Rob Owens: Senior Guide Bio

Rob@rockies-ice.com

From the flatlands of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Rob made his way to the Rocky Mountains in 1997. Outside of the ice season, his climbing adventures have taken him to Chile, Nepal, Tibet, the Yukon, Quebec, Alaska, and the Western U.S.

Rob loves winter climbing! This shows in his impressive achievements, he has repeated some of the world’s hardest ice and mixed routes including “The Rocky Mountain Horror Show” M11+. Rob has done huge alpine routes in Alaska and Canada including “The Infinite Spur” on Mt. Foraker 17,004ft, in Alaska. Rob’s future goals include climbing the planets big mountains with a focus on good style (and manners!).

On the Ice Comp. circuit Rob has earned top finishes: 2nd place(2003), 4th place(2004) Ouray Ice Comp. 1st place Canmore Ice Climbing Festival (2001 ice, 2003 mixed). In 2004 Rob was the top North American finisher in both Ouray and Canmore amongst the Worlds Best climbers.

Rob is proudly sponsored by:

• Petzl/Charlet
• Salomon
• Arc Teryx
• Adidas Sport Eyewear
• Mammut
• Clif Bar

As a guide Rob aims to introducing others to the “full” mountain experience…. “to introduce the physical, intellectual, and spiritual gains that the mountains can lend.” In addition, Rob’s goal as a guide is to share the importance of safety, style, ethics, respect for the environment, and of course having fun.

“Above all, I look to share my passion for the mountains with those that I guide and do my part to maintain a strong, responsible, and visionary mountain community.”

Rob’s Favorite Climbs

1. Polar Circus (V, WI5, 700m)
2. Weeping Pillar (V, WI6, 350m)
3. Nemesis (V, WI6, 160m)
4. Curtain Call (IV, WI6, 125m)
5. Sea of Vapors (V, WI 5+, 165m)
6. Whiteman’s Falls (IV, WI6, 95m)
7. Red Man Soars (III, 5.10-, WI4+, 55m)
Note: Above would all be great routes for a guided ascent!
8. Stuck in the Middle (first ascent, V 5.8 WI5+, 165m on Mt. Rundle 2000)
9. Great Western (first ascent, V M7 WI5+, 1900m on Mt. Stephen (alpine) 2003)
10. The Oracle (first ascent, V M4 WI4+X, 400m 2003)