Adventure Spirit
5.0
(8)
Mountain Guide
Burlington, VT
Certificates
IFMGA
At Adventure Spirit we provide Rock, Ice and Alpine Experiences. We are based in the Northeast, USA (Winter), and Pacific Northwest, USA (Spring/Summer).
Our guide operations are led by Kel Rossiter. After stints in the military, the corporate world, and a Zen monastery, Kel began pursuing climbing as his professional passion. A Washington native, his first summit was an all-cotton ascent of Mt. Adams (12,281'). Fortunately, he went on to get appropriate training and since then he has climbed and guided rock and ice in twelve different countries on four continents. Now based in Vermont for most of the year, Kel owns and operates Adventure Spirit LLC, a rock, ice, and alpine guide service specializing in Northeastern climbing destinations.
Kel is also active in higher education, serving as a faculty member/instructor at several area colleges and holding a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies. He has complemented his university studies with American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA) training, having become an IFMGA Mountain Guide.
Kel is an Ortovox Athlete/Guide Ambassador, and he also enjoys bringing the mountain experience to people through writing and has been published in Climbing Magazine, Alpinist, and The Seattle Times, among others. In between his stints in the mountains, Kel serves on the boards of CRAG-VT, Vermont’s climbing access organization and the Vermont Outdoor Guide Association. And though he left the Zen monastery long ago, he still does see the value found in just sitting still.
Programs
What people are saying about Adventure Spirit Guides
Isabella
Our guide did a great job, he was able to ease us into ice and provide some challenging routs as our experience progressed. He was extremely knowledgable, safe and fun to climb with. We took time to do some anchor building activities too. We didn't get do multi pitch because of all the snow but that just means we have more reason to come back. Next time!
Liam
THANKS again for a great trip!! A fantastic experience and invaluable in so many different ways. It was a pleasure to meet you. After one short experience you have become my go to guy in the Northeast. I am looking forward to many more adventures.
Jacob
Just a BIG thank you for the 5 stars climbing day. I loved every minute of it and the technical info, the patience, the attention to safety and all of the beta. I was very exited last year when I saw the ice by the road and so glad you made it come alive today! What a day!
Isabella
Last year in March myself and my brother Max climbed Mt Mansfield (Vermont) with one of your guides. It was an incredible day and probably the highlight of my trip home on leave.
Owen
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for this summer’s experiences. Frost Valley YMCA Adventure Trips utilized your guiding service throughout the summer, and each time they were met with professional and friendly guides. The guides, in my experience, are what really make the activities fun. When my kids come back chatting about how great climbing was and how awesome the guides were, I know I have found a worthwhile organization. Without your guides this summer, my kids would have missed out on a lot of opportunities. From the patience in pushing them to stretch beyond their limits and comforts to just sitting back laughing and having conversations with them, your guides have touched each of these campers in a positive way. So, thank you for all you have done for us this summer, and I look forward to rebooking with you next summer. —L. McLain, Adventure Director, Frost Valley YMCA
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