Michael Hutchins

Michael is a talented teacher and leader who began working with AMS in 2016, where he guides Denali expeditions and teaches courses. He is known for his patience, good humor, and full technical climbing skill set. Climbing and mountain travel are second nature to Michael, who began technical climbing in his youth in the Cascades Range in Washington State. His background is rich and varied: he was a climbing ranger on Mt. Rainer and taught rigging courses. Michael has many notable climbs under his belt: Yosemite’s El Capitan: Zodiac (A3 VI 5.7-5.10) and Washington Column: Astroman (1000′ V 5.11c); Montana’s Sphinx Mountain (1500’V WI5 M4); Mount Rainier’s Mowich Face (9200′ IV AI 3-4); Hyalite Canyon’s Maid of the Mist Mountain, Maid of Choss (first ascent, 600’WI5+ 5.9); South Early Winter Spire’s Hitchhiker (900’IV 5.11b); Juno Tower’s Clean Break (1500’V 5.10c); and Liberty Bell’s Liberty Crack (1200’V 5.11 C2); as well as two trips in Nepal to Rolwaling and Khumbu. Among his many talents, Michael is proficient in Spanish; he speaks and understands German. He has a BS in Earth Sciences with a snow emphasis from Montana State University. His certifications include EMT, AMGA Alpine Skills, Rigging for Rescue, NPS Rescue helicopter crewmember, and Avalanche II.