Guide Spotlight: Dallas Glass

Meet CTSS guide Dallas Glass! A Seattle local, Dallas has climbed and guided some of the most renowned peaks worldwide, including Mount Everest in Nepal and Cho Oyu in Tibet. He is a regular presence on our Denali expeditions in Alaska and Mount Baker in Washington, where his calm leadership and technical expertise have earned him a reputation as one of the most skilled guides in the business. As one of our climbers on Mount Baker shared this past year, Dallas is “simply outstanding.”

With nearly three decades of climbing experience and an impressive academic background, Dallas brings a wealth of knowledge to every expedition. Dallas holds a Bachelor of Science in Forest Resource Management from Clemson University and went on to earn a Master’s degree in Hydrology and Soil Physics from the University of Nevada. After completing his studies, Dallas divided his time between working as a wilderness ecologist in Alaska and an avalanche forecaster at Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe. These days, Dallas spends most of his year working as an avalanche and mountain weather forecaster in Washington’s rugged Cascade Range. However, he still loves to trade his skis for crampons and explore the world’s great ranges. His combined expertise in both the environment and avalanche science makes him an indispensable resource on every climb.

Dallas’s list of professional certifications is equally as impressive as his big mountain and academic background. Not only does he hold multiple certifications from the American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education, but he also spent many years working for AIARE, teaching and evaluating other recreationists and professionals. Rounding out Dallas’s avalanche certifications, he has also completed the Pro Training Program with the American Avalanche Association, which supports avalanche professionals by increasing the effectiveness of past trainings and certifications in a collaborative and complimentary manner.

A climber from our 2024 Denali team expedition perfectly captured Dallas’s strengths:

“Dallas was easily the most knowledgeable and experienced guide on our trip. He always put safety and education first and worked tirelessly to help clients succeed. He far exceeded my expectations for a guide.”

Born in Alabama, Dallas’s passion for the outdoors was sparked when he began climbing the beautifully sculpted sandstone routes that dominate the northeast corner of the state. In 2012, Dallas and his wife moved to Seattle, where they now enjoy the outdoors year-round. His time in the Pacific Northwest has been marked by countless adventures, where he has further honed his climbing, skiing, and avalanche forecasting skills. When not guiding or working as a local avalanche forecaster, you’ll likely find Dallas on a long run or whipping a delicious meal with his wife. 

Whether you’re tackling the glaciers of Alaska or the rugged slopes of Baker, Dallas brings an unparalleled depth of experience and professionalism to the mountain. This is exactly why we’re tapping into Dallas’s knowledge for our upcoming webinar, Mountaineering 101: Expedition Essentials on Mount Baker, to chat about our Mount Baker Alpine Academy. These hands-on courses are designed for aspiring climbers or those preparing for bigger summits like Denali, Aconcagua, or Everest who want a deeper understanding of the essential mountaineering skills, including crampon, ice axe, rope, and efficiency techniques, as well as best practices for camping during a multi-day expedition. You can read more about these essential skills in our blog, Mike’s Big Four: Skills ALL Mountaineers Need.

Get to Know Dallas