Sam Kieckhefer

Sam was born and raised in Northern California and he’s been exploring the Sierra for as long as he can remember. Whether it’s on foot, skis or a bike, you can usually find him outside. After graduating from Chapman University with a Bachelor of Environmental Science and Policy, Sam began ski guiding in the North Lake Tahoe area, a career that has since taken him from Alaska to Chile and many places in between. In 2019 Sam began working through the AMGA’s mountain guiding track. He has completed multiple courses in the Alpine and Ski disciplines, including the Advanced Ski Guide Course and Aspirant Exam in Valdez, Alaska, and is gearing up to take his Ski Guide Exam in the spring of 2024. Sam is also an instructor of avalanches courses for both AIARE and AAI (American Avalanche Institute), and teaches to both recreationalists and professionals. While his true passion is steep, snow-filled couloirs, he’s usually working most of the winter and exploring the mountains for fun all summer long.