about kevin

Kevin resides in Richmond Vermont with his wife Claire and two daughters Annika and Eliza.

Kevin worked rock climbing and mountaineering courses for the National Outdoor Leadership School for six years averaging 30-40 weeks a year in the field. So after college where Kevin had discovered his new passion for rock and ice climbing, he was now living his dream of spending more time in the backcountry than not. This is where Kevin became a teacher. Experiential education was the name of the game at NOLS and facilitating individuals’ learning experiences was as important as the technical skills being taught. This is where Kevin was the example. His leadership skills, his judgment, and his knowledge of the mountains were all scrutinized everyday all day.

This lifestyle suited Kevin, however, he decided to settle back down in NH and pursue guiding full time. Kevin guided for several schools for many years before he decided to start his own business, Mahoney Alpine Adventures.

Ultimately, this decision led Kevin in the direction of seeking his full international certification through the IFMGA. Kevin went through coursework in all 3 disciplines: ski mountaineering, rock and alpine climbing and, successfully passed the 3 exams. He has also instructed courses for the AMGA.

Now, the benefits are for you, the client. Kevin’s international certification literally opens up the world to him as a guide. He is proud to offer trips anywhere in the world. Kevin’s full certification enables clients to train locally and then aspire to climb in Alaska, Europe, South America, Canada or Asia.

The question remains…why Kevin? Kevin’s unique experience of teacher first and guide second is engrained in him. So no, Kevin will not tie your knots for you or swing your tool for you, but he’ll teach you how to become competent in the mountains. He’ll give you the skills necessary to gain enough confidence in yourself that you can go climb on your own. He will be ready to take you to the next level on your next adventure, but his ultimate goal is to teach you the necessary skills to be safe and have fun.

A talented guide, a gifted teacher, an amazing climber…Kevin Mahoney.

AWARDS

2010 Copp/Dash Inspired Award (Inaugural Grant) for Nupste in Nepal
2010 Lyman Spitzer Award (team member) for Nupste in Nepal
2009 Hans Saari Memorial Fund Ski Exploration Grant (team member) for Denali, AK
2008 Mugs Stump Award for Kangtega in Nepal
2004 Mugs Stump Award for the Mooses Tooth, AK
2004 Nominee, Piolet d’or Award for the first ascent of Arctic Rage on the Mooses Tooth, Alaska
2004 Golden Piton Award for the first ascent of Arctic Rage on the Mooses Tooth
2002 Lyman Spitzer Award, American Alpine Club for Thalay Sagar in India
2002 Alpinist B-team Award (Inaugural Grant) for Thalay Sagar in India

CERTIFICATIONS

IFMGA/UIAGM Certified Guide
AMGA Rock Guide Certified
AMGA Alpine Guide Certified
AMGA Ski Mountaineering Certified
AMGA Alpine Instructor
NOLS Senior instructor
Exum Mountain Guides senior guide
AIRE level III avalanche training
Wilderness First Responder

TESTIMONIALS

“Mahoney Alpine Adventures has greatly increased my level of competency and confidence in the mountains. Kevin is very meticulous and measured in his approach to teaching the art of climbing, while maintaining a high standard for what the student aims to achieve. He will work with you to not only become a safer and more skilled climber, but a smarter and more independent one. Climbing with Kevin is less like climbing with a master guide and more akin to climbing with a very knowledgeable friend.”

-Pat Connolly

“When my son, Xander, was 17 years old, he got to climb and ski with Kevin in Chamonix. My wife and I were a little nervous about sending our son overseas with someone we didn’t know very well. But, one night, I was talking to Kevin’s wife, Claire (a professional educator), on the phone and she said “there isn’t anyone I’d rather have a young person be with.” She was absolutely right; Xander had the time of his life, and I truly believe that the week he spent with Kevin was a life-changing event for him. In fact, a few weeks ago, my son sent me the Mountain Hardwear advertisement which shows Kevin climbing the Aiguille du Midi. He said “Dad, Kevin and I climbed this together.” I could tell it was one of the proudest moments of his life.”

-Nicholas E. Subashi

“Having started climbing late in life, I needed a mentor and Kevin has provided me the confidence to pursue new challenges from Alaska to the White Mountains.”

-David Warfield