. In 2008 I was appointed as full instructor after organizing and teaching in several Level 1 and a Level 2 course. In 2010 I was appointed as Mountain Travel & Rescue Instructor Trainer & Mentor and continue to assist teaching and evaluating the MTR course conducted in the Eastern Division NSP. My Avalanche training started back in Austria in 1981 then continued with basic NSP in 1990 and advance avalanche NSP course in 1993 in Tuckerman Ravine, NH. In 2009 I attended Level 2 NSP Avalanche Course Whiteface Mtn. NY. As a member of Mt. Washington Volunteer Ski Patrol I assisted as a candidate instructor with NSP level 1 classes starting in 2007. After assisting both Level 1 and 2 classes I received the NSP Level 1 Avalanche Instructor Certification in 2012. I also attended the National Avalanche School academic session October 2015. I was an assistant instructor in an NSP Level 2 for rescue personnel in Sunlight Mtn. Colorado in February 2016. I have a passion for both skiing and teaching. It is my dream job to continue to learn and to pass on my knowledge of the outdoors. I believe the 11th essential is the knowledge, skills and attitude to not only survive but, to celebrate the unparalleled beauty of the mountains. My guiding experience has not been the usual commercial guiding. I come from the search and rescue background working as a Forest Service Volunteer for the Mt. Washington Avalanche Center and the National Ski Patrol. I feel the experience and training has prepared me for commercial guiding. I enjoy teaching and guiding and believe it is our duty as human beings and guides to help others stay safe and pass on the knowledge we have gained though our own experiences. One thing I have learned in life is what you don’t know will kill you quicker than anything, and Mother Nature doesn’t give a damn who you think you are! Respect for your fellow human beings and Mother Nature is always the right thing to do.
    Fun Fact
    Retired U.S. Army Pack Mule
    Guiding Since
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