Todd Burleson

Todd has achieved unparalleled success as a guide and business leader in the mountain guiding industry. He led the first successful guided expedition to the top of Everest in 1992. Since that time AAI has guided Everest 37 times over 40 years.

Todd spent most of his childhood in Alaska where his prowess and love for mountaineering was developed. In his forty years of guiding, he has led 8 expeditions to Mt. Everest and has guided successful expeditions on every continent including all of the Seven Summits numerous times.

In addition to being a long time instructor Todd has lead expeditions worldwide including climbs in Mongolia, Greenland, Ecuador, Argentina, Antarctica, Africa and Alaska. He joins many of our expeditions in a support role, overseeing logistics, climber development and ensuring a good time is had by all. He currently lives in Alaska where he enjoys skiing, fishing, flying airplanes and forever climbing great peaks around the world.  In 1998 Todd was awarded the American Alpine Club’s prestigious David J. Sowles award for his rescue efforts on Mt. Everest in 1996. Todd also takes an active role in developing environmental policies for mountaineering, setting standards for the mountain guiding industry, working with the National Park Service and overseeing the Alpine Ascents Sherpa Education Fund.