About Us

Ben Scott

I have lived around Fort Collins for over 12 years now. Rock climbing is my true passion in life, and Northern Colorado is easily my favorite playground. I took over as President in 2011 from my friend Reed Woodford and am doing my best to fill those big shoes.

When I'm not looking for new rocks to climb, I work as a Graphic Designer for Citizen Printing here in town. I'm excited to help preserve the amazing climbing resource's we have here in Northern Colorado for many years to come.

Andi Rose

Depending on the day, I’m lots of things. A climber is always one of them.

I started climbing rocks (and plastic) near the end of college and although my friends and family didn’t get why I just wouldn’t make it easy on myself and  “walk up the backside of the boulder” if I wanted to get to the top so badly, I stuck with it. I’m fortunate to live in Colorado for so many reasons, mainly because of the beautiful hunks of granite that hang out in the mountains here. Ironically, one of my favorite spots is not in mountains or in some secret place you have to look at a topo to find – it’s Carter Lake.

Years after my climbing adventure began, I’m honored to be giving back to something that has given so many life lessons to me. I’m honored to be part of a grassroots organization concerned about keeping climbing alive and thriving for future generations. I’m honored to be a member of the Northern Colorado Climbers Coalition.

Kevin Landolt

Kevin Landolt hails from Fort Collins and enjoys all types of climbing, especially winter-climbing in Rocky Mountain National Park, which is often referred to as “groveling”. In his spare time he pokes fun at boulderers, often while he himself is out bouldering.

Nathan McBride

I'm from Upstate New York, and have been living in Colorado for more than 6 years. I study Conservation Biology at Colorado State University, and helped create the climbing facility at the Campus Rec Center. I love all areas of climbing, however, nothing provides the full spectrum like Alpine, a style that encompasses every possibility between sunrise and sunset, and then some. Lately, I can't get enough of Poudre Canyon sport, and can often be found at a canyon wall with my four legged partner, Charlie. I love this Town for it's sense of community; good food, good people, good beer.....and bike lanes.

Mike Engelstad

I was first exposed to climbing by a friends brother, who worked as a guide in Seneca Rocks, WV.  He invited us to come out and stay with him and climb for a week at the end of our summer break.  On that trip, I experienced sensory overload.  I have never been so suddenly consumed by any activity ever in my life!  I left West Virginia knowing what I wanted to do and have never looked back.

I love how climbing takes me to places few rarely see, and the intimate awareness I experience while high on a mountain clinging to ice tools, sinking a solid jam after a stretch of unprotected climbing, figuring a sequence onsight as the pump clock ticks, or bearing down on the crux of a boulder problem.   The constant stimulation creates a level of focus that I do not experience in other facets of life.  

Climbing is intrinsically satisfying for me, but I love the shared experiences most.  The preparation for a big alpine day in RMNP with my partner, a brief examination of the pitch ahead at the belay ledge, or a reflection of some crazy route back at the car (or better, the bar!).  It wouldn't be the same for me without the other people!  I have spent time over the past few years taking people on various trips and outings around the country, exposing many to climbing (of all sorts) and other outdoor leisure experiences; and I feel pleased to have done so.  Hopefully someone else enjoyed a similar “eye opening” experience, as was provided to me be back in WV.  

Currently, when not climbing, I can be found working at JAX Outdoor Gear as the Assistant Camping Department Manager.  It's a great way to spend my off days, talking with others who love to do the same things as me, all day!  One of my favorite interactions takes place when people bring back BC Ski rental gear and they tell us about their wild experiences up at Cameron Pass or RMNP, two of my favorite places in the world!  The excitement is contagious.  

The climbing, community and culture in Northern Colorado are amazing things.  I am happy to be a part of it, and hope to preserve the past, make many new friends, along the way, and together shape the future in a positive way! Cheers.

Colin Horvat

I moved to Fort Collins in the summer of 2007 to pursue a Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. However, it was climbing that truly brought me to Northern Colorado. My passion is bouldering, and I cannot think of a better place to live to pursue this passion year-round. I currently work as a robotic engineer, route setter, and coach for the Miramont Crusher's climbing team. I am happy to be a part of the NCCC as well as the positive and ever active climbing community of Northern Colorado. I look forward to helping secure access to our most popular climbing areas, as well as pursuing the possibility of opening new climbing areas to enjoy for years to come.