Author Archives: David Lottmann

About David Lottmann

David grew up skiing in the Whites and started climbing at a summer camp just north of Mt. Washington when he was 16. Those first couple of years solidified climbing as a lifetime passion. From 1996-2000 he served in the USMC, and spent the better part of those years traveling the globe (18 countries). After returning to civilian life he moved to North Conway to focus on climbing and was hired in 2004 as a Rock and Ice Instructor. Since then Dave has taken numerous AMGA courses, most recently attaining a Single Pitch Instructor. He has completed a Level 3 AIARE avalanche course, is a Level 2 Course Leader, holds a valid Wilderness First Responder and is a member of Mountain Rescue Service. When David isn't out guiding he enjoys mountain biking, kayaking, hiking, backcountry skiing, trying to cook something new once a week and sampling new micro-brews. He lives in Conway, NH with his wife Michelle and son Alex.

Eastern Mountain Sports Convergence (and Schools Training)

Posted on May 18, 2013

I know I blogged last week about the cool commitment EMS has to training its store employees though the new “Schools to Stores” initiative. That initiative is more of an on-going effort, like the 10 free employee lessons our store … Continue reading →

Posted in Professional Development, Rock Climbing, Self-Rescue | Leave a comment

Schools to Stores Training

Posted on May 12, 2013

I’ve worked for Eastern Mountain Sports in one capacity or another since 1994. A lot has changed since I was first “trained” in the small mall store in Salem, NH. We changed ownership 3 times. We’ve left some western markets … Continue reading →

Posted in Professional Development, Rock Climbing | 3 Comments

Wilderness Medicine Training

Posted on April 15, 2013

I first took the Wilderness First Responder course from Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities, or SOLO, back in April of 2001 when I first started thinking about becoming a professional mountain guide. Today, along with 7 other Mountain Rescue Service fellow team … Continue reading →

Posted in Professional Development | Leave a comment

Mount Washington Ascent 4/6/13

Posted on April 8, 2013

This past Saturday I got to summit Mount Washington with three guys from NYC and a gal from Boston. The mountain was quite busy with early Spring skier’s and folks attempting to summit so we looked for way to maximize … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

2012/2013 Avalanche Course Season Recap

Posted on April 5, 2013

While winter is not quite done with Mount Washington we finished our last avalanche course of the season this past weekend. Looking back on the season I can say with no embellishment that this has been a banner year for … Continue reading →

Posted in Avalanche Courses, Backcountry Skiing, Professional Development | 2 Comments

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course, 3/30/13 – 4/1/13

Posted on April 2, 2013

Well that’s it! Today concluded the last avalanche course of the season. Without a doubt this has been the best year we’ve had for avalanche courses as Mother Nature has provided right up to the end! Later this week I’ll … Continue reading →

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Odell’s Gully, Huntington Ravine, Mount Washington

Posted on March 30, 2013

Today I got to do something a little different than teaching an avalanche course and returned to my roots so to speak… ice climbing! William, his son Billy, and close family friend Jeff have climbed with us a few times … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Leave a comment

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course 3/23/13 – 3/25/13

Posted on March 26, 2013

Yesterday wrapped up our 2nd to last AIARE 1 Avalanche Course. 10 participants enjoyed mid-winter snow conditions after a late March snowstorm dumped over a foot of fresh on the mountain. Field conditions were perfect to learn about decision making in the back-country. Well … Continue reading →

Posted in Avalanche Courses, Backcountry Skiing | Leave a comment

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course 3/16/13 – 3/18/13

Posted on March 19, 2013

Today wrapped up another AIARE 1 Avalanche Course with interesting snow-pack conditions and great weather, Mother Nature is really keeping the avy course season going strong this year! Our first day focused on recognizing avalanche terrain and learning about the different types … Continue reading →

Posted in Avalanche Courses, Backcountry Skiing | 1 Comment

Private Ice Climbing, Frankenstein Cliffs, 3-11-23

Posted on March 14, 2013

This past Monday I got to swing the tools with Martin, a former EMS store employee from New Jersey and a regular guest of the North Conway EMS School location. Martin has climbed with just about every long-term guide we … Continue reading →

Posted in Ice Climbing | 2 Comments