Karl Swanson

Karl has been working as a guide on Denali, as an instructor of courses, on film production assignments, and in the AMS office since 1996. He is a cornerstone member of AMS’s leadership team. He grew up in Anchorage and has spent the better part of his life climbing, skiing, hiking, and rafting. His first expedition was to Nepal in 1980. He started guiding in 1986 as an Outward Bound instructor in Zambia. His resume is vast and varied and includes leading 9 Denali expeditions and working as a ski instructor for the disabled. He is a highly experienced mountain guide, as well as licensed and registered CPA. He is the AMS accountant who is all too willing to drop his calculator and take an adventurous group into remote points in the Alaska Range or Talkeetna Mountains. Those who get out with Karl are impressed by his strength, knowledge, and constant sense of fun. He has a trove of intriguing stories to tell from his lifetime in the mountains and international travel. He is a Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace Trainer and is certified in Swift Water Rescue and NRA Shotgun and Handgun Safety.