James Hamilton
IFMGA Mountain & Ski Guide
James loves the challenge of a climb and the reward of a beautiful sunrise. A climber since his teens, James spends his summers based at New Zealand's Mount Cook, where he has graduated from an Alpine Trekking Guide to a fully qualified IFMGA Guide.
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Bio
Originally from Westport, New Zealand, James now spends the winter months there and the summer months based out of Aoraki/Mt Cook.
James started climbing in 1984 at age 18 and became a guide in 1997. He worked initially as an Alpine Trekking guide and is now a fully qualified IFMGA Guide.
When in the mountains he loves the early morning sunrises and the challenge. As a guide, he enjoys the variety of work in different places around the world. His most memorable climbing/ski experience to date is climbing Mt Robson in Canada and skiing off!
When not climbing James says, "Nothing beats snorkelling for Paua on a calm sunny day on the West Coast of New Zealand!"
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Notable Ascents
Douglas Peak
- Climbed South Face 2 times, 1998
Mt Hicks- Guided right hand Icefields, 2006
Hvannadalshnukur, Iceland- Lead guide, 16 times
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James' Testimonials
"We enjoyed very much our experience with James. He demonstrated a deep knowledge on different mountaineering skills and competencies. Apart from these skills we want to highlight his positive attitude and empathy in providing us a very memorable experience. We love skiing with a ski guide like him that is always looking for another ski run!"
"I came with specific objectives and with James's assistance I achieved them all. The overall learning experience was bang on for me."
Ice Climbing Course