Andrew Wexler
IFMGA Mountain & Ski Guide
Andrew’s passion for the mountains emanated from his early years mountain biking and hiking in his Canadian homeland. Since then, he has proceeded to climb big walls across the Americas, complete epic backcountry ski traverses and find his thrills speed riding in his local ranges.
-
Bio
Born in Canada, Andrew now shares his time between Canmore, Alberta and Chamonix, France. He started climbing in 1993 at age 19 and guiding in 2000, becoming a fully qualified ACMG/IFMGA Mountain Guide in 2011. His interest in climbing stemmed from years spent hiking and mountain biking. Eventually, he wanted to be able to access more remote and exposed terrain. When asked what he enjoys most about climbing he said, "managing fear, movement, focus, and travel." When guiding he enjoys, "hanging with great people and taking them to wild places they would not otherwise get to." His most memorable trip dates back to 1995, when he took his first climbing trip to the Bugaboos with his brother.
Andrew guides throughout Canada, South America and Europe. He equally enjoys ice and rock climbing, and has done numerous difficult big wall routes in Yosemite, Colorado, the Cascades, Patagonia and the Bugaboos. He is also a keen skier and has spent many days swooshing throughout the Canadian and Alaskan backcountry including a few mega traverses that are unrepeated.
When not climbing Andrew enjoys paragliding and speed riding. His academic background is in international political economy.
-
Notable Ascents
Tordrillo Range, Alaska
- 12 day ski traverse, 2008
Neacola Range, Alaska- 22 day ski traverse, 2006
Fitzroy, Patagonia, 2006- You can read Andrew's first hand account of his ascent in the following article, Fighting for Fitzroy.
Valdez, Alaska- 17 day ski traverse, 2005
Denali, 2005 6,190m- Climbed via Cassin Ridge, a beautiful and continuous line up 9,000 feet/2,745 metres of challenging granite and ice that end right below the summit of the highest mountain in North America.
-
International Expeditions
Elbrus 5,642m
- Lead Guide, 2011 (x2), 2012
Alpamayo 5,917m- Lead Guide, 2004, 2009
Ama Dablam 6,828m- Guide, 2007
-
Andrew's Testimonials
"Andrew, our guide, was superb! I felt totally confident in his leadership. I would definitely recommend AC to others... the trip was organized perfectly and the guide was great. I had an unbelievable adventure and I’ll be back with you guys soon!"