Jason Antin: The Changing World of a Mountain Guide
Meeting up with Jason Antin, our rendezvous was delayed as he had been engaged in a mountain rescue throughout the night. What began as a call for lost hikers escalated into a more urgent situation, requiring Antin and his team to work tirelessly to bring two stranded friends to safety. Search and Rescue operations are just one facet of Antin’s multifaceted role in the outdoor industry.
Antin’s love for the outdoors was cultivated early in his life and further solidified as he delved into the myriad adventures it offers. Not only does he continually push the limits of his own physical and mental capabilities, but he also revels in the vibrant outdoor community of Colorado.
Having been a collegiate football player, Antin is no stranger to dedicating extensive hours to training, performing, and fostering camaraderie within a closely-knit team. He now finds that same sense of camaraderie among his Search and Rescue colleagues, fellow mountain guides, and adventure companions.
Reflecting on his guiding career, Antin recalls a particularly memorable experience guiding a diverse group to the base camp of Mount Everest. Beyond the challenge of the journey itself, he found fulfillment in forging connections among individuals from various backgrounds, fostering enduring bonds rooted in shared experiences.
For Antin, community isn’t merely an added bonus; it’s a driving force behind his endeavors. As a guide, rescue team member, athlete, coach, and creator of inspirational adventure content like Beat Monday, he’s on a mission to equip people with both the skills and the enthusiasm to thrive in the outdoors.
Antin emphasizes that his guiding philosophy revolves around empowering guests to leave with newfound knowledge and a sense of accomplishment. Operating with Colorado Mountain School and Skyward Mountaineering, as well as through his own venture, Alpenglow Mountain Guides, Antin is committed to providing safe and enriching outdoor experiences, even amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indeed, guiding has evolved in the wake of the pandemic. Travel to distant locales has been curtailed, prompting Antin and his team to adapt to new safety protocols and procedures. Despite the logistical hurdles, Antin emphasizes the importance of maintaining the personal connection and effective communication that are integral to guiding, even while masked and physically distanced.
Navigating these challenges, from implementing safety measures to adjusting teaching styles, Antin remains steadfast in his commitment to facilitating meaningful outdoor experiences, embodying the resilience and adaptability inherent to the mountain guiding profession.