Our Philosophy


Individual relationships and unique climbs have been the backbone of Skyward Mountaineering since 1996. Co-owners, Vince Anderson and Micah Lewkowitz are based in Grand Junction and Ridgway, Colorado, respectively. From this basecamp we have organized and led hundreds of trips throughout Colorado to Alaska, from the Peruvian Andes to the Himalaya. Whether you are interested in a fun day of rock climbing with the family or once-in-a-lifetime summits on challenging alpine routes worldwide, our experience and passion ensure your safety and success, unlocking breathtaking climbs and unforgettable journeys.

A climber is ascending a steep snow slope above a valley glacier with alpenglow lighting up the mountains in the background.

CUSTOMIZED CLIMBING & SKIING SERVICES

As a specialized, independent guide service, our approach is to first get to know you. Our friendly and inclusive mindset starts the conversation with your goals, experience and specific needs so we can curate a unique guided experience for you. When you contact Skyward Mountaineering there is no middle-person offering you cookie-cutter programming, our office staff are climbers, skiers, and notably guides.

  • Safety first: Our primary goal is risk management, there are inherent hazards in an alpine environment and we are committed to mitigating these risks to the highest level possible. We create buy-in with our clients by helping them better understand and navigate these hazards while still employing a mentality that style and summits matter.

  • Local expertise: We strive to offer a modern approach to classic routes around the world, providing insight into hidden gems and unique routes. We provide logistical support to ensure your trip is as convenient and fun as possible.

  • Light is right: Our detail oriented equipment lists are tailored to build your understanding of the gear used and we will help you discern between the plethora of options on the market so you get the most bang-for-the-buck. We don’t want you to carry more than necessary, all group equipment provided by Skyward Mountaineering is the lightest practical gear available on the market.

A rock climber in a lime green jacket, blue helmet and red backpack is climbing a large granite face.

Skyward Mountaineering Alpinist Methodology

We have guided numerous famous and difficult climbs, while these achievements are emblematic of Skyward Mountaineering’s leadership, they are the result of many lesser-known but equally rewarding climbs. We firmly believe that the value of mountaineering lies in practice, not in the achievement. Our climbing, personally and professionally, has taught us to accept all aspects, all lessons, all outcomes. To climb a great route is a reflection of what you’ve become capable of over time, of what you’ve worked for, of what you can do because you earned it.

Our methodology starts with your thorough education in rock, ice, mixed, alpine climbing and skiing. Once your “formal” education is completed, you may define a high-level goal for yourself and then we co-create a climbing plan based on your experience, skill-level and fitness. Through successive climbs with Skyward Mountaineering guides, you lift your abilities—step-by-step—to the point where you can successfully climb the routes you’ve dreamed about.

We have partnered with Uphill Athlete, a renowned coaching and athlete training service to help our climbers better prepare for the physical challenges of our climbing objectives. You benefit from the diverse experience of professional coaches in addition to Skyward Mountaineering’s support structure to mentor and guide you in complex mountain terrain.

A climber in a yellow jacket and red backpack is ice climbing a moderate ice slope on a big mountain face.

ALPINISM IS A DISCIPLINE OF VIRTUE

Skyward feels obligated to share with their clients a view toward climbing and skiing that counts ethics, courage, and aesthetics among its virtues. We aim to lead our clients through an apprenticeship of ascents and descents that ramp up in difficulty and commitment level. Skyward guides aim to find the sweet-spot of challenge where you can experience the true spirit of alpinism: adventure, challenge and partnership.

Your partner in progression. We believe in the partnership of the rope, in the mountains we are a team and you are our partner. Whether you want to develop the confidence and know how for lead climbing or be a self-sufficient partner in the mountains we provide continued mentorship as you grow throughout your climbing career.

At the core of our philosophy lies an emphasis on concurrently training skills, judgment, teamwork, fitness and mental preparation. To achieve this we emphasize the practice of all aspects of alpinism from multi-pitch rock climbs in the sunshine to ice climbing in the middle of winter, from ski mountaineering steep couloirs to climbing the great alpine faces of the world.