Sawtooth Mountain Guides

Founded in 1985, Sawtooth Mountain Guides is rooted in a long history of mountain adventure first established by the original Sawtooth pioneers and homesteaders who explored the local mountains and rivers. The company was founded by Kirk Bachman, who first started exploring the local terrain in the early 70s with skis, rope, and ice axe, and who also built and established the first North American yurts as backcountry ski huts in the Sawtooths.

Erik Leidecker became half owner of SMG in 2002 as a fully-certified IFMGA mountain guide. Chris and Sara Lundy, long-time local guides and avalanche professionals, purchased Kirk Bachman’s half ownership in 2013, and in 2021 Niels Meyer purchased Chris and Sara’s half ownership. Kirk remains at SMG as an active guide and trusted advisor.

Sawtooth Mountain Guides is an Accredited Mountain Guide Service by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), the only accredited guide service in Idaho. The operation guides climbing, hiking, backcountry skiing, avalanche education, ski mountaineering, family programs, and custom corporate trips across an extensive permit area that includes the Sawtooths, Lost River Range, Boulder and Pioneer Mountains, and the City of Rocks.