Ben Luedtke
Born and raised in Freedom, WI, Ben grew up in the outdoors fishing, hunting, camping, kayaking, hiking, and backpacking. After completing college at UW-Madison with a BS in Landscape Architecture and a BS in Soils Science, he travelled and worked in California, Arizona, South Dakota, and Texas. Before long, he discovered that climbing and mountaineering was his true calling. Ben now travels and guides throughout the west coast, in Alaska, and internationally, setting up home wherever he decides to park his travel trailer for the season. Ben continues to develop and hone his skills with the goal to one day complete his full IFMGA certification. Always seeking adventure, Ben strives to be the best mountain guide he can be by making new connections, helping people obtain their goals, teaching others the skills he has learned, and sharing his love for the mountains.
Ben can always be found climbing new routes, trail running, rock climbing, ice climbing, snowboarding, or hiking and backpacking with friends. Whenever he is not climbing, his dog Echo is his companion. Echo likes long adventures out in the snow and string cheese (if you have any). Outside of spending time in the mountains, Ben enjoys playing the drums, going golfing, dancing, going on road trips, and meeting new people.
Climbing Resumé
- Mt. Rainier, Washington (14,410') | 30+ summits via ID/DC, Kautz, Emmons, & Gibraltar Ledges
- Mt. Hood, Oregon (11,249') | 15+ summits via 6 routes up to Grade IV
- Mt. Baker, Washington (10,986') | Multiple summits via Easton, CD, & North Ridge routes
- Alpine climbs throughout the North Cascades including Forbidden Peak, Mount Shuksan, Glacier Peak, and many more.
- Mt. McKinley, Alaska (20,310') | 2 Expeditions via West Buttress
- Kilimanjaro, Africa (19,341') | via Marangu Route
- Aconcagua, Argentina (22,837')
- Mt. Whitney, California (14,505') | Multiple Ascents via Mountaineer's Route, East Face, & East Buttress
- Alpine climbs throughout the Sierra Nevada up to Grade V
- Rock and Ice climbing in WA, OR, CO, WY, CA, NV, WI, and AZ up to Grade IV
- Splitboarding tours throughout WA, OR, CO, and CA up to 55 degrees
Certifications
- Wilderness EMT/EMT
- AIARE Avalanche Rescue Course
- AIARE Avalanche Level 1
- AIARE Avalanche Level 2
- Leave No Trace Level 2 Instructor
- AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor
- AMGA Apprentice Alpine Guide
- AASI Level 1 Snowboard Instructor
