Andy Scott - Owner and Lead Guide

I was born and raised in West Virginia, and grew up in the outdoors. Some of my most formative memories were playing in the wooded ares behind my house, making tree houses and forts with my siblings, and trying our best not to get hurt.

During a family trip to the Grand Canyon when I was a rising high school freshman, walking up on of the trails after a brief jaunt down from the North Rim, I vividly remember looking around, and thinking how much I desperately wanted to make this, and the outdoors, a larger part of my life. I recognized there that I wanted to spend as much time outdoors exploring as I could. At the time I played team sports, playing football from the time I was 8 until I graduated High School. I loved the physicality of it, that it was a challenge, and that it was hard. You would leave exhausted, and feel great about it. Despite this, I never really jelled in a team setting. I preformed ok enough to gain accolades, captain roles, etc, but always felt like I had one foot out the door. Hiking, backpacking, and ultimately climbing were venues that I found better suited my drive, desires, and ideals.

Following High School, I entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, ultimately graduating in 2016 with a degree in Arabic and Defense and Strategic Studies. More importantly however, I had found climbing. On a summer break before Sophomore year I took a trip to the New River Gorge in West Virginia, and went climbing for the first time with a few friends. I was hooked. I started to devour everything I could get my hands on about climbing, and dove down the rabbit hole.

After I commissioned as an Officer in the US Army in 2016, I was stationed in Georgia, and then Upstate New York. My climbing had to take a back seat to my day job, but I still got out as much as I could, but generally in the winter. I placed my first cams on lead while Ice climbing, and Ice has continued to hold a special place in my heart. After leaving the Army in 2021 and moving to Connecticut, I dove headfirst into climbing, trying to make up lost time. I Started to pursue American Mountain Guide Asscociation (AMGA) certifications, and guide for other companies.

My goal is to make this a company that is people focused. Choosing a guide to take you out into the wilderness is a huge decision, and I strive to provide a service that is well worth your time and money. I appreciate you visiting my site, considering choosing my company, and coming out to climb with us!

Certifications and Qualifications:

• AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor (SPI)

• AMGA Alpine Skills Course

• AIARE Level 1 and Rescue Course

• Wilderness First Responder

• CPR Certified

• Leave No Trace Trainer

• New York State Guide license #9320

• BS from the United States Military Academy at West Point