Bayard Russell

  • Bayard Russell

    Bayard has been guiding in New Hampshire since 2003. He is a certified AMGA Rock Instructor, a team leader and director of the Mountain Rescue Service, New Hampshire’s volunteer technical rescue group, and a passionate year-around, all conditions climber. In 2008, he founded Cathedral Mountain Guides.

New Hampshire climbing guide Bayard Russell.

Over the years, Bayard’s love of climbing has propelled him into the obscurest corners of the New Hampshire forest, across remote Alaskan glaciers and, occasionally, up to the summits of some big mountains. The North Summits of Beguya (Mount Hunter) and Denali (Mt. McKinley), multiple trips up Yosemite’s El Capitan, first ascents of multipitch 5.13, up-side-down M11 and traditionally protected, multi-pitch M9 are some of the results of his laugh-filled outings with good friends.

On rest days, Bayard likes to go bird hunting with his dog Bailey, read history with his two cats, and go for long walks on the beach with his wife Anne. He’s also known around the Mount Washington Valley as a savvy carpenter and woodworker.

Bayard says he enjoys winter climbing for “the complexity of the challenges” and loves teaching the finer points of climbing technique and tactics. Whether you want to try your hand at mountaineering on Mt Washington, scratch around on mixed terrain, or learn the basics of ice climbing movement, Bayard is always psyched to share his experience and love for the outdoors.

Bayard’s links and press:

Outdoor Research Athlete Page
La Sportiva Athlete Page
Climbing Magazine – Minotaur and Daedalus, First Ascents
Alpinsit – Painted Wall Icicle, First Ascent
Alpinsit – Bossman, First Ascent
Mountain Rescue Service