Jonathan Kaufmann

Originally from Minnesota, Jon’s guiding career began in a canoe. Quickly realizing his love for shouldering a heavy pack and wading through waist deep “shmoo” but not liking the pesky mosquitoes and leeches as much, he took newfound penchants to the much drier Front Range of Colorado. Jon got his first real taste of mountains and learned a thing or two about style and ease, eventually settling in Summit County to begin his patrol career, but after a couple COLD winters on the continental divide, he made the move out to his current winter grounds of Ogden, UT.

Today, Jon continues a rewarding patrol career that he describes as: doos, dogs, and damn fine mitigation. With an incredible set of mentors across three winter operations, he continues to hone his snow skills each season and skis some of the most exclusive pow in the West. In the summer months Jon travels a migration route from UT to Rainier and the Cascades, the Juneau Icefield, and Denali. When he isn’t guiding, you’ll find Jon spending time with his partner (two makes a better canoe), riding his snow machine, and flying drones.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
Mystical Mtn., MN

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
Rip throttle on my machine

What’s always in your snack bag?
Dominos Pizza

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
My partner, Arity or my coworker, June B. Dog

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Patience……………………………………………………….