Marc Ripperger, has been guiding and instructing for 15 years.
- AMGA certified rock and alpine guide.
- AMGA ski guide apprentice.
- AIARE Level III Avalanche certification
- AIARE Level I Avalanche Instructor
- AMGA SPI Assistant Instructor
- WFR
- Leave No Trace Certified
How and when did you get started climbing?
I started climbing my first year of college at recreational center at the University of Northern Iowa in 2000.
What is your favorite style/type of climbing?
Alpine rock routes
What makes climbing/guiding so special to you?
I really enjoy the people I get the opportunity to meet and share time with. It is rewarding to be a part of helping climbers attempt and achieve their personal goals.
What are your most difficult/proudest/favorite sends?
If you were to climb one objective these would be my suggestions for high fun factor of the experience, setting, and climbing quality:
Alpine Rock: West Ridge of Pigeon Spire in the Bugaboos Rock Climbing: Armata Sikati in Kalymnos Greece.
Mountain: Alpamayo, Cordillera Blanca Peru
Ice: West Couloir of Mt Huntington, Alaska
What are some goals for your future?
I would like to do a trip to Greenland to go alpine rock climbing. I look forward to completing my IFMGA certification. I am striving to spending time in a place that I can call home
What do you feel comfortable guiding?
5.11 trad, 5.12- sport, WI5, Grade V objectives, skiing up to 50 degrees
Do you have a favorite quote or personal mantra?
Personal Mantra- “Don’t take yourself too seriously and don’t be a turd”
Name 5 things that make you happy.
- My Wife
- Sleeping in a bed
- Greek Yogurt
- Fresh Powder
- Costco
Tell us something about yourself that isn’t climbing related.
I really don’t like swimming in the ocean, I could pick out the perfect colors to paint your house, I’m a really bad singer.
Tell us something about someone else at Suntoucher that you find interesting.
Bryce Green collects about every object you can imagine and stores it in his backyard.