Arielle Todd

Arielle grew up in California, where regular family trips to Yosemite sparked a lifelong love of the outdoors. After earning a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation and Leadership, with summers spent working in Yosemite, the Rockies, and southern Alaska, along with a semester in New Zealand’s backcountry with NOLS, she turned her passion for adventure into a guiding career. Ari has been guiding since 2010, and joined Alpine Ascents in 2017.

Ari spends her time outdoors year round, guiding different peaks across the globe each season. She spends her springs and summers on Washington’s glaciers, leading our mountaineering school in the Pacific Northwest and has lead Alpine Ascents Denali expeditions since 2019. In the fall season she travels to the Himalayas for ascents of Mera Peak, and spends the winter spearheading trips to the Volcanoes of Mexico. Known for her steady leadership, she thrives on helping climbers push beyond their limits in big, remote places.

When not guiding, Arielle can be found running trail ultras, paragliding, skiing, playing on aerial silks, dancing to live music, or plotting her next travel adventure—often while trying to convince friends to come along.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
Mt.Shasta, CA

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
Take a slow morning with coffee

What’s always in your snack bag?
Marshmallows & peanut butter MnMs

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week?
Jackie Chan

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Set big goals! Then take realistic steps to get there