For more than 20 years, Fox Mountain Guides has helped climbers of all skill levels build confidence, develop technical skills, and create lasting connections with the outdoors. Founded in 2004 by Adam Fox, the company was built around a vision of bringing professional mountain guiding and high-quality climbing education to the Southeast through AMGA-certified instruction and a deep commitment to safety and mentorship.
In 2024, Elizabeth and Forest Stavish took the reins of Fox Mountain Guides, continuing that legacy while bringing their own passion and vision to the company. Today, Fox Mountain Guides offers everything from introductory climbing experiences to advanced mountaineering and self-rescue courses, with instruction tailored to each individual climber’s goals and experience level. Their team brings expertise across a wide range of disciplines, including sport climbing, traditional multi-pitch climbing, ice climbing, and mountaineering, while placing a strong emphasis on risk management, stewardship, and thoughtful instruction.
Rooted in the outdoor culture of Western North Carolina, Fox Mountain Guides is also deeply committed to supporting the climbing community and protecting the places they recreate. Through partnerships with organizations like the Carolina Climbers Coalition and Outdoor NC, the team regularly gives back through trail work, cleanups, and Leave No Trace education. In this OBA Member Spotlight, we talk with Elizabeth and Forest about the company’s evolution, the importance of community, and the experiences that continue to inspire their work in the mountains.
1. Fox Mountain Guides has been a leader in climbing education and guiding in the Southeast for more than 20 years. How did the company get started, and what inspired your mission to provide both expert instruction and unforgettable mountain experiences?
Fox Mountain Guides was founded in 2004 by Adam Fox, who recognized the need for a professional mountain guide service in the Southeast. His vision centered on establishing a standard of employing American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) certified guides and instructors. In 2024, my wife Elizabeth and I acquired Fox Mountain Guides, and our goal is to not only carry forward Adam’s vision but also to implement our own. Throughout its history, Fox Mountain Guides has led the way in climbing education and guiding in the Southeast. As we move forward, we aim to clarify and solidify our mission: To educate climbers of all skill levels, and to provide exceptional and unforgettable experiences in the mountains. This mission reflects our passion for ensuring climbers enjoy safe and memorable experiences for years to come, while also allowing us to share the thrill of navigating the beautiful, rugged terrain of Western North Carolina and beyond.
2. Your guides are professionally trained and AMGA-certified, with a strong focus on education, risk management, and authentic instruction. What sets Fox Mountain Guides apart in the climbing and outdoor education world?
Our team brings a diverse range of experience to our guiding and instructional days, including sport climbing, ice climbing, multi-pitch trad climbing, and mountaineering. We tailor each experience to meet the individual needs of our clients, whether they are beginners or advanced climbers. A strong emphasis on risk management empowers our clients to make informed decisions regarding risk assessment and engagement. Additionally, we value community and environmental stewardship. We partner with local organizations to promote community engagement and take responsibility for giving back to the climbing resources we use commercially. This includes donating our time and resources for trail work and cleanups, supporting our local climbing organization the Carolina Climbers Coalition, as well as partnering with Outdoor NC to teach and practice Leave No Trace principles. We also pride ourselves on our longstanding positive reputation, supported by five-star reviews and testimonials that highlight our commitment to professionalism and delivering quality programs.
3. Western North Carolina is home to some of the most iconic climbing destinations in the Southeast. How has being part of the outdoor community here, and organizations like the Outdoor Business Alliance, shaped your company and connected you with the broader outdoor industry?
Being part of the diverse outdoor community in Western North Carolina and the Outdoor Business Alliance has significantly strengthened our company. It fosters connections, promotes sustainability and resiliency, enhances our expertise, and cultivates a strong sense of community. This collaborative spirit enriches the experience for our clients and reinforces our commitment to the outdoor industry.
4. From beginner climbing courses to advanced mountaineering and self-rescue instruction, Fox Mountain Guides offers experiences for climbers at every level. Is there a recent program, course, or milestone your team is especially proud of?
Recently, we’ve observed a shift in how our clients prefer to receive instruction. In the past, many people readily signed up for our progressive series of courses. Now, we find that clients are increasingly seeking a one-on-one approach to their climbing instruction. This shift has prompted us to adjust how we present and deliver our curriculum, placing a greater emphasis on private instruction. While we continue to offer foundational courses, we’re attracting more climbers—from beginners to advanced—who are interested in these personalized educational opportunities. This approach has a lasting impact, as it provides clients with more individual time with our instructors. We take pride in understanding our clientele’s needs and adapting our focus to meet them.
5. For someone interested in getting started in climbing, guiding, or outdoor instruction, what advice would you give about building skills, confidence, and a lasting connection to the outdoors?
First, I want to emphasize that there are no shortcuts, but there are smart decisions. My advice to anyone starting in climbing or looking to expand their skills and confidence is to seek qualified instruction and hire a guide. This choice compresses your learning curve and helps you avoid repeating mistakes. Hiring a guide doesn’t mean skipping the work; it eliminates much of the trial and error often involved in self-learning. Certified guides and instructors will teach you best practices. Again, there are no shortcuts, you must practice the skills you’ve learned with diligence. And lastly, don’t forget to enjoy the process.
