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AMS Graduates' Comments CLICK The evaluation process is an ongoing and vital component to AMS. Constructive feedback and open communication between students, instructors, and administration provides a system of checks and balances necessary to maintain the highest quality and satisfaction possible. Expeditions “A well organized expedition, professional, the best of my 10 expeditions!” - Karl Waag, Denali West Buttress, 2005 “If its safety first then AMS must rate as the best guiding service to Denali.” - Mike Nixon, Denali West Buttress, 2005 “If you want to climb, go AMS. If you want to learn, go AMS. If you want to summit, go AMS!” - Dan Tebay, Denali West Buttress, 2005 “I believe AMS' local presence in Talkeetna gives it a built-in edge over the other guiding companies on Denali.” - Darrel Koehlinger, Denali West Buttress, 2005 “In typical American style the organization of every aspect of the expedition is excellent.” - Audre’ Bredeukoup, Denali West Buttress, 2005 CLICK “AMS is a very well organized, safety conscience guide service.” - Tim Sheehan, Denali West Buttress, 2005 “The best part about AMS is that they teach skills and safety awareness and encourage you to practice them. Most guiding companies simply guide and don't teach.” - Ryan Weber, Denali West Buttress, 2005 “AMS has the right stuff. With a logistical pyramid that is second-to-none and phenomenal guides who are personally committed to your success, nobody can give you a better high-altitude experience than AMS!” - Tom Dougherty, Denali West Buttress, 2005 “A great and talented team showed me not only Denali, but also taught me a great deal about mountaineering.” - Hynek Dvorak, Denali West Buttress, 2005 “The guides MADE the trip. The route was great, but the guides made it spectacular.” - Steve Gabbert, Denali West Rib 2005 “The trip was so much fun, that reaching the summit was reduced to being the cherry on the pie.” - Wim Smets, Denali West Buttress, 2004 “There's nobody other than AMS I would feel comfortable with on the mountain.” - Andy Steiner, Denali West Buttress, 2004 CLICK “AMS is a group of consummate professionals. Their operation is absolutely first class.” - Doug Beall, Denali West Buttress, 2004 “The most professional and personal guide service I have ever used.” - Dan Walters, Denali West Buttress, 2004 “Watch the jet stream @ 17,200 feet camp. But rest assured, AMS builds the best walls!” - Mark Duffy, Denali West Buttress, 2004 “A first class operation - ran locally by people who know the mountain.” - Si Matthies, Denali Upper West Rib, 2004 “Of the 5 guide companies I have used, AMS is by far the most professional and well organized!” - Tom Folmar, Denali West Buttress, 2004 “AMS did a great job in helping me achieve my goals on Denali. Through their and my hard work I accomplished what I wanted and had a great time too!” - Paul Swienton, Denali West Buttress, 2004 “AMS has their act together - Extremely knowledgeable and flexible. Everyone within AMS went out of their way to make sure we had a fun, safe, and successful expedition. I will definitely recommend them to others.” - Matt Barbour, Denali West Buttress, 2004 CLICK “My AMS trip was a complete personal success. The guides were top notch professionals, and always emphasized safety and responsibility.” - David Metzler, Denali West Buttress, 2004 “AMS- the real deal!” - Len Holmes, Denali West Buttress, 2004 “Climb with AMS and achieve your personal goals.” - Harry Hoops, West Ridge, Mt. Hunter, 2004 “These guys are the best. Safety is the primary concern, but this did not inhibit me from getting a total mountaineering experience.” - Rob Holder, Denali West Buttress, 2004 “It has been a real pleasure climbing on Denali with the excellent logistical support, facilities, and professional guides provided by AMS. From the moment you arrive, and especially on the mountain, you notice how AMS stands apart from its competition. Well done and thank you!” - Chris Charlton, Denali West Buttress, 2004 CLICK “I have been with many mountain guide services in the last 10 years, AMS is by far the best - the guides are friendly, great cooks, always safe. Also as a client, the guides don't treat you like a fool on the end of a rope!” - Possum Tomfeld, Denali West Buttress, 2003 “The guide’s knowledge of the Alaska Range was amazing. The AMS team of people was my favorite part. Everyone was helpful, knowledgeable, and fun to work with.” - Chris Grubb, Denali West Buttress, 2003 “Our guides taught and spent time individually with everyone. The AMS schedule (21 days, plus more if needed) gives everyone a great chance. Organization was impressive.” - Todd Bausch, Denali Traverse Expedition, 2003 CLICK “I will return for future adventures and surely recommend AMS to friends.” - Pat McCrann, Denali West Buttress Expedition, 2002 “The guides were supremely willing to talk through options and make sure the group and individuals were happy and challenged.” - Linda Delgado, Denali Expedition, 2003 “This was a fantastic expedition! The instructors were outgoing, enthusiastic, knowledgeable on the subject, and concerned for all participants.” - Robert Humpreys, Denali West Buttress Expedition, 2002 “The traverse was really a once in a life time experience. I was up for a challenge and I certainly got it!” - Jeff Leigh, Denali Traverse 2001 “Very Satisfied. The emphasis on safety was outstanding.” - Rob Holder, Denali West Buttress Expedition, 2002 CLICK “A heartfelt thank you for everything ­ I had an amazing journey.” - Dave Plant, Denali West Buttress Expedition, 2002 “AMS makes you feel like family. They put together a quality team with quality guides. Thanks for helping my dreams come true!” - Jeff Seymour, Denali West Buttress Expedition, 2002 “I liked how they treated everyone fairly, as individuals. This fostered team unity throughout the trip.” - Jim Nelson, Denali Traverse 2001 “I would rate this trip 10 out of 10. I would eagerly do another trip with your fine outfit in the future.” - John Fox, Foraker Expedition, 2002 CLICK Mountaineering Courses “My experience at AMS was a challenging and satisfying one; the instructors were extremely competent and moreover friendly; the location we traveled to was out of this world!” “I've climbed with other well known guide services and AMS is by far the best guide service for the Alaska Range - they are able to not only teach mountain skills effectively, but also build your personal confidence in a mountain environment. All future climbs I do in the Alaska Range, including the West Buttress, will be with AMS.” — Brian Beyer, 6 day Mountaineering Course, 2005 “I've never had this much fun getting smelly.” — Bob Frederick, 12 day Mountaineering Course, 2005 “Everything was great - I learned more over the past week than in 10 years of climbing with other guide services.” — Eric Beyer, 6 day Mountaineering Course, 2005 “The AMS program combined with the stellar AMS guides gave the novice in me a real thorough basis in glacier mountaineering. Thanks so much - a great learning & life experience.” — Tom O'Mara, 12 day Mountaineering Course, 2005 “The AMS instructors are top notch and the Alaska Range is the ideal mountaineering instruction environment. This was one of the most enjoyable 6 days I have ever had!” — Kevin Zagorda, 6 day Mountaineering Course, 2005 CLICK “I would never attempt an expedition without the training I received from AMS.” — Scott Vanfossan, 12 day Mountaineering Course, 2005 “My instructors love to share their knowledge and experiences; they are superb educators. I applaud them for their patience, tenacity, and great sense of humor. You will walk away with more than you expect.” — Leon Davis, 12 day Mountaineering Course, 2004 “AMS is an excellent way to improve your mountaineering skills in a dramatic scenery under safe conditions.” — Jessica Pettersson, 6 day mountaineering course, 2004 “AMS lives up to their advertising - A competent, attentive staff from the office to the mountains.” — Mansen Boze, 6 day mountaineering course, 2004 “It’s a perfect way to be introduced to mountaineering in a safe and reliable way. Awesome course in awesome surroundings!" — Tony Persson, 6 day mountaineering course, 2004 “Overall experience with AMS was fantastic, exceeded every expectation I arrived with. The guides very much love what they do and this evidenced daily in everything they do and teach. Extremely positive experience that has set the stage for a life time of, safe confident, and fun mountaineering.” — Bill Bryant, 6 day mountaineering course, 2004 “Fantastic trip to learn the basics in a hands on environment. It was a treat to climb with such talented guides.” — Chad Lorenz, 6 day mountaineering course, 2004 CLICK “The 6 day mountaineering course gave a really solid base from which to build my skills and experience - I'd definitely recommend it.” — Barbara Morrissey, 6 day mountaineering course, 2004 "Absolutely satisfied. It was a pleasure to be out there with people who genuinely love what they do and the places they do it!" — Christopher Boggs, 12-day Mountaineering Course 2002 "AMS is a top-notch guiding company and the best in the field. This was an absolutely perfect trip!" — Bob Gilman, Denali Traverse Expedition, 5/31/2002 "I really liked the 'personal touch' of all staff members. It was a fabulous ten days." — Jeffrey Keeney 10 Mountaineering Course, 5/4/2002 CLICK "My goals were definitely achieved, and the views we got were awesome!" — Shelly Soderstrom 12-day Mountaineering Course, 7/18/2002 "I liked everything about the course! You have no idea what this course has done for me. Thank you so much." — Ritamarie Langerin 6-day Mountaineering Course, 9/2/2001 "All the guides were competent, relaxed, and encouraged students to challenge themselves as much as they were comfortable." — Brian Miner in 12-day Mountaineering Course, 7/21/2001 CLICK "Good reliable information & skills taught throughout the course. Great student/instructor ratio allows instruction to be personalized. I was impressed by the quality of the entire program." — Kristin Dahl 12-day Mountaineering Course, 6/20/2002 "Small company feel where my individual needs were seen to very well" — Paul Oldenburg 12-day Mountaineering Course, 8/23/2001 "The course was almost like being in the mountains with excellent friends, a very comfortable atmosphere to learn in." — Chris Lillo 12-day Mountaineering Course, 5/18/2001 "I like it when things flow naturally, learning in real situations as opposed to classroom or contrived up situations." — Joel Huettig 12-day Mountaineering Course, 5/18/2001 CLICK "I really enjoyed the quality of the instructors and their vast knowledge in the field of mountaineering." — Mark Harro & Scott Pierce, 12-day Mountaineering Course, 6/20/2002 "Two fantastic instructors - conscientious, courteous, safe and very knowledgeable." — Larry Wolff, 12-day Mountaineering Course, 4/12/2002 CLICK "The consensus is that our Alaska experience was the best trip ever. We were not only blown away by the mountains and glaciers, but by the diligence of your preparation and execution. We came with varying skills and ages, but the blend worked well and the regimen was achievable. You taught us to respect where we were, but not to fear it. Learning to live on a glacier and climb to the variety of destinations we encountered seemed much more valuable than a trudge to high places and a quick return." — Richard Bensing, Scoutmaster for Paoli Troop 1, Paoli, PA   Wilderness Courses “The staff and leadership at AMS are what makes AMS stand out from other organizations. Of course, they have impeccable skills CLICK and judgment, but it’s the relaxed, fun, homegrown atmosphere that makes it unique.” — Mindy Lamb, 12 day Wilderness Expedition, 2004 “At AMS, they don't mess around!” — Sven Johnson, 12 day Wilderness Expedition, 2004 “Absolutely satisfied. I had no previous camping experience and now feel as though I’d be ready for a trip without a guide. I liked the true sense of adventure, of working for the experience, of testing myself.” — Peter Freer, Wilderness Hike, 2002 Youth Group Courses CLICK "Colby, and Caitlin, My name is Lynn Painter and I was with one of the students with America's Adventure on the Matanuska Glacier this summer. I am home now, and thinking of all the fun and experience I gained from this trip. I wanted to thank you and Caitlin personally for all wonderful time I had on the Mat. Glacier this summer! It was the greatest part of my trip. I learned so much, and can not stop thinking about all the things we did on the glacier. Not only did you teach us to tie a knot, but we learned how to dress it properly for further safety and protection. I always felt as if you both went that extra mile to stress the utmost importance of safety, technique, and having fun! I am ready to get back out there, and keep climbing. I feel I took so much CLICK away from every thing you both taught us during our days on the glacier, and I appreciate your vast knowledge, and effort put forth during those days. I feel wonderful about what I learned, and feel confidant that it was a great start that will take myself and the other members of my group far for the rest of the journeys through out our lives. Climbing has always been a big part of my life, and a dream. My goal and dream to some day work as a guide have been made even more possible thanks to the both of you because of all the help you gave me. I just want to say thank you so much! You both are so great! Take care, and I want to wish you good luck with all your future journeys and summits." — Lynn Painter, American Adventures Comments from American Adventures' staff evaluation: Did you feel teaching skills/techniques were appropriately covered? "Absolutely. Caitlin and Colby are two of the best, most thorough teachers I have ever worked with. Their wealth of experience and knowledge was taught clearly and well understood by all campers." Did you feel safety was appropriately handled? CLICK "With the nature of the activities on the glacier, safety was always the primary concern and handled as such." Professionalism/Attitude towards campers? "Attention! American Adventures is so lucky to work with these phenomenal people. The campers loved them and really learned a great deal." South American Expeditions CLICK "Colby and Caitlin, I want to thank you for making our trip to Peru so enjoyable. I believe people often don't realize the positive impacts they have on others and deserve to be told. I realize putting trips together is a huge feat, and I want you to know I had a great time largely in part to the way you organized things and kept everyone's interests in mind. I feel that I have learned so much -- not only about the mountains, but about other people -- and spent tons of hours challenging myself and having fun. I appreciate the efforts you put forth to keep us safe while we were summitting. And thanks for making us laugh." — Natalie Kehrwald, Peru Expedition "I was able to achieve more than I thought I was capable of and enjoyed myself more than I imagined." — Tom Dale, Aconcagua Expedition, 2/2002 Workshops CLICK "Dear Colby and Caitlin, Thank you for the top notch glacier travel/crevasse rescue instruction. I had a great time and learned a lot of valuable information. You definitely went above and beyond my expectations in quality, duration of training time, and having both of you as instructors was unexpected." — Eric Girolamo, Glacier Travel work shop Private Climbs CLICK "AMS spends much more time on systems review that any other guide service I have used." — Drew Haywood, MT. Russell expedition, 2001 Filming Projects CLICK "What an amazing combination of a friendly, relaxed, people - oriented organization with consummate professionalism. From confidence - inspiring guides to top-notch outfitting support…thanks AMS for making our time on the mountain such a success!" — Mc Closkey Productions, Denali National Park visitor center filming project, 2004

Top of Page Travel & Lodging General Info Email Us Alaska Mountaineering School Colby Coombs & Caitlin Palmer, Directors PO BOX 566, 3rd Street, Talkeetna, AK 99676 USA phone: (907)733-1016 fax: (907)733-1362 email: info@climbalaska.org AMS top image: Alaska Range viewed from Talkeetna Mount Foraker (17,400'), Mount Hunter (14,570'), Denali (20,320')