Black Diamond Equipment Partners with The Mountain Guides to Advance Mountain Education and Gear Innovation
[Jackson Hole, Wyoming] – February 11, 2025 Black Diamond Equipment, a global leader in mountain sports gear, is proud to announce a partnership with The Mountain Guides (TMG) which operates mountain guiding operations specializing in technical rock and mountain climbing and backcountry skiing. TMG locations are found throughout the American West with Jackson Hole Mountain Guides (JHMG) being the oldest and most notable. Begun in 1968, JHMG is the second oldest guide service in the United States and the only American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) accredited Institution in the Tetons.
Key Black Diamond retail locations will host outdoor education programs and events led by The Mountain Guides. Stores will be meeting points, a source for program information and serve as the primary outfitter for classes and trips. These locations include the Jackson Hole store in Wyoming, the Boulder and Denver stores in Colorado’s Front Range and the home store in Salt Lake City.
This collaboration solidifies Black Diamond’s commitment to expanding its role in the industry beyond equipping adventurers with the proper gear for safe and successful endeavors by leveraging its retail locations as hubs for fostering outdoor education, adventure and accessibility.
“Black Diamond has always been committed to equipping and inspiring outdoor adventurers,” says Neil Fiske, President of Black Diamond Equipment. “Partnering with The Mountain Guides allows us to connect with the guiding community and their clients in a meaningful way, providing the tools, education, and support they need for success.”
The partnership will improve access to mountain programs. Black Diamond will provide gear for guides and guests, scholarship funding for guides to advance their education through the AMGA, and opportunities for product testing among TMG guides who can offer unique insights on how gear performs in extreme environments at high volumes of use.
Integrating professional guides into gear development is a key component of Black Diamond’s commitment to continuous innovation. Guides put equipment through rigorous, real-world testing in some of the world’s most demanding conditions, providing invaluable feedback that helps refine and improve product design. By working closely with JHMG guides, Black Diamond can ensure that their gear meets the highest standards of durability, performance, and safety to deliver solutions that support both professional guides and everyday outdoor enthusiasts in pushing their limits with confidence.
“We could not be more pleased about our new relationship with Black Diamond.” said Phil Powers, President of the Mountain Guides and former CEO of the American Alpine Club. “This allows us to put our guides and their guests in the best possible equipment. It’s been a pleasure to see our trips launch from the Black Diamond store in Jackson where people can easily round out their kits before launching into the mountains.”
With this initiative, Black Diamond and The Mountain Guides aim to make technical mountain sports more accessible while reinforcing safety and best practices within the outdoor community.
About Black Diamond Equipment
Black Diamond Equipment is a global leader in designing innovative outdoor-engineered equipment and apparel for climbing, skiing, and a wide range of other year-round outdoor activities. Headquartered in Salt Lake City at the base of the Wasatch Mountains, Black Diamond is synonymous with performance, innovation, and durability in the outdoor community. For more information on Black Diamond Equipment, visit www.blackdiamondequipment.com.
About The Mountain Guides
The Mountain Guides is a trusted leader in mountain guiding services, specializing in technical rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and mountain education. Its main location, Jackson Hole Mountain Guides, has operated in the Tetons since 1968. Their rich history of providing expert instruction and unforgettable experiences has grown to include locations in Colorado, Montana, Utah and the Red Rock of Nevada. They inspire adventurers of all levels to safely explore the outdoors. For more information on The Mountain Guides, visit www.themountainguides.com.