About Us:
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Located at the base of Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, Colorado, First Ascent Mountain School specializes in unforgettable adventure trips for the whole family. First Ascent offers guided rock climbing, ice climbing, snowshoeing and hiking trips, along with the most in-depth climbing courses and clinics available. Education and inspiration are at the heart of every adventure and together with our unrivaled passion for what we do, are what defines us at First Ascent.
We emphasize safety above all else and this shows through our flawless record. Along with years of experience First Ascent rock climbing guides and instructors are required to hold internationally recognized training and/or certifications from the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association), and have current Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder certifications. Winter guides are also required to hold AIARE (American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education) Level 1 or 2 Avalanche Training. We constantly support the continuing education of our guides so that in turn our clients will always receive the best possible experience and outdoor education themselves. |
Our commitment to the community and the environment
At First Ascent, it's is important to us that we not only have a positive effect on our clients but on the local community and environment as well. All of our guides practice and teach Leave No Trace ethics. Whether they are out guiding or simply exploring with friends, they are constantly setting an example. In an effort to reduce our impact on the environment, this year we have moved to a paperless waiver system and by digitizing our registration paperwork have eliminated the use of over
30 lbs of paper a year. More than anything we support our local non-profits organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Friends of North Cheyenne Cañon, and Friends of Garden of the Gods who continue to improve our local parks, trails and open spaces so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come.
At First Ascent, it's is important to us that we not only have a positive effect on our clients but on the local community and environment as well. All of our guides practice and teach Leave No Trace ethics. Whether they are out guiding or simply exploring with friends, they are constantly setting an example. In an effort to reduce our impact on the environment, this year we have moved to a paperless waiver system and by digitizing our registration paperwork have eliminated the use of over
30 lbs of paper a year. More than anything we support our local non-profits organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Field Institute, Friends of North Cheyenne Cañon, and Friends of Garden of the Gods who continue to improve our local parks, trails and open spaces so that they can be enjoyed by generations to come.
Our Staff:
John McDonough - Rock Climbing Guide / Director
With over 14 years of climbing experience, John is the founding director of First Ascent Mountain School. His passion for climbing, skiing, teaching and inspiring others is engrained in the roots of First Ascent. John has completed the AMGA Single Pitch Instructor course and AIARE level I & II Avalanche training. He is also a member of various outdoor organizations including The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), American Alpine Club, and The Access Fund.
In the winter John is an avid backcountry skier and as such has a passion for teaching avalanche awareness. He is a volunteer field instructor for Friends of Berthoud Pass, a non-profit organization that specializes in grassroots avalanche education. When he is not working, you'll find John climbing in South Platte, skiing the Colorado backcountry, or more often than not simply exploring the globe! |
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Sam Jurekovic - Rock Climbing Guide
Sam grew up in Jackson Hole and has been climbing since he was in middle school. He moved to Colorado Springs as a resident athlete at the Olympic Training Center for the USA Mountain Bike Team.
Sam is a guide at heart and loves showing people the best views around. When he is not guiding, Sam is a middle school science Teacher. Sam has completed his AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course and hopes to one day be a full AMGA Rock guide. |
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Luke Harris - Rock Climbing Guide
Luke is a certified AMGA Single-Pitch Instructor and Wilderness First Aid certified. Luke has spent most of his time in Ogden, UT. He has been climbing for 10 years and loves sharing his passion with others. Luke has an impressive list of outdoor hobbies that include: sailing, slack-lining, hiking, wind-surfing, mountain biking, backpacking, and whenever he can save the money, traveling.
Luke has a masters degree in Education and minors in Spanish and Recreation. He has facilitated multiple team building activities incorporating many of his hobbies above. 
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Luke Rasmussen
For the last 10 years, rock climbing has been Luke's passion. He loves every part of it from climbing desert towers in Canyonlands National Park to climbing out of the depths of the Black Canyon in Gunnison.
From Vail, CO, Luke is currently a rising senior at Colorado College, pursuing a degree in philosophy. Even with school, Luke still spends just about every afternoon climbing and introducing his fellow students to the sport that has become his life and passion. |
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Rebecca Hedley - Outdoor Group Assistant
Becca helps our rock climbing and snowshoeing guides with our large groups and is the newest addition to the First Ascent team. As an experienced climber, skier, and hiker she is a perfect addition for all of our adventures. When Becca is not climbing, mountain biking, kayaking, or hiking, she likes to bake cupcakes. She loves cupcakes.
During the winter, she enjoys backcountry skiing and volunteer ski patrolling. Becca is:
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Molly Hahn-Floyd - Operations Manager
She has been climbing since she could crawl and runs the majority of our day-to-day operations.
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First Ascent works with a number of local guides, many of whom are not profiled here. If you would like more information on a particular guide, let us know!
