Ian Peterson grew up in rural Massachusetts, and was fortunate to be introduced to the outdoors at a young age through excursions to the mountains, forests, and rivers of New England with his family. Backcountry snowboarding was the passionate mountain sport that he pursued, and he cut his teeth on the steep, icy slopes of the White Mountains of New Hampshire as a teenager. The hills served as a healthy distraction as Ian pursued an undergraduate degree in Environmental Policy and Education from Colby College, and he balanced his academic studies with guiding and outdoor education work. Ian began guiding for AMG while in college, and has worked full time in the mountains since graduation.

Ian is passionately driven to support each individual’s progression in the mountains, and he works tirelessly to build deep connections between individuals and the landscapes that they move through. Empowering and educating folks to seek graceful movement through the mountains, to refine their risk management skills, and to cultivate powerful relationships through mountain travel is at the core of Ian’s guiding style.

Ian calls Victor Idaho home, and splits his time guiding between the Northern Rockies, Cascades, Alaska Range and beyond. While he guides in all mountain disciplines, Ian’s roots of sliding on snow drive him to seek out powder riding, and steep ski mountaineering objectives in his free time. He’s been fortunate to climb and ride across the Colorado Rockies, the Tetons, the North Cascades, the Alaska Range, and the French and Swiss Alps. When he isn’t guiding, instructing, or personally moving in the mountains, Ian can be found reading a book, or cooking a tasty meal with friends.

Guiding Credentials

• AMGA Assistant Ski Guide
• AMGA Apprentice Rock and Alpine Guide
• AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor
• AAI Recreational Avalanche Course Leader
• AIARE Recreational Avalanche Course Instructor
• Professional Level II Avalanche Course

Medical and Rescue Credentials

• Wilderness First Responder

Academic Credentials

• Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Policy and Education from Colby College