Mountaincraft:
Mountaincraft is the practiced art of moving well through high places.
It is not defined by difficulty or display, but by how one chooses to move.
It draws from many disciplines: walking with weight, climbing rock and ice, traveling on snow, reading landforms, trusting intuition, and finding one’s way.
Taken as a whole, mountaincraft is neither a collection of techniques nor a pursuit of metrics. It is a style of engagement, and style is how intention becomes visible in action.
Thaddaeus Welch
Thaddaeus lives in New Paltz, NY, nestled under the cliffs of the Shawangunk Mountains, where he deeply appreciates the freedom and opportunities these hills provide. Upon discovering guiding as a career path, he immediately knew it was the career path for him.
With a healthy thirst for exploring the unknown, Thaddaeus has embarked on many adventures, both near and far, continuously refining his mountaincraft.
He considers himself incredibly fortunate to live out his dream of working as a professional guide. It would be an honor for him to share a trail or tie in on a rope with you, and fully embrace the wonders of the natural world together.
In additional to owning and operating Modern Mountaincraft, Thaddaeus also guides technical rock climbing for Alpine Endeavors.
Certifications & Experience
AMGA Apprentice Rock Guide
AMGA Singe Pitch Instructor
NYS Licensed Tier 1 Rock Guide
NYS Licensed Hiking and Camping Guide
Appalachian Trail - 2,193 miles
Pacific Crest Trail - 2,653 miles
Continental Divide Trail - 2,750 miles
An additional >2,200+ backpacking miles
Leave No Trace Trainer
BSA Eagle Scout
>1,200 pitches of traditional rock routes
Multiple ascents of classic climbs in the Northeast
Technical climbing ascents in over 25 states
B.S. in Environmental Health and Safety
Nationally Registered EMT / CPR