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-By Chris Meder-
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Mt Rainier guide services have had a long standing relationship with JanSport, originally based in Seattle. Every year, JanSport convenes a group of outdoor industry professionals for a chance to network and climb Mt Rainier.

In the first image, the group had gathered on a rocky ridge below camp on a beautiful evening after dinner, doing what they do best; talking mountains and the outdoor industry. The expanse of the Cascades provided a nice backdrop. The guides eventually had to tell them to get some sleep!

The next morning (second image) dawned with the colors one hopes for up high in the mountains. Thick haze of summer air and forest fires from the east filled the valleys, and brought the ridges out in stark relief. Mt Stuart’s massive granite structure poked up above the rest. The quite still of this time of day often brings reflection to the mind.
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The third image is a riff on the celebratory summit photograph. With minimal snows during the 2014-2015 winter season, snow levels on the mountain were unimaginably low. All manner of the mountain environment and climbing experience was different as a result. For the JanSport group, the chance to see the USGS summit marker on Rainier’s high point was bittersweet. In nine years of climbing the mountain, I had never seen it. Celebrating the summit, we all paused for a moment in silence and considered what that meant and what lay ahead.

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-By Chris Meder-

Each year, the opportunity to climb the Kautz Glacier route on Mt Rainier is an event I look forward to with much anticipation.  From the National Park Road to Paradise, where most climbs begin, the Kautz Ice Chute stands out in prominent relief from the rest of the broad, south side of the mountain.  If you’re paying attention on the drive up, this route is one of the first features you’ll see.  After you know it’s there, it is hard to let go.

Two approach days put us in position high above the crowds.  Climbers enter the ice chute at first light and the real fun begins.  Ice tools sink with satisfying security into the chute’s bare, hard surface.  Upward progress is slow, focus is directed inward and extends not much beyond arm’s length.  Until the sun lights up the valleys below, and taps you on the shoulder.  Hazy summer conditions mean layers of mountains extend forever.   Mount Adams, Hood, St. Helens.  Jefferson on a clear day.  The volcanoes southward in the Cascade chain are frosted with the pink of sunrise.  It is morning up high.  And it is good to be climbing.

Finishing the ice chute, there’s still work to be done navigating real, big glaciers before stepping foot on the summit.  Tired, sleepy, hungry, elated.  It doesn’t matter, it always seems worth it for those moments that stick around long after we’re home.    

-By Adam Angel-

In 2013 I was fortunate to trek the rarely visited Dolpo region of Nepal. It was the trip of a lifetime, but sometimes luck strikes twice. I was able to return this fall with another great group and capture the experience again. Many new editions will be released at the Kalākora Gallery over the coming year, but here are 3 images that I couldn't wait to share here in small format.

The first image with the girl in the blue scarf was taken in the Saldang monastery (Upper Dolpo). We had just received a tour with the girl's grandfather, Dhandup Lama. (If you've visited the gallery, you've seen his image hanging in the main room.) As everyone left the building I lingered for a moment near the exit. The light was so amazing that I couldn't ignore it. I'm glad that I didn't.

The second image of the children in bright scarves wasn't taken in the Dolpo region, but on our exit through Kathmandu. The young Brahmins from India were in training at the Pashupatinath Temple. Even though they were young, they walked with authority and had great presence.

The third image was taken in a schoolroom in Komas, one of the northernmost villages in Upper Dolpo. ​This young man was in the 5th Grade, which is the highest level offered in the remote area. If he wants to continue his education he must leave his community and family to complete his studies in Kathmandu.

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-By Adam Angel-

​This summer I had the privilege to climb one of the Seven Summits with the guy who literally wrote the book on the subject. Mike Hamill and his team from International Mountain Guides were great companions as we toured Saint Petersburg, Moscow, and the incredible Caucasus Mountains. The whole experience exceeded my expectations and I hope to return to the area to ski someday.

This is the first post here at MountainGuideBook. Guides from all over the world are taking great pictures these days, and up until now there hasn't been anywhere to buy these great images. That changes today!

MountainGuideBook is partnered with the Kalākora Lab to produce the highest quality photographic prints available. Stay tuned as we add new guides who have great thoughts and images to share.