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.

Paul Dusatko

Similar to a crack addict, I have been addicted to rock climbing for 21 years...
I was born in Telluride, CO but did not start climbing until I was transplanted to Southern California.  Trad climbing was my intro to the sport.  My first 5 years of climbing involved major epics and few successes in Joshua Tree, Tahquitz, Suicide, and Yosemite.  Luckily for me the mentor system was still a big part of climbing and I had the opportunity to climb and learn from legends like John Long, Jim Bridwell, Randy Leavitt, Mari Gingeri, Dale Bard, Todd Gordon, and many other of the original Stonemasters.

With the proliferation of climbing gyms in the early 90's and "glue-ups" under the 405 freeway I became more and more attracted to the gymnastic movement and social convenience that is sport climbing and bouldering.  Having achieved a few of my big wall goals with winter ascents of El Capitan and single day pushes of the Leaning Tower and Half Dome I sold all of my "manual labor" aid gear and committed fully to clipping bolts and pebble wrestling.  Bi-monthly trips to the immaculate Limestone of the Virgin River Gorge and Mt. Charleston completely replaced the longer haul to The Valley.

While working at a few of the more radical 90's gyms, I was soon looking for sponsors to help supplement my climbing addiction.  Since then I have been fortunate to work with and be supported by many of the top climbing companies. While attending college in 1998, I produced my first climbing film, Inertia, a 35 minute surf/skate/pre-jackass jackass style climbing video that went on to exceed any and all sales expectations.  SInce then I've released 5 full length climbing dvds including Inertia 2, A Day In The Life; 5 Women Who Climb, Soul Cal, Sport Climbing 101 With Chris Lindner and Bouldering 101 with Matt Birch.

2 years ago I finally made it back to Colorado and super psyched to be In Fort Collins!  Currently I manage the climbing wall at Miramont LIfestyle Fitness, design climbing walls for my own company Wave Warp Climbing Systems (including the recent 1500 sq foot bouldering Wave Wall addition at Miramont), and represent La Sportiva as an athlete amabassador.
I feel very fortunate to be here in Northern Colorado with endless amount of quality stone and year around climbing!
Please support the following grass roots efforts to help keep our crags clean and open!
www.nococlimbing.org
www.accessfund.org
www.huecoclimbers.org

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.

Chris Durnin

I was born and raised in southern Colorado and climbing was somewhat a mystery to me due to the small and relatively reclusive styling of the local climbing scene. In 2006 I went to school in Boulder Colorado and got sucked into climbing and it has been a passion ever since. I really only boulder due to an ironic fear of heights and a driving curiosity towards what the hardest moves my body can do on rock. After being brought under the wings of local strong climbers my knowledge and passion for the Northern Colorado climbing scene grew. The unbridled curiosity and passion for progression that is possessed by climbers here is very inspiring and continues to be my driving force behind climbing.

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.