Laurie Watt
About me
Laurie fell in love with hiking and skiing in the mountains as a kid but it wasn’t until she had sent her kids off to college that she was able to fully embrace mountain life. While raising her family and cultivating a career in Physical Therapy, Laurie found time to trek and climb in Alaska, Switzerland, Africa and Patagonia. Those trips stoked the fire for more time and experiences in the mountains. She expanded her skill set to rock and ice climbing as a guest of Mooney Mountain Guides. Once the kids were off, Laurie committed to the process of becoming a guide. Through training, mentorship and many days out, she has developed her skills and become an AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor, Apprentice Alpine Guide and Ice Instructor Course graduate.
Laurie’s passion is to provide opportunities for beginner climbers, especially all women groups, to try climbing. “I love watching women discover that they are much more capable and strong than they know through climbing”. Laurie guides beginner rock and ice climbing as well as routes on the glaciers of Mt. Baker.
AMGA Single Pitch Instructor
AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide
Certifications
American Mountain Guides Association
Certified Single Pitch Instructor
American Avalanche Association
Professional Level 1
American Mountain Guides Association
Certified Ice Instructor
Reviews
Trip: Women's OPEN GROUP: Top Rope Ice Climbing
With Laurie W. on February 22, 2026
Company: Mooney Mountain Guides LLC
We had an incredible day climbing at Kinsman Notch with Laurie and Tori! Climbing instruction and encouragement set us up well to make progress in our technique throughout the day. I’ve been comfortable with and have had great instruction with every male guide with whom I’ve climbed, but there is something really special about being able to climb with a female guide! Both are excellent mentors and I’m looking forward to continuing to climb with both, but only one feels like a sisterhood.
By Cheryl K. on March 04, 2026
Trip: Women's OPEN GROUP: Top Rope Ice Climbing
With Laurie W. on February 22, 2026
Company: Mooney Mountain Guides LLC
This Top Rope Ice Climbing trip was amazing! I learned so much from Laurie and Toni on this trip, and definitely took my skills up a notch. It was clear our guides had a ton of experience, technical knowledge and familiarity with the area they brought us to. Our day ran smoothly from start to finish, and I know this has a lot to do with a guide's preparation and experience. So glad I went on this trip!
By Cynthia R. on March 02, 2026
Trip: PRIVATE GROUP: Top Rope Ice Climbing
With Laurie W., Toni F. on February 15, 2026
Company: Mooney Mountain Guides LLC
By Erin H. on February 17, 2026
Trip: PRIVATE GROUP: Top Rope Ice Climbing
With Laurie W. on February 01, 2026
Company: Mooney Mountain Guides LLC
This was my first time ice climbing, Laurie gave great instruction and set up a day with enjoyable and attainable climbs for a wide range of abilities. It speaks to Laurie's nature that I never felt like, as the least experienced person, I was holding anyone back or that the climbs were unmanageable. I learned a lot, had a lot of fun and will definitely return in the future.
By Tricia T. on February 14, 2026
Trip: Women's OPEN GROUP: Top Rope Ice Climbing
With Laurie W., Toni F. on January 10, 2026
Company: Mooney Mountain Guides LLC
Such an awesome day! This was my first time ice climbing and couldn’t have been a better intro. Laurie is so thorough and gave us a unique experience to learn, explore and expand on skills. Highly recommend Laurie and the team at Mooney.
By Molly B. on January 18, 2026
Trip: Women's OPEN GROUP: Top Rope Ice Climbing
With Laurie W., Toni F. on January 10, 2026
Company: Mooney Mountain Guides LLC
Great educational experience and lots of fun!
By Sarah G. on January 12, 2026
Trip: Rumney - Half Day
With Laurie W. on September 26, 2025
Company: Mooney Mountain Guides LLC
Laurie was the perfect guide for our half day at Rumney. We learned the basics of sport climbing and I would feel comfortable leading climbs outdoors after our trip together. An amazing experience and a great guide!
By Cameron B. on October 03, 2025
Trip: Women's Open - Rock Climbing Skills Course
With Laurie W. on June 29, 2025
Company: Mooney Mountain Guides LLC
We learned so much in this one day course! Laurie is thorough and patient. She did not get derailed from all of our questions. I learned more than I expected I would today. I will look forward to more courses with Laurie throughout my climbing practice.
By Gina R. on July 01, 2025
Trip: PRIVATE GROUP: Top Rope Ice Climbing
With Laurie W. on March 08, 2025
Company: Mooney Mountain Guides LLC
By Monica M. on March 15, 2025
Trip: PRIVATE GROUP: Top Rope Ice Climbing
With Laurie W. on March 08, 2025
Company: Mooney Mountain Guides LLC
By Amy C. on March 09, 2025
Trip: Climb with Laurie
With Laurie W. on March 01, 2025
Company: Mooney Mountain Guides LLC
My friend and I climbed/mountaineered Mt. Washington with our Guide Laurie Watts and a junior Guide, Toni. Laurie and Toni helped us to feel safe every single step of the way and provided encouragement when my energy level allowed doubt about being able to reach the summit creep in. Laurie entertained us with stories from her many years in the outdoors and also took every opportunity to teach us about the mountain and nature while also instilling in us a respect for the outdoors and Mt. Washington. I would highly recommend Laurie for any trip or activity!!
By Caroline K. on March 02, 2025