Guide Spotlight: Dr. Chris Pierce

Name: Dr. Chris Pierce

• Pro 1 Avalanche

• Wilderness First Responder/CPR

• AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide

• Professional Member, American Avalanche Association (A3)

Fun Facts: Chris is a PhD Research Professor in Arctic and Antarctic Glaciology at Montana State University (when he’s not guiding)

Nickname (and how you got it, if appropriate): Sultan of Sausage (if you know, you know)

Years Guiding for BSBG: 5

Best Moment on Skis/Board: It’s hard to choose just one. But if I must, it’s got to be on a ski trip in Iceland a few years ago. We sailed around the fjords of the Troll Peninsula, and had one beautiful, sunny day where we crushed two steep 4,000ft lines. We skied right to the ocean, where the sailboat captain and first mate had been fishing for cod all day. We grilled them up on the deck of the boat, and set sail for a hot spring that evening! (If you want a similar Arctic skiing/riding experience, travel with BSBG to Senja, Norway, where we’ve been exploring the fjords since 2017!)

Best Moment as a Guide: Slaying pow in the sunshine, descending couloirs, and beers by the bonfire in the northern Tobacco Roots at 2025 RAD Camp.  

What are You Working to Improve this Season Professionally? I’m always working to improve my client coaching skills. From discussing tweaks to uphill or downhill technique, to providing encouragement when the day gets challenging, there are opportunities to enhance our clients’ enjoyment of the backcountry if we embrace our role as coaches and mentors.

Favorite Skintrack Snack: I eat more peanut butter and jelly than most kindergartners

Best Music for Driving to the Mountain? Bluegrass, definitely

Favorite BSBG Trip/Course to Guide: RAD Camp—remote, unskied peaks, true adventure, and tons of amazing terrain all around, with just enough “ roughing it.”

Why Guide? I’m fortunate enough to get paid to share something I love with others! Nothing makes me happier than seeing the stoke on a client’s face when they achieve something they weren’t sure they could accomplish.

Tech Tip: Ski straps are basically backcountry duct tape. Carry ski straps.

Ultimate Personal Ski/Ride Objective (that you will discuss in public): I do a lot of scientific research in Antarctica, but I’ve never been able to guide / ski down there. It’s on my bucket list!