Ian Nicholson

Ian is an internationally licensed IFMGA/UIAGM mountain guide, meaning he is certified as an Alpine, Rock and Ski guide through the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association). As a guide for more than 15 years, he now works on the AMGA National Instructor Team to help to instruct and certify the next generation of mountain guides. Additionally, he works for NWAC (the Northwest Avalanche Center) as a professional observer, has worked in Alaska as an avalanche forecaster and currently works for AIARE as a Pro-Instructor; teaching professional-level avalanche courses. Ian is quite passionate about avalanche education and has instructed over 90 recreational Level 1 and Level 2 courses. He has been writing for OutdoorGearLab since its inception and few people are as passionate about gear. A true gear junkie from a young age few people research every item as meticulously, think about how it might affect your day in the hills, and of course most importantly how it compares in performance to other similar products. In the climbing world, Ian has been climbing for over 20 years and authored the guide book SUPERTOPO: Washington Pass Climbing. Some of Ian’s experience ranges from having established over a half-dozen first ascents in his home range of the Cascades as well as opening new routes in farther-off regions such as the Waddington Range, Patagonia and the Alaska Range.