meet your guide

Dave is a backcountry ski guide, avalanche educator, and rock climbing instructor dedicated to helping people build confidence, competence, and a deeper connection to the mountains. His approach blends technical expertise with a calm, grounded presence — creating experiences that are as educational as they are transformative.

Through backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering, Dave helps people move safely and skillfully through remote alpine terrain, cultivating the awareness that turns challenge into freedom. His avalanche education programs emphasize informed judgment, preparation, and an understanding of the complex forces that shape the snowpack and the underlying terrain.

On the rock, Dave brings the same steady guidance — supporting climbers as they develop strength, trust, and focus while expanding their comfort zones. Across disciplines, his mission is the same: to empower others with the knowledge, confidence, and mindset to explore the mountains with respect, curiosity, and joy.

“What I love most is seeing people surprise themselves when something clicks and watching the confidence start to take root. The mountains have a way of teaching that stays with you long after the day ends.”
— Dave Kruse

AMGA Apprentice Ski Guide

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor

AIARE Course Leader

American Avalanche Association (A3) Professional Member

A3 Pro 1 & Pro 2

Wilderness EMT

certififations

Testimonials

  • I took AIARE 2 with Dave Kruse and those were some of the best educational days that I can remember. He had a patient, well informed, inclusive manner of teaching. If you are thinking of taking a course such as AIARE or any other mountaineering course, look no further.

    - John M.

  • You can relax into optimal enjoyment of your vertical outing when you climb with Dave. he is a committed student-practitioner of the most current materials, tools, and methods of protecting climbs and clients alike.

    - Beck W.

  • In my AIARE course with Golden Mountain Guides, we learned so much from Dave regarding terrain management, snow science, and balancing the risks and uncertainties inherent to backcountry skiing. On top of all this, Dave knew where to find the soft snow, and ensured we'd all get in some good turns as part of the experience.

    - David B.

  • My first time out in backcountry and wasn't sure what to expect. Dave, our guide was excellent with explaining everything from equipment to avalanche info to terrain awareness. We weren't hurried, he made sure to take breaks to have us catch up and get a breath before moving on. He was wonderful.

    - Yvonne F.

  • I am a new climber and still learning some of the basics. When I froze on a difficult route, Dave was able to patiently coach me through next steps that put me at ease. His expertise and confidence in me left me feeling stronger and more capable as a climber and a person.

    - Victoria G.

  • As a first-time climber with some natural hesitation around heights, I couldn’t have asked for a better guide than Dave. His calm, confident guidance and encouraging, yet patient, approach made me feel comfortable and capable. Thanks to his expert guidance, I reached the top of a climb I didn’t think possible and had an unforgettable, empowering experience along the way. Can’t wait to do it again!

    - Katherine H.