Genuine Guide Gear

Mountain Guide

Leavenworth, WA

Olivia Cussen was the third American woman to become a UIAGM mountain guide. Together with husband John Race, Olivia runs the Northwest Mountain School - a guide service offering ski, rock, alpine and ice climbing adventures both locally and world-wide. Olivia is also an AIARE avalanche instructor. Olivia has always had a passion for being active in the outdoors but did not find her way to the climbing, skiing and guiding world until after college. When she finally discovered this world she completely immersed herself and began her journey up a very steep learning curve. Olivia began climbing and guiding in 2001 and by the fall of that year had almost doubled her previous altitude record by summiting Cho Oyu, the world’s eighth highest mountain at 8,201m. In the fall of 2007 Olivia completed the AMGA’s alpine guides exam, the last step to become a fully certified mountain guide. Her path in skiing was no different, learning to ski in college Olivia was hired on as a professional ski patroller in 2000 at Steven’s Pass in Washington. This was where she truly learned to ski. Since 2000 Olivia has ski guided in the US, Canada and Europe. When not guiding Olivia enjoys cramming 3 day tours into a long day (lighter pack & a warm bed!) and the occasional randonnee rally.

Backcountry skiing, and alpine rock climbing, are Olivia’s 2 greatest passions. Her favorite ski venues include the Washington Cascades (no crowds, amazing terrain and local) the Wasatch (amazing snow with easy access) the mountains of BC (vast areas of amazing snow and terrain) and La Grave France (the world’s best “ski area”).

When it comes to avalanche science the Canadians are the best in the world. In this same vein, G3 makes the best tools to facilitate safe enjoyment of the backcountry. The Avitech Shovel is designed equally well to make beautiful pit walls and to move a lot of heavy snow. The 320 Carbon Speed pro probe is the tool of choice for our deep Northwest snowpack. And the Tonic's, in addition to having a functional tail for the backcountry, are fun to ski!

http://www.mountainschool.com