Our Mission
because mountains are the best teachers
The heart of our mission is to support the Montana community with education and mentorship regardless of economic background, previous experience, gender, age, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fulfill our mission by offering a variety of instructional experiences, including guided trips and educational programs focused on alpine endeavors.
All our courses and trips are taught and run by professional and experienced staff, and our wages are highly competitive within the industry. Our offerings span a wide array of rock, ice, and snow activities that range from competitively-priced guided days to subsidized programs for lower income populations, young adults, and marginalized communities. Proceeds from the revenue-generating activities help make our programs affordable for all. This operational model is based on our belief that the mountains we love and cherish provide transformational experiences that benefit individuals and society alike.
Through mountain travel, one explores their inner landscape and interconnection with other people and the land. Because mountains are the best teachers, we strive to lower the entry and participation barriers that might inhibit people from experiencing them safely and wholly.
Over 50% of our annual budget is supported by donations. Your support helps make our youth programs, the Junior Mountaineering Team, and Touch the Sky, and events like the MMA Speaker Series possible. The MMA pay-what-you-can program is available for all youth programs and open enrollment avalanche education.