Skyline Adventure School

THE SKYLINE ADVENTURE SCHOOL

WHO WE ARE - WHERE WE COME FROM - WHAT PROMISES WE MAKE TO YOU ...

Skyline Adventures is a quality guiding company, made up of an international group of dedicated mountain guides and outdoor professionls who live and work in Huaraz, Peru. Our passion to help people enjoy and flourish in the wilderness has helped us become the thriving company we are today, committed to maintaining only the highest of standards and consistently offering the very best trips in the area.

As you may have noticed in our name, we consider ourselves a school as well as a guide service. We believe that learning can be both fun and rewarding so whether you find yourself on an outdoor course, a guided trek, or a guided climb, our staff will not just show you the way but will teach and empower you to suceed in the mountain environment. From map reading to knot tying, you will leave Peru with some great new skills to show your friends at home or to use on your next adventure outdoors!

OUR GUIDES, INSTUCTORS, STAFF: (view staff profiles)

Without exception, each and every mountain guide and instructor is carefully selected for their technical skills, sound judgement, and impeccable safety record. They are a key ingredient in your trip and also the face of Skyline Adventures guiding service. For this, we are unbending in our high expectations of all of our staff and in all of our interactions with you, the client. We seek out masters of the craft, be it guiding mountains, teaching skills, or working in the office helping plan your holiday. Everyone here is eager for your arrival in Peru and prepared to deliver the trip of your lifetime!

WHY SKYLINE ADVENTURES:

With so many guide services and tour operators offering trips in the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash of Peru, it can be a tough decision choosing to whom you will trust your hard-earned vacation. What is it then that makes Skyline Adventures so different?

We live in Huaraz. The Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash is our backyard. By focusing 100% of our energy on adventures in this area alone, we have simply become very good at it! In addition, we don't just sell our trips; we go out there and guide them. We are a small and personable company, often answering the telephone to provide information and then lacing up our own boots and sharing the mountain experience with our guests. For over five years we have helped people realize their dreams as they experience the magic of Peru, Huaraz, and the Andes Mountains. We take your vacation very seriously and we look forward to opening the doors of this part of the World to you!

As a part of that, we make the following promises:

To provide prompt, abundant, and upfront information during the months and weeks prior to your trip with Skyline Adventures.
To keep your goals at the forefront and work diligently throughout your trip to aid in their realization.
To ensure that safety remains our absolute and unquestioned priority.
To lead by example with our care for the fragile environments and unique cultures we visit.
To do the very best we can in all situations while you are with us in Peru!

While words are cheap, actions speak loudly. Every year, 25% of our business comes from return clients and client recommendations. Feel free to peruse our client comments page for trip impressions from seasons past.

STAFF PROFILES

Ted Alexander - Head Guide, Mountain Instructor, Owner

In 1998, Ted Alexander made his first journey to Huaraz, Peru. Between then and now, he has not missed a single climbing season in the Cordillera Blanca, fulfilling both personal and professional objectives. Ted, or as the locals fondly call him “Alex”, founded Skyline Adventures in 2001 and currently works as the Head Guide setting standards of excellence for our alpine and trekking staff, as a Mountaineering Course Instructor, and as our primary reconnaissance man seeking out and opening up new routes in the area to increase the itineraries and opportunities we can offer to our guests. Ted has been professionally guiding high altitude mountains for eight years, prior to which he worked as an instructor and manager for various outdoor education organizations in the States including the Wilderness School and Outward Bound. During the rainy season in Huaraz, Ted works as the director of the Patagonia Program for the North Carolina Outward Bound School in both Chile and Argentina. Ted holds his level II Avalanche certification, Wilderness First Responder Certification, and is a member of the American Mountain Guides Association working towards his alpine certification.

Tim Brown - Guide, Mountain Instructor

A chance encounter at high camp on Huascaran between Tim Brown and a pair of Skyline Adventures guides began the professional relationship between the two. The attention getter was the educational approach Tim was taking to getting his clients prepared for their ascent, an unusual attribute to the common guiding practices seen in the Cordillera Blanca yet quite a desirable one to the Skyline Adventure School. Tim’s background of alpine guiding has taken him around the world, work most extensively in Peru, Ecuador and Switzerland. He also works as an AIARE level II avalanche instructor and backcountry observer for the CAIC, drawing on his personal wealth of expertise in skiing and avalanche forecasting. He is a professional member of the American Mountain Guides Association and is currently pursuing IFMGA certification, as well as holds his current Wilderness First Responder certification. He has a degree in biology and environmental science from the University of Virginia.

Tyler Anderson, Skyline Adventure School

Tyler Anderson - Guide, Mountain Instructor

Tyler Anderson has attained almost legendary status in the climbing community of Huaraz, only part of which can be attributed to his mountain achievements (which are many) leaving the rest to the very unique and very loveable nature of his being. Tyler has been climbing mountains and alpine rock for over 10 years, 4 of which involved full seasons in the Cordillera Blanca following personal summit dreams and strengthening the foundation of his blossoming professional career as a mountain guide and alpine instructor. There has yet to be an encounter with Tyler had by any person willing to admit it, that has not been outstandingly fun, entertaining, thoughtful, educational, and inspiring. We are very happy to have Tyler on our team, teaching mountaineering courses and guiding our mountaineering trips, both for his impeccable standards of safety and quality and his charismatic addition to our lives and our trips.

Fernando Caballero - Guide, Mountain Instructor

The first time Fernando touched snow, he was standing below the picturesque peak of Alpamayo in the Cordillera Blanca. Besides this mountain being his first climb (stiff first climb!) and an experience which defined his professional aspirations and path in life, he also managed to fall completely in love with a woman he met there and left Peru soon after to pursue a life with her in Europe. Fer was born in Lima , Peru and lived there through his first University term where he earned a degree in Law and Political Science. After moving to Spain he began a post-grad degree in Social Psychology and is about to complete his master’s program with the University of Barcelona with a specialty in Group Leadership and Analysis. His climbing & guiding repertoire is over 10 years long and includes ascents in the Himalayas, Africa, the Alps, Patagonia, the Pyrenees, and of course the Cordillera Huayhuash and Blanca of Peru. Fer has worked for well-known organizations such as Outward Bound Spain and The Mountain Institute where he assisted in projects of conservation and ecological development in the Huascaran National Park, and taken an Outdoor Educator course with the National Outdoor Leadership School as well. He holds current certifications in Wilderness First Responder and Leave No Trace.

Jenn Hrinkevich, Skyline Adventure School

Jenn Hrinkevich
Guide, Mountain Instructor, Program Development

Jenn discovered climbing during her teens and has been drawn to the vertical world ever since. Her climbing has led her all over the continental USA , Africa , Chile , Argentina , Ecuador , and Peru . After graduating from Radford University with a B.A. in Outdoor Recreation and Education, Jenn began work with the North Carolina Outward Bound School in 1997, filling the positions of Field Instructor, Head Climber, Course Director, Residential Leader, Mountaineering Specialist, and Staff Trainer. She also played a key role in developing the Outward Bound mountaineering program in Patagonia . In 2001, she received the prestigious “Buckley Bearing Award” from OB , to honor her pioneering spirit and drive. If you are lucky, you may have her guide your climb or trek, however, at the moment Jenn spends most of her energy keeping the Skyline office running smoothly and taking care of her new son Cole. We are indebted to her for our reputation of flawless logistics and prompt, friendly customer correspondence. During her lunch hour, Jenn can be found outside doing laps on the Skyline Adventures climbing wall. – You go girl!

Koky Casteneda - Guide, Mountain Instructor

Koky Castaneda’s climbing repertoire is a long and inspirational chronicle. Living in Huaraz with a backyard full of world class mountaineering possibilities provided for Koky in his formative climbing years, a wealth of ascent opportunities that many guides could only have been dreaming of. He is currently a fully certified UIAGM Alpine guide, and along his path has served as president of the Guides Association in Huaraz as well as worked as director of the certification program for aspiring Peruvian guides. Koky speaks fluent English, French and Spanish. Koky has a gift for identifying and utilizing weather windows and matching these perfectly to our clients overall objectives and personal needs in a challenging mountain environment. He works for many popular guiding services based in Huaraz and internationally, and will enrich your journey in the Cordillera Blanca with his knowledge, wit, professionalism, and love for the alpine world.

Koky Casteneda, Skyline Adventure School

Christian Stoll, Skyline Adventure School

Christian Stoll - Guide, Mountain Instructor

Christian was born in Trujillo, Peru to a proud Swiss father and a Peruvian mother. He lived there until the ripe young age of 2, when his family moved to the United States ( Pennsylvania) where Christian spent his formative years through University where he earned a degree in Business Administration. He returned to Peru in 1999 where he discovered his love for the mountains and climbing. Since then Christian has been heavily involved in the sport, running one of the premier climbing gyms in Ariquipa for 4 years. In 2006, Christian began working towards his UIAGM guiding certification and is scheduled to take his final UIAGM exam in 2008. Christian has pioneered several new prestigious routes in the Cordillera Blanca, including first ascents on well known giants Huantsan and Ranrapalca.

Gladys Jiminez - Trekking Guide

Gladys was born about 50 kilometers north of Huaraz in the now ‘famous’ city of Yungay. In 1970, this is the town which was tragically covered by a landslide, triggered by the earthquake which also destroyed the city of Huaraz in the same 15 minute period. Gladys (although not yet born) & her family survived the catastrophe. She moved to Huaraz in her teens for her secondary schooling and from there attended University where she earned a degree in Tourism. Her first trip into the Cordillera Blanca occurred during her studies, and this sparked the ember that caught fire within her, to spend as much time in the mountains as life could allow. Since then she has become a nationally certified trekking guide, is an avid personal climber and adventurer, maintains a delightfully curious way of being – even in places she has visited a dozen times before - and is a truly spectacular companion to have along on any journey.

Gladys Jiminez, Skyline Adventure School

Willy Beltran - Guide

Born at the foot of Huascaran, Peru’s highest peak, Willy spent his childhood preparing for a career as a mountain guide. He began working as a porter on big expeditions all around the Cordillera Blanca range to earn both money and the necessary experience to begin his accreditation process towards a prestigious UIAGM Certification. As his training for this, Willy spent most of his years from his early 20’s on in the mountains as an aspirant guide, apprenticing under others and developing his own strength, style, and techniques as a guide. Having earned the title of UIAGM mountain guide in 2002, Willy has worked on just about every peak in the National Park with groups from around the globe and continues to do so with patience and professionalism in all aspects of the job. Now in his early 30’s, Willy has a 1 year old daughter and a blossoming career in this competitive and challenging field.

Cristina Prieto - Guide, Mountain Instructor

Cristina Prieto first came to Huaraz in the late 90’s for both climbing adventures in the Cordillera Blanca as well as in preparation for her planned expeditions to Cho Oyu in Tibet and Mount Everest in Nepal to follow. We’d like to suggest that her time in Peru aided in her accomplishments in Asia as soon after her trip, Cristina became the first South American woman to summit an 8,000 meter peak (at 24 years old) and then part of the first successful Chilean woman’s summit of Mount Everest in 2002. Born in Santiago, Chile Cristina spent her early teens rock climbing and testing her skills and strength in the Andes and in Southern Patagonia. She has worked as a mountaineering and sea kayak instructor for NOLS and Outward Bound in Patagonia and Alaska, and guided on Aconcagua and Torres del Paine taboot. When you meet Cristina, her many accomplishments take a backseat to her vivacious personality, infallible smile, contagious laughter, and love for whatever she happens to be doing at that moment. Add on to this character’s life list having been a competitor on the popular show “Survivor” in Chile and a beer commercial actress, and you’ll maybe begin to appreciate the free-flowing, ever-willing, always up for the challenge nature of our beloved staff and friend, Cristina. Cristina holds her current Wilderness First Responder certification.

Cristina Prieto, Skyline Adventure School

Ryan Waters - Guide, Mountain Instructor, Skyline Associate

Ryan has been professionally guiding and instructing in the outdoor education field for eight years running with companies from around the world. He has spent many-a-night in tents in Mexico, Nepal, Argentina, Chile, Tibet, Pakistan, and all over the United States. His credentials with Outward Bound, Rainier Mountain Guides, and Mountain Professionals are vast, though the person you meet, who introduces himself as your guide is a soft spoken, well versed, humble and friendly guy. Ryan’s professional climbing resume includes successful summits of Cho Oyu (2 times), Broad Peak, the northeast ridge of Mt. Everest, the southeast ridge of Pumo Ri, Aconcagua, and he reached just under 8000 meters on K2. Ryan has also led multiple climbing and paddling expeditions in northern Patagonia. He has worked on expeditions that have placed over 50 climbers on the summits of 8,000 meter peaks. Ryan is a certified Wilderness First Responder, has completed the American Avalanche Level II, plus carries a B.S. in Geology.

Dave Elmore - Guide, Mountain Instructor, Skyline Associate

Growing up in the Northwest United States, Dave has been exploring wild places since childhood. Teaching, guiding and climbing while attending the University of Oregon captured Dave’s imagination…twelve years later Dave’s personal and professional resume speaks for itself. Having worked professionally as a teacher and guide for many leading organizations, he brings with him a wealth of experience. Dave specialized in technical and risk management trainings for years, culminating in working as the Patagonia Program Director. Dave has climbed in the U.S., Asia, Europe, Nepal, Argentina, Chile, has completed difficult big-wall and ice ascents and paddled all over the U.S. He has climbed Ama Dablam in Nepal and is a lead guide for Mountain Professionals on Orizaba, Aconcagua, Tronador, Kilimanjaro, Cho Oyu, and many more. Dave is a member of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and has completed his Alpine Guides Course with the AMGA. Dave is certified with his Wilderness Medical Training certificate, and has a B.S. in Environmental Science and Psychology.

Dave Elmore, Skyline Adventure School

Umberto Solano - Expedition Cook, High Mountain Porter

His trademark is patience. No matter what the weather might be doing, Umberto will be smiling! Umberto works on expeditions as a cook, as a porter, as a donkey driver, and sometimes all three! He has climbed many of the peaks in the Cordillera Blanca himself for his training and certification as a high mountain porters, and he is as happy to help put in the tracks for a climb the following day as he is to serve you a nice hot beverage and a pick-me-up snack after a long day's work. When not out with us as an expedition cook, Umberto can be found in his “Chacra” or family farm growing some mighty fine potatoes and tending to his herd of cows and sheep.

Ubaldo Lluya - Expedition Cook, High Mountain Porter

During the climbing season, this man is hard to find. He is always out on one expedition or the other and we need to book him early if we want him to come along! He is quick, eager and does not mess around in the kitchen! His mountain skills are well refined after many years working on expeditions and in his certification as a porter he has also climbed many of the peaks in the Cordillera Blanca range. Fast, strong, friendly, and always willing to do what is needed, Ubaldo is one of our top guys. We love the traditional Peruvian cuisine he brings to our trips and to our clients mouths as well! When not on an expedition, Ubaldo can be found teaching his two sons how to plant potatoes and all of his secret wheat thrashing techniques.

Cerilo Loli
Donkey Driver, High Mountain Porter, Aspirant Expedition Cook

Cerilo's Loli’s bright smile, bountiful energy, and willingness to work hard have made him an invaluable member on many of our expeditions in the Cordillera Blanca and Cordillera Huayhuash. He works as a porter and donkey driver, and is currently in-training to become an expedition cook as well. Cerilo lives in the tiny village of Pashpa, where our trips to Urus, Ishinca, and Tocllaraju begin. If you are lucky, he will invite your group to his rustic home for lunch on your way back from your climbs, where you’ll gain a better understanding of the lifestyle and incredible hospitality of the Andean people.

Juan Lluya
Expedition Cook, High Mountain Porter, Donkey Driver

The Lluya family is practically famous in Huaraz for its long heritage of expedition cooks. When you have a Lluya on your trip, you can rest assured you will be well cared for in the culinary realm of things, always greeted with a warm smile and usually a hot beverage in tow. Juan Lluya grew up in the mountains surrounding Huaraz, works as a farmer and also a cook, donkey driver, porter, and camp guard. Two of his sons are aspirant guides and they all know the Cordillera Blanca in such an intensely close way, we the visitors to this place can only be respectful and fascinated by the link between earth and man. From an early age, Juan began his work with expeditions in the area, always eager to meet and assist those whom have come to discover his “backyard” for the first time. Now over 60 years old, Juan continues to delight our clients with his food and his charm, as well as maintain his child-like enthusiasm for his work.

Cole Alexander - Career Yet to be Decided

Aspiring alpine guide, mountain instructor, outdoor educator, or possibly none of the above, Cole has recently passed his one year birthday and is off to a running start. Literally. He has spent one full season in Huaraz. Currently his credentials are only in camping at altitudes at or below 4500 meters, however, his genetic disposition to being outside and in action is clear and obvious. Keep your eyes out for this guy in the future. He will be something of a star we all suspect!

Toast the Wonder Mutt - Camp Guard, Great Companion

Toast was born in a small cardboard box in the Huaraz Central Market with several other less-cute-than-he black puppies. He joined the Skyline family at the ripe young age of 5 weeks and has been both an asset and a joy ever since. Toast has worked in several different capacities within the Skyline Adventure School, serving primarily as a good buddy, but also in security, couch warming, stick gathering, and is pushing the limits of high altitude canine alpine camp guarding!