Matt Zia
About me
Born and raised in New Hampshire, Matt spent his childhood running around the White Mountains, building a tolerance for bad weather and bushwhacking. After moving West after high school, Matt discovered climbing and the joy of powder skiing. He has since pursued both sports around the Rocky Mountain West and the world, and has worked in the outdoor industry for a decade. His experience includes stints as a lead mountaineering and climbing instructor and program manager at the Colorado Outward Bound School and Montana Wilderness School, and as a high school math and science teacher. He currently resides in Bozeman, MT and enjoys exploring the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem on foot, skis, and bike. Between work you can find him spending time with his partner and dog, fixing outdoor gear, or chasing fresh snow and new routes in the mountains. He's been lucky enough to climb around the world, including trips to Patagonia, New Zealand, and Canada, but the combination of wild spaces and community keeps him grounded in Bozeman. In addition to his work with MMA and the JMT, he teaches for the Friends of the Gallatin National Forest Avalanche Center and guides for Exum Mountain Guides. Matt guides rock, ski, and ice trips for MMA. Send him an email to plan an adventure!Certifications
AMGA Certified Rock Guide
Reviews
Trip: Matt Zia
With Matt Z. on March 13, 2025
Company: Montana Mountaineering
By Tyler F. on March 15, 2025
Trip: Custom Rec Level 1
With Matt Z., Bailey S. on February 28, 2025
Company: Montana Mountaineering
Matt was amazing- I can’t think of a person better suited for this role. He is hilarious and knowledgeable, but super relatable and has some great anecdotes!! I felt like every question we had was perfectly answered and explained. Definitely recommend this and had a great time.
By Morgan L. on March 10, 2025
Trip: Custom Rec Level 1
With Matt Z., Bailey S. on February 28, 2025
Company: Montana Mountaineering
The Rec 1 with MMA was awesome. Matt was a great teacher and was very knowledgeable about avalanche safety. This course helped me to build upon my knowledge of avalanche safety.
By Jenna L. on March 06, 2025
Trip: Custom Rec Level 1
With Matt Z., Bailey S. on February 28, 2025
Company: Montana Mountaineering
Matt really took the time too. Explain things to us and you could tell he's really excited about what he was teaching.
By Mark H. on March 04, 2025
Trip: Custom Rec Level 1
With Matt Z., Bailey S. on February 28, 2025
Company: Montana Mountaineering
The Rec 1 with MMA was amazing. I learned everything I wanted and hoped to learn and am so excited to continue to grow my knowledge in the backcountry and take more MMA courses in the future. Matt was so awesome, he was knowledgeable, fun, answered every question from the group, facilitated great conversations about avalanche dangers, and prepared the group to be as safe as possible in the backcountry. I truly could not have asked for a better course!
By Camryn B. on March 03, 2025
Trip: Ice Climbing Progression
With Matt Z. on February 15, 2025
Company: Montana Mountaineering
Matt was a joy to climb with. He was very knowledgeable both about the area and climbing. His instructional style was perfect and we had an absolutely fantastic time!
By Christina K. on February 23, 2025
Trip: Matt Zia
With Matt Z. on January 24, 2025
Company: Montana Mountaineering
Great day ice climbing with Matt. I learned so much and had so much fun. Will definitely be back for more. Matt was a great guide and teacher, highly recommend him.
By Chris R. on February 12, 2025
Trip: Rec Level 1
With Matt Z., Bailey S., Jack T. on January 31, 2025
Company: Montana Mountaineering
By Jared A. on February 04, 2025
Trip: Rec Level 1
With Matt Z., Bailey S., Jack T. on January 31, 2025
Company: Montana Mountaineering
Great trip, learned a ton and the guides couldn’t have been better. It does seem like the classroom section is almost unnecessarily b/c it is the same as the curriculum on google classroom. Seems redundant but other than that the field days were perfect and couldn’t have been better.
By Erik B. on February 03, 2025
Trip: Matt Zia
With Matt Z. on January 22, 2025
Company: Montana Mountaineering
By Tyler F. on January 24, 2025
Trip: Matt Zia
With Matt Z. on December 20, 2024
Company: Montana Mountaineering
By Tyler F. on December 21, 2024