As a climber, you have probably dreamed about becoming a guide. What could be more enticing than being able to spend all day in the mountains doing what you love and getting paid for it? Well Nick Lozica is living the dream and doing just that! Nick is an exceptional athlete based in the Eastern Sierra who works as an apprentice Rock, Alpine Guide and AIARE Instructor. What we love about Nick is his infectious smile, non-stop positive attitude, and bottomless stoke for mountain adventure sports. We had the chance to chat with Nick about his experience being a guide and instructor. Enjoy this chat with Nick as he answers some of our questions about guide life.
- Introduce yourself! Who you are, where you call home, and what you do.
Hi, my name is Nick Lozica. I call various parking lots in the Sierra Nevada home and I'm an apprentice rock, alpine guide and AIARE instructor.
- What is your background in mountain adventure sports?
I grew up in the San Francisco area climbing and skiing in the Sierra, I started off climbing in the gym and with my local comp team.
- Describe what it means to be a guide and instructor.
To me, being a guide and instructor means I can be the one to facilitate these amazing experiences for people and bestow knowledge that'll inform them to make the right decision in the mountains.
- What motivated you to choose this career path?
What motivated me to go down this career path was seeing the fun and fulfilling life I could lead climbing and skiing! Plus a 'bad day at work,' is still a day in the mountains.
- What was the guide and instructor school/training like?
Guide training is a lot of fun, especially the lower level courses. You're there to learn and to learn how to teach people about the mountains. An added bonus is it ups your personal climbing and skiing.
- What is your favorite part about being a guide/instructor?
My favorite part of guiding is being able to go climbing and skiing for work. It's kind of surreal that I can get paid to go have fun!
- Do you have any advice for someone who is interested in pursuing a guide or mountain instructor position?
Seek out mentorship from an experienced guide. They'll be able to teach you the small things that'll make you a better mountain professional.
- Share a story about a recent adventure in the backcountry?
I recently had a lovely day out with a friend touring, in the Mammoth area, with our dogs and used some POWWAX which worked extremely well!
- What is your favorite backcountry snack?
Definitely has to be Snickers, Skittles, smoked cheddar and salami. It's more of a meal than a snack, but hey it fuels me when I'm out there.
- If you could go climbing with ANYONE (dead or alive) who would it be and why?
I'd love to have gone climbing with Ueli Steck or Josh Wharton. Both are extremely good well rounded climbers, not just on rock, but on snow, ice and everything in-between.
- Give everyone reading this a reason to go climbing today!
Climbing provides so much to you, not just the experience of physically doing it but the cool community too!
- How can people find you to work with you?
The best way to work with me is to reach out to me via Instagram (@nick.climbs) and ask me about the specific objective you have in mind and I'll make it happen!
Photo: Kuba Szwedzik
Working with a guide or instructor will guarantee you a unique experience in the mountains. Guides and instructors are familiar with the nuances in the area and can help you stay safe while pushing your mental and physical boundaries to new levels. Getting advice from a local who is an expert in the sport will no doubt improve your skills and teach you something new about the area. Contact Nick for your next Eastern Sierra adventure!
Photo: Nick Lozica