Kate Keith-Simms

Kate grew up in the New Mexican desert, enjoying skiing and hiking throughout her youth. At 18, she jetted off to Norway to partake in a month long NOLS backpacking and sea kayaking course which ignited her passion for work in the outdoors. Moving to Durango Colorado for a degree in Outdoor Education, she dove into a wide array of outdoor hobbies including canyoneering, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and alpine climbing. Since moving to the Pacific Northwest, big days in the alpine have stolen her heart. She still finds time for non-outdoor hobbies such as painting, reading, yoga, and lizard-esque sunbathing by a good lake.

Take 5 with the Guide

What was your first mountain?
Baldy Mountain, Taos NM

What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not guiding?
Practice meditation

What’s always in your snack bag?
Nerds Gummy Clusters (Berry Edition especially)

If you could be stuck with anyone (past or present) at base camp for a week, who would you choose?
My pops 🙂

One piece of advice for aspiring mountaineers
Find your joy in mountaineering as a whole, not just for the summit