Alpinist
What MH are you wearing now?
T-shirt and an old pair of faded Escalade pants.
Which season do you enjoy most and why?
I love the fall in Chamonix, the guiding season is over and I can rest for the first time since March. The trees are a beautiful color and can climb for fun with friends. The bars are all super quiet and for a couple of brief months Chamonix is quiet
What is your favorite pre-outing “pump-up” music?
A Jacques Le Cont Remix of the Killers Mr Brightside. Its not new but its an awesome track and is always on when I’m working out and in the car on the way to the crag!!
What’s the one guilty pleasure you're proud of?
HA HA I’m not telling.
Best Halloween Costume?
I have a slightly odd fasciations with the Character of Death that said I would never dress as him as I’m not cool enough. Dressed as a Storm trooper to a Halloween Dance Party once, full plastic amour and the works, it was a totally epic suit that I nearly sweated to death in while dancing.
Do you have a pet?
Just stripy mouse my stuffed toy.
Do you have a dream project? If so, what is it?
Wow there are so many cool things to do, Love to climb the west face of Gasherbrum IV and South Face of Annapurnna. Love to buy and old barn and convert it to a big open plan house and have all my friends round for a party!!!
Who/What is your inspiration?
My Mother and Father, neither of them climb but they set the standard for decency and humility.
What can you tell today’s youth about life in the outdoors??
It’s amazing. My work and play allows me to vist some of the most wonderful places and meet cool folk. I’d think my life would cease to exist if I was tied to a desk everyday. Get out and explore and see what’s out there, the experiences will make you stronger and put many of the everyday troubles that people have into their true perspective.
Any advice for folks who want to become involved with your activities of choice?
Just get out and do it, the biggest problem is not believing in your ability to be able to do it.<
Favorite Quote?
“To climb it became an ambition, but not just to climb it, ... The wall was the ambition, the style became the obsession.” – Alex MacIntyre
Personal Highlights:
My first ever climb, it has defined my life ever since
Career Highlights:
Qualifying as a IFMGA Guide
Summiting Everest Twice in a week!!! In 07 that was my 4th and 5th summit
Annapurna III with Ian Parnell and John Varco way back in 2003
Becoming the 1st Brit to Guide the North Face of the Eiger. I guided Sir Ranulph Fiennes and we raised $4 million for Charity
Skiing solo down Cho Oyu the 6th highest mountain in the world despite the fact I’m not a good skier
Recent Activity:
The winter is a period of intense work for me in the French Alps, that said I have managed a few repeats of rarely formed ice routes and a lighting quick repeat of the Colton-Macintyre route on the Grand Jorasses back in Jan.
Bio:
- Born just outside London where there are no hills
- Age 34 (and getting older)
- Lives in Chamonix and Everest Basecamp Nepal, with a little time spent in London
- Handsome good looking Mountain Hardwear Athlete
- Educated at school in High Wycombe and the uni at Leeds 91-94, Bsc in geology.
- Been guiding full time since 2003
- Drinks too much and doesn’t train enough but enjoys life and loves being out in the hills with friends.
Visit
www.dream-guides.com to learn more about Kenton's guiding service.