Max Lurie
About me
Max started his guiding career working for International Mountain Climbing School in North Conway, New Hampshire. Surrounded by the White Mountains and living in the Mount Washington Valley, Max honed his craft for both personal and professional pursuits. Climbing and guiding on Cathedral Ledge, Whitehorse Ledge, Cannon Cliff and Mount Washington itself Max put in the miles and hours to rise up through the ranks quickly. In the winter season he climbed as much ice as he possibly could, with the wet climate of New England that was quite a bit. The ice climbing in New Hampshire and Vermont is second to none. Guiding the many classic multi-pitch ice routes in Crawford Notch was how he spent the brutally cold winter months. Max took his first American Mountain Guides Association course in North Conway, New Hampshire. This opened his eyes to the dedication and hard work it would take to make guiding a sustainable profession. During this time Max also volunteered with the local Mountain Rescue Service that performed technical rescues throughout the surrounding mountains. Traveling on glaciated terrain wasn’t new to Max as he had climbed many glaciated peaks personally, not to mention that he studied glaciology at university. Yet, he wanted to develop his guiding skills further. Traveling to the Pacific Northwest and working for International Mountain Guides on Mount Rainier, Mount Baker, and in the North Cascades National Park Max quickly fell in love with that landscape. Over the course of many seasons, Max has summited Rainier nearly 100 times, not to mention ascents of other peaks. Mentoring younger guides and taking a leadership role was a natural progression for him. Going back to his roots as a rock and ice climber, Max traded the snowy peaks of the Pacific Northwest for the rugged and technical Rocky Mountains of Colorado. As an American Mountain Guides Association certified Rock and Alpine Guide, Max was a kid in a candy store. Max can often be found guiding and climbing the tricky and technical routes in Eldorado Canyon or high above Boulder on one of the Flatirons. When the conditions are right, the long technical routes in Rocky Mountain National Park are a fantastic reprieve from the summer heat. In the winter, Max teaches American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education courses. He also owns and operates Alpine to the Max based in Boulder, Colorado.Certifications
Max Lurie
AMGA certified Alpine Guide
AMGA certified Rock Guide
AIARE Course Leader
Nationally Registered EMT
Reviews
Trip: Half Day Fun
With Max L. on October 22, 2024
Company: Alpine to the Max
I am a new, inexperienced climber who is paradoxically terrified of heights and only had two hours to spare on my work trip. Max somehow took all these parameters in stride and figured out the best way to make my climb stress-free! Thanks lots, Max!
By Shawna B. on October 29, 2024
Trip: Intro to Rock Climbing
With Max L. on September 07, 2024
Company: Alpine to the Max
I really wanted to love this experience but it was horrible - from start to finish. I asked for the climbing location in advance and upon arriving, Max told us we had to follow him somewhere else with no cell reception. When we got there, Max did not have us do any stretching, did not ask us any questions about injuries or even engage in authentic conversation. Even though we told him me and my friend told him we were absolute beginners, he had us start on an intermediate climb. He did not teach us any skills. He did not make us feel safe. He pressured me into climbing at a level that I was not trained for. I slipped and scraped up my arms and legs. He told us safety is #3 (not #1). He threw rocks at cute chipmunks even when we asked him not to. When my friend was climbing, he was ignoring her and chatting with other people. At one point she got scared and another teacher had to help her. He had a passive aggressive attitude the entire time. He also did not appear to be a serious climber himself, maybe many years ago, but it was clear to us he is out of shape and only doing this for the money. I caution any beginners to stay away from Max. He is unsafe.
By Jennifer R. on September 14, 2024
Trip: Intro to Rock Climbing
With Max L. on August 31, 2024
Company: Alpine to the Max
Max is a very experienced guide who made our outing great.
By Weston H. on September 01, 2024
Trip: Half Day Fun
With Max L. on August 27, 2024
Company: Alpine to the Max
Went on a half day of sport climbing and instruction with Max…always fun to hang out with, very safe, and a fantastic teacher! I highly recommend this for beginning climbers!!
By Aram N. on August 28, 2024
Trip: Half Day Fun
With Max L. on July 24, 2024
Company: Alpine to the Max
We had the best time! Max made it educational but accessible. We feel confident in our abilities to safely top rope outdoors now. Thank you!
By Stephanie W. on August 01, 2024
Trip: Learn to Lead Sport
With Max L. on July 20, 2024
Company: Alpine to the Max
I did the sport lead climbing course and had the company owner Max as my guide. He did a great job explaining how to place quick draws and pull the rope. I also got lots of time to practice on real crag climbing which was tons of fun and extremely helpful. We also went over basic anchor building skills which I found to be quite useful. Overall a fun day and very educational
By Avery R. on July 22, 2024
Trip: Custom Rock Climbing
With Max L. on June 25, 2024
Company: Alpine to the Max
Amazing rock climbing with Max!! Thank you for an unforgettable adventure.
By Jonathan L. on June 27, 2024
Trip: Climb a Flatiron
With Max L. on June 16, 2024
Company: Alpine to the Max
Absolutely awesome! Would highly recommend hiring Max as we had a blast. It was my first time climbing outdoors and Max was knowledgeable and helpful the entire trip!
By Timmons W. on June 27, 2024
Trip: Custom Rock Climbing
With Max L., Japhy D. on June 06, 2024
Company: Alpine to the Max
So much fun!!!
By Melanie J. on June 07, 2024
Trip: Risk and Reward: Decision-Making in the Mountains
With Max L. on May 15, 2024
Company: Alpine to the Max
By Micah K. on May 17, 2024
Trip: Mountaineering Basics
With Max L. on April 18, 2024
Company: Alpine to the Max
Max is very very knowledgeable and an excellent teacher. I will look forward to more adventures with Max!
By Aram N. on April 25, 2024