Colby Coombs

In 1996, Colby co-founded AMS with Caitlin Palmer and the help of many friends. In 1985, at age 18, he climbed Denali with legendary guide Brian Okonek. It was this epic climb with storms, rescues, and an unlikely summit day that has led to over 30 more years of climbing Denali and over 30 more summits—a legendary career as a guide. A past NOLS instructor for 10 years and AMGA board member, Coombs appreciates the value education plays in the outdoors. Coombs is an active board member of The Ritt Kellogg Fund at Colorado College, which gives grants to wilderness expeditions. He co-authored Denali: A Climber’s Guide with Dr. Bradford Washburn and Alaska: A Climber’s Guide with his climbing partner, Mike Wood. Colby has climbed some of the most difficult mountains and walls globally, including in Argentina, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, former Yugoslavia, France, and Italy. He currently guides Denali expeditions and specializes in AMS mountaineering programs for active-duty and wounded veterans. Colby lives in Talkeetna with his wife, AMS co-founder Caitlin Palmer, and their daughter.