Valhalla Mountain Guides

Trip: 5 Day Glacier Course

Guide: Ben H.

Our guide Ben structured the days so skills built on each other: cramponing and ice axe work, rope team travel, anchor building, and crevasse rescue systems. The highlight of the entire course: building a full rescue system and hauling my actual teammate out of an actual crevasse. Not a simulation on a slope — a real haul, with real consequences if the system was built wrong. That single exercise taught me more about mechanical advantage, anchors, and staying calm under pressure than anything I’ve read or practiced elsewhere. With just two students to one guide, the instruction was essentially personalized. Ben treated us like future independent climbers rather than clients to be hauled uphill — I left understanding the why behind every system, not just the how. As someone who volunteers in Search and Rescue, I have a decent eye for risk management, and Valhalla’s was genuinely impressive. And yes — we summited on July 5th. But honestly, the summit was the bonus. The skills were the point. If you’re deciding between a guided summit and a skills course, do this one. You’ll come away with both.

By Beccy V. on July 14, 2026

Trip: Custom Trip

Guide: Zach L.

I had amazing time climbing Hurd Peak with Zach. He recommended NE ridge approach. It was super fun. Zach was very patient and did great jobs coaching me a few airy moves. He is the best guide I have worked with

By Jennifer C. on July 04, 2026

Trip: Mt. Shasta 3 day Climb

Guide: Ben H.

On the weekend of June 19, 2026 I hired Valhalla to guide me to climb Mt. Shasta via Avalanche Gulch. I was part of a group of three with Ben as our guide. Although we did not summit due to the weather it was a great experience. Ben taught us roping techniques and how to move when roped up, various foot techniques with crampons and when to use them, ice axe use, avalanche knowledge and much more valuable knowledge. I would highly recommend Valhalla and especially Ben if you are looking to hire a guiding service.

By Michael L. on June 22, 2026

Trip: Custom Day of Rock Climbing in Lake Tahoe - Private

Guide: Ben H.

I had a fantastic day out yesterday with Ben at Donner Summit. My first time climbing in the Tahoe area on a sightseeing holiday over from the UK. Ben was very knowledgeable and skilled, easing me in to the style of climbing. We finished off on the amazing One Hand Clapping at Black Wall which certainly didn’t disappoint. A great day out and highly recommended if you are looking for mountain guiding services. Many thanks!

By Julian W. on June 05, 2026

Trip: Introduction to Mountaineering

Guide: Ben H.

Ben was a fantastic guide! He easily adapted to our backgrounds and helped reassure me throughout as I work toward becoming more comfortable with heights.

By Jessica H. on May 27, 2026

Trip: Mammoth to June Lake Ski Tour

Guide: Ben H.

loved the trip, mammoth to june lake traverse, the scenery and skiing was amazing and the guide Ben was great! would definitely use Valhalla again!

By Peter K. on April 18, 2026

Trip: Custom Trip

Guide: Connor C.

Long time client with Connor, all the many trips guided beyond my expectations in terms of his professionalism and experience, always feel safe and having fun with him

By Jon P. on April 17, 2026

Trip: Steep Skiing & Mountaineering Camp

Guide: Connor C.

Successful trip into the Eastern Sierra's despite challenging weather and snow conditions. We were able to pivot during the trip to find a place to ski successfully. Connor and Valhalla know their skills and do a great job of talking through them and helping you understand them and when to apply them. We worked through various skills like crevasse rescue, ski belay, rappelling, snow and rock anchors and other various systems and skills. On this trip they provided tents and meals for morning and night, the food was good and the gear was great. Will definitely work with them again.

By Christian G. on April 07, 2026

Trip: Mammoth AIARE Avalanche 1 Course

Guide: Ben H.

By Kristen S. on April 06, 2026

Trip: Mammoth AIARE Avalanche 1 Course

Guide: Zach L., Ben H.

I had an excellent experience with Valhalla Mountain Guides during the AIARE 1 course. Our instructor, Ben, was incredibly knowledgeable, approachable, and created a supportive learning environment that made complex avalanche concepts easy to understand. The balance of classroom and hands-on field training was perfect, and I left feeling more knowledgeable about decision making in the backcountry. Highly recommend

By Grace S. on March 31, 2026