• Alpine Ascents International : I have never personally used AAI, but have seen them in action on many climbs. If money is no object, they may be the best U.S. based guiding company. They run their trips in a strict manner and charge top price with lots of hand holding for inexperienced clients. Their excellent web site is one of the best anywhere and has loads of information from gear to training. While they have an excellent reputation, they follow a proven formula so understand what you are getting into if you are looking for a more independent climb.
  
  
• Himalayan Experience: Russell Brice, owner, is a New Zealander living in Chamonix France. I met him on Cho Oyu. He runs excellent expeditions to Everest's north side and to Cho Oyu. He consistently puts climbers safely on the summit year in, year out. His Everest prices are competitive with other operators including the south side climbs. Brice has a reputation of tight control including over personal dispatches so be prepared to follow his rules strictly. Recently he has provided logistics to non-direct clients (Discovery Channel, film makers, other expeditions etc.) so you want to make sure you have his full attention before signing up.
  
  
• Project Himalaya: This is a small company run by Jamie McGuinness based out of Kathmandu. I went to Shishapangma with him in 2007 and was very pleased. He has employed the same Sherpas for years and has outstanding BC logistics (food, tents, power,etc.). His prices are significantly lower than the majors primarily due to his low overhead and Jamie leading* (not guiding) the climbs himself. His basecamp services are outstanding. Their website is one of the best for high quality pictures, quality dispatches and overall mountain information.
  
  
• Altitude Junkies: This relatively new independent company is owned and run by Phil Crampton. He was instrumental in helping me get to Everest in 2008. Phil has run Everest climbs and logistics for other companies including Mountain Madness for years. Again, he has a strong team of Sherpas and knows how to run a great Base Camp. His teams are limited to 8 maximum and are typically more experienced climbers. His prices are significantly lower than the majors primarily due to his low overhead and Phil leading* (not guiding) the climbs himself.
  
  
• Mountain Trip : I used them for Denali was was pleased with the guides (Bill Allen- who now owns the company). They have expanded to the Himalayas run expeditions by Ryan Campbell (RC). There are six companies authorized to guide on Denali by the National Park Service so I would check out each one and make sure to ask the 10 questions. But MT seems to have the best Denali program out there in my experience and observations.
  
  
• International Mountain Guides : I went to Cho Oyu with IMG in 1998. Seattle based, Eric Simonson specializes on the Himalayas and his partners, Phil Ershler and George Dunn go to South America and Europe. I tried to arrange a 2007 climb with Dunn but received no responses to my questions after his initial reply. Is he still with IMG? IMG is a world-class operation with steady logistics and planning. They charge top prices and offer all the frills but they also have a "non-guided" option that offers base camp logistics at a lower price. I would consider IMG for any trip but ... they recently have had huge teams in excess of 30 climbers plus Sherpas so don't expect a boutique operation. Get references from climbers in the last 12 months to understand their current performance - recent reports have been spotty on overall satisfaction.
  
  
• Adventure Consultants : I used them on Everest in 2003 and 2002 and Ama Dablam in 2000. They operates out Wanaka, New Zealand and run expeditions all around the world especially the Himalayas. Their prices are amongst the highest but you get all the luxuries available on the big Hills. Guy runs a first rate operation, especially when he is on the climb but understand who will be your guide and research that guide carefully. The best trips are when Guy is personally involved and at BC.
  
  
• Mountain Professionals : I used them on Aconcagua and Orizaba and Everest in 2008. They are a young company but their co-owners have over 25 years as professional guides and outdoor instructors. Ryan and Dave are outstanding mountaineers and offer highly personalized climbs primarily in South America, Pakistan and Nepal/Tibet.

Trekking and other Guiding Companies

• Rainier Mountaineering Inc.: RMI is best know for guiding 4,000 people a year up Mt. Rainier in Washington State in the US. I used them with some friends in 2004. I was pleased with the guiding service but the rest of the operation was a little remiss. Overall an excellent operation that I highly recommend for novices. The NPS recently expanded the number of guide services on Rainier so the competition should bring lower prices and improved service. RMI also offers several international climbs. My thumbs up is for Rainier only.
  
  
• Mountain Travel-Sobek : I used them on my first trip to Nepal in 1997. Cathy-Ann Taylor led that trip (she still works for them as of 09/08) and is one of the best trekking guides around. First rate trips almost everywhere. Sophisticated web site with a professional look. My thumbs up is for their treks.
  
  
• Field Touring: In 2005 I climbed Aconcagua and in 2006, Broad Peak with FT. Dave Hancock focus on basement level pricing and targets self-sufficient climbers who do not want or need personal guiding or expensive extra services. I would be very wary of using them on major expeditions to 8000m mountains based on comments from recent climbers on their trips. If you select them be advised not to expect extensive hand-holding, standard base camp comforts that the more expensive companies offer and attention to details.
  
  
• Tower Guides : I went ice climbing in the famous Ouray ice park with Andy Petefish in 1999. He Guides at Devil's Tower in Wyoming during the summer. Andy is very professional and a great teacher. Good site with complete information on his services.
  
  
• Exum Mountain Guides and Jackson Hole Mountain Guides : Both offer trips in Jackson Wyoming. I used JHMG for my Grand Teton trip. Be advised that as of 09/08 only Exum is approved to guide the Exum ridge during the popular summer months. Also speak with your guide before signing up since I found the quality quite variable.
  
  
• St. Elias Alpine Guides : Custom trips to Alaska's Wrangell-St. Elias Mountain range for first ascents and ice climbing. I did some first ascents and ice climbing with them in 1999. Bob is very willing to make your trip whatever you want. Employees a motivated young team of guides. Basic web site with comprehensive information on their trips.
  
  
• Alaska Mountaineering School: Specializes in Alaska and Denali. I climbed Denali with them in 2007. It was an OK trip with good logistics and guide skills. They ran it too much like a school room (with school in their name, what was I expecting!?) for my taste but it might appeal to climbers with less experience. They were also ultra-ultra-conservative in climbing style. Nice people.

European Based Companies

• Jagged Globe: A UK based company. I know several people who have used them with good satisfaction. But be careful of who your guide is for your trip since there have been some poor experiences. They work with other Companies and offer trips almost anywhere. Nice site with many pictures and trip reports. They offer a unique "pre-expedition weekend" where you meet your mates and get a little work in before the trip.
  
  
• Kobler & Partners: Kari Koebler's guiding company based in Switzerland. I have never used Kari but he is quite popular in Europe. They are expensive - US$54K for Everest north. The website is in German.
  
  
• Wilco van Rooijen: Dutch explorer who runs expeditions around the world. I was with Wilco on Broad Peak/K2 2006 expedition. He is an incredibly strong climber based out of the Netherlands. Website is in Dutch.
  
  
• Borge Ousland: A modern day Amundsen, Borge runs expeditions to both poles. He was the first person - ever - to go solo and unsupported across Antarctica. I was with him on Cho Oyu in the late '90s. Great person with incredible stories. Website is in English.

Climbing Schools

• American Alpine Institute : Climbing courses and trips. Located in Washington State. I have no experience with this company, please send me an email if you do!
  
  
• International Mountain Climbing School: Climbing courses and trips. Located in New Hampshire. I have no experience with this company, please send me an email if you do!
  
  
• National Outdoor Leadership School: a long time outdoor company
  
  
• Outward Bound: another long leader in outdoor training
  

* The term 'leading' compared to 'guiding' indicates the expedition does not have a western or lead Sherpa always with the climbers throughout the expedition. This may or may not be important to your selection.

Guiding Companies Reference
Information taken from company websites and subject to correction and changes. Visit the sites for their latest information.

Company	Founded	Country	Principle	Example Prices (normal route)	Coverage advertised expeditions	Expertise actual expeditions within last 3 years	Uniqueness
Major Global Guides (extensive programs with stable guides and support staff operating for many years)
Adventure Consultants	1996 (under Cotter)	New Zealand	Guy Cotter	Everest (S) - $60K Aconcagua - $4.8K Denali - $4.1K	7 summits , Asia, North & South America, Africa, New Zealand, Polar	Everest, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Mustagata,	Same core group of Sherpas for years on Everest, Professional office staff
Alpine Ascents International	1986	US	Todd Burleson	Everest (S) - $65K Aconcagua - $4K    Denali - $5K	7 summits , Asia, North & South America, Africa, Polar	Everest, Denali, Aconcagua, Vinson, Kilimanjaro,	7 Summits program, Professional office staff, Highly recommended
International Mountain Guides	1975	US	Eric Simonson, Phil Ershler, George Dunn ?	Everest (S) $30K non-guided, $77K guided   Ama Dablam- $4.5K	7 summits , Asia, North & South America, Africa	Everest, Cho Oyu, South America, Canada	Full Service, highly experienced
Jagged Globe	1987	UK	Steve Bell	Everest (S) - $42K Aconcagua - $3.9K Denali - $5.4K	7 summits , Asia, North & South America, Africa	Cho Oyu, Everest, Shishapangma	Global climbs
Major Niche Guides (companies that focus on specific mountains or areas)
Himalayan Experience	1994	France	Russell Brice	Everest (N) - $44K	Himalaya	Everest North	Everest North experts
RMI	1969	US	Lou Whittaker	Denali -$4750 Aconcagua - $4.8K Denali - $4.1K	North & South America, Elbrus,	Rainier, Denali	Rainier Experts
Mountain Madness	1997	US		Everest (S) - $55K Aconcagua - $4.8K Denali - $4.1K	7 summits , Asia, North & South America, Africa, Antarctica	Everest, Vinson	Full service global climbs
Small Custom Operators (smaller companies that focus on small or custom trips)
Altitude Junkies	2006	US/Nepal	Phil Crampton	Everest (N) -$27K Everest (S) - $35K Cho Oyu $ 13K	Himalayas, Pakistan	Everest, Cho Oyu, Gasherbrum,	Teams of 8 max, excellent BC logistics, Highly recommended
Mountain Trip	1973	US	Bill Allen	Aconcagua - $3.5K Denali - $4.8K	Alaska, Himalaya, South America, Africa, Antarctica	Denali, Carstensz, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Vinson	Denali Experts , Custom Alaska climbs
Peak Freak	1991	Canadian	Tim - Becky Rippel	Ama Dablam - $4.8K	Himalaya	Everest, Ama Dablam, Pumori	Personalized Climbs
Mountain Link		US	Robert Link	Aconcagua - $3.7K	7 summits , Asia, North & South America, Africa, Polar	Everest, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Ixtaxxihuati, Orizaba, Vinson	Personalized Climbs, high service
Adventure International		US	Scott Woolums	Everest (S) - $52K Aconcagua - $4.8K Denali - $4.1K	7 summits	Everest, Aconcagua, Khan Tengri, Elbrus,	small teams of 6 only, more of a boutique operation
Berg Adventures International	1997 (?)	Canada	Wally Berg	Everest (S) - $58K Aconcagua - $4.9K    Ama Dablam - $9.5K	Everest, Island Peak, Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Ama Dablam, Elbrus	Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Elbrus, Mera, Island Peak	small teams
Value Guides (focus on low cost with proven logistics for many years)
Project Himalaya		Nepal/New Zealand	Jamie McGuinness	Everest (N) - $26K Shishapangma - $10.5K	Everest, Shishapangma, Gasherbrum II, Treks	Everest, Shishapangma, Manaslu, treks	Excellent BC services, low cost. Highly recommended
Summit Climb		US	Dan Mazur	Everest (S) - $29K Everest (N) - $20K Aconcagua - $3.5K	Himalaya, Aconcagua, Africa	Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro	most things are at an extra charge approach good for experienced climbers
Budget Operators (focus on lowest cost, be careful)
Field Touring Alpine	1997	Australia	Dave Hancock	Aconcagua - $2.4K,   Ama Dablam- $4.5K	South America, Pakistan, Himalaya	Aconcagua, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Ama Dablam	basic logistics with low service for experienced and independent climbers
Seven Summits		Russia	Alexander Abramov	Everest (N) $26K Aconcagua - $2.4K	7 summits	Everest, Denali, Aconcagua, Vinson, Kilimanjaro	Budget Climbs for the 7 Summits, Primarily Russian Clients
New and Emerging (relatively new to the market)
Mountain Professionals	2006	US	Ryan Waters, Dave Elmore	Everest (N) $30K, Everest (S) $45K Cho Oyu $14K Aconcagua $3.25K	7 Summits	Everest, Cho Oyu, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, Patagonia	Small teams with highly personalized service
DCXP	2005 (?)	New Zealand	Duncan Chessell	Everest (N) - $24K Aconcagua - $3.45K	Himalaya, Antarctica	Everest, Vinson	Fast growing NZ company with strong commercialization for their trips
Ground Agents (local company that arranges logistics)
High Altitude Dreams		Nepal	Kili Sherpa			Everest, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam	Excellent logistics company. Highly recommended.
Asian Trekking		Nepal	Ang Tshering Sherpa			Everest, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Ama Dablam	Famous for their Everest non-guided trips.
Thamserku Trekking		Nepal				Everest, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma, Ama Dablam	Another Nepal Company
Adventure Tours Pakistan		Pakistan				K2, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum, Nanga Parbat, Spantak, Muztagh	Largest outfitter in Pakistan - 70 climbs and treks a year
Inka Expeditions		Argentina				Aconcagua	Major local company with excellent Plaza de Mulas services
Aventuras Patagonicas		Argentina			7 Summits ex Everest	Aconcagua, Cayambe, Cotopaxi & Chimborazo	Long history with Aconcagua
Marangua		Tanzania			Kilimanjaro	Kilimanjaro	40+ years of guiding on Kili with local staff

Please see Selecting a Guide for more information