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Mindful Mountaineering

About

Chris Martin embodies the essence of adventure, having embraced the thrill of the mountains since his first ski descent. His passion for skiing opened the door to a world filled with exploration, an enthusiasm he now channels into guiding others toward their own mountain aspirations. With extensive experience that spans from South America to Alaska, Chris provides both personal adventure and professional guidance in climbing and skiing.


As an Internationally Certified Mountain Guide, acquiring his IFMGA Mountain Guide Licensure in 2022 marked a significant milestone in his career. His dedication to safety and skill in mountain operations are further underscored by his experience in rescue operations with the National Park Service on Denali. This profound understanding of the challenges posed by mountain environments has instilled in him a deep sense of humility and the necessity for intentionality in risk assessment and mountain travel.
Client Types
Individuals
Small groups

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Trips

Overnight Alpine Summits in Teton Range
While the Grand Teton is by far the most known Peak in the Tetons, this range has a number of objectives that are equally as spectacular.  Whether it be the East Ridge of Mt. Owen, the East Face Buck Mountain or the Southwest Couloir of the Middle Teton, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, can design an overnight climb that will accommodate any goal or skill level.

SOUTHWEST COULOIR 12,804′ II, 3RD CLASS

Once the snow has melted out of the Southwest Couloir the climb to the summit becomes mostly a scramble with a few climbing moves here and there. The approach to the Southwest Couloir is long and arduous. We recommend most parties consider making an overnight of the climb and make a camp in the South Fork. Until the beginning of July this route offers steep snow climbing and great views of the Tetons. The climbing itself is not difficult but the day is long and the slopes exposed. We require participants have a snow class or equivalent experience.

NORTHWEST COULOIR – 12,514′, 4TH CLASS

Most people combine the South Teton with an ascent of the Middle Teton. The approach is long and arduous so one might as well sit on two summits for the work involved. We highly recommend that you consider camping in the South Fork of Garnet Canyon and make the asent of both these great peaks an overnight affair. Be advised that early season snow may require a snow class or equivalent experience.

 SOUTHEAST RIDGE – 11,938’ II, 4TH CLASS

Buck Mountain’s Southeast Ridge is one of the better easy technical routes to a major Teton summit. Although not particularly difficult, it is a fine example of classic Teton mountaineering. The approach is via Stewart Draw past Timberline Lake and requires snow climbing skills until mid-season. Buck Mountain is usually done either as a long day climb or as a comfortable two-day trip. The campsite is in the timber in a boulder-scattered basin 2500 feet above the valley floor. We particularly recommend the two-day trip as a great introduction to Teton climbing for entry-level climbers, for those with families, and for those seeking a less-strenuous trip.

EAST FACE AND RIDGE- BUCK MTN 11,938’ II, 4TH CLASS

Buck Mtn is the southern-most of the big granite Teton peaks. It is usually approached via the Stewart Draw and is much less traveled than the central peaks. The East Face, rising above Timberline Lake, is a straightforward snow climb in early and mid-season. A favorite alternate route is the adjacent East Ridge, a scenic technical climb combining snow with easy rock. It’s a great place for acquiring moutaineering experience in a spectacular setting. Buck Mtn is usually done either as a long day climb or as a comfortable two-day trip. The campsite is in the timber in a boulder-scattered basin 2500 feet above the valley floor. We particularly recommend the two-day trip as a great introduction to Teton climbing for entry-level climbers, for those with families, and for those seeking a less-strenuous trip.

KOVEN/EAST RIDGE – MT OWEN 12,928’ II, 5.4-5.6

Mt Owen is second only to the Grand Teton in elevation and many consider it to be a more difficult peak. Two rewarding routes, the Koven and the East Ridge, offer the moderately experienced climber the best in classic mountaineering. Because the routes are the same up to the summit formation, they are included together. The East Ridge tackles Mt. Owen’s summit via rock that is a bit more challenging than the line the Koven Route follows to the top. Snow climbing skills are required for much of the season to negotiate steep snowfields and couloirs. The routes enter the fascinating cirque of the Teton Glacier and the views of the North Face of the Grand are very impressive. Mt Owen is ascended on a three-day trip with a camp carried high into Glacier Gulch. The second day is usually long and strenuous; a second night at camp is not required before descending.
Seasonality
Jun-Aug
Wind River Backcountry Rock
This trip starts by heading to the Big Sandy Trailhead near the southern end of the Winds. A half day hike gets you to the base of Haystack Mountain (11,978′), an ideal location for multi-pitch climbing on clean granite in a spectacular wilderness setting. Other nearby peaks such as Steeple Peak, (12,040′), East Temple Peak (12,600′) and Sundance Pinnacle (11,081′) offer some beautiful routes and summits.

The area around Haystack is surrounded by miles of wilderness hiking, and there is fishing in the nearby streams and lakes. This is the perfect location for family trips with activities for everyone.

The first day we’ll get to the roadhead in mid to late morning. The hike in from Big Sandy trailhead to Big Sandy Lake is a pleasant 5.5 mile trail with only 600’ of elevation gain. At the lake we will head south to the Deep Lake area near Haystack Mountain. The trails steepen en route to a campsite near timberline.

The following days will be spent ascending peaks and climbing; with the vast variety of routes available, you and your guide will find climbs to match your goals and ability level.

The last day it’s possible to climb a few pitches in the morning, or simply head directly back down the trail to the roadhead.
 
5- DAY CIRQUE OF THE TOWERS
A few hours beyond Haystack Mountain and over Big Sandy Pass is the Cirque of the Towers, which contains the largest concentration of high-quality climbing routes in the Wind Rivers. Amongst the many fine climbs are two of the legendary 50 Classics in North America: the East Ridge of Wolf’s Head (II, 5.5) and the Northeast face of Pingora (IV, 5.8).

Whether you wish to simply experience some of the finest wilderness rock climbing in America or you want to concentrate on improving your climbing skills, the Cirque of the Towers is an ideal location that has drawn climbers from around the world for decades.

The itinerary is similar to the five-day course, but on the hike in, we will turn north at Big Sandy Lake and travel three miles north to the Cirque of Towers, camping in the Lonesome Lake area.

Seasonality
Jun-Nov
Antarctic Adventure Peninsula Cruise
Our trips and itineraries are customized for those with an adventure-driven spirit; providing our clients with a unique opportunity to trek, ski and snowboard several of the White Continent’s untamed peaks. Journey deep into the rugged landscape of one of earth’s last frontiers while enjoying the convenience, safety and luxury of the Ocean Albatros expedition ship. Sail past Cape Horn, across the Drake Passage and along the Antarctic Peninsula and join an exclusive group of intrepid travelers inspired by the legacy of Antarctic discovery.

Experience true modern exploration as you travel to a land covered by glaciers, never conquered by man. Travel through alleys of icebergs and study the blue mystery of such extraordinary formations of nature. Explore harbors and bays while surrounded by clouds of seabirds and become enveloped in the raw magnificence. Witness the profound beauty and isolation of a land covered by ice. Listen to glaciers calve and observe with wonder minke whales, black-browed albatross, snow petrels, penguins and seals.

Ponder the complexity of the fragile and dynamic ecosystem of the Antarctic Peninsula. Daily shore landings, lectures and zodiac excursions will cover the history, biology, geology and politics of our Southernmost continent. Actively explore this frontier or contemplate the social structure of a penguin colony. If you’re interested in this opportunity of a lifetime or want to learn more about the experience and hear from some of our past clients, you’re going to want to watch our new video by clicking the button below.

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Seasonality
Oct-Nov

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