I’m Alan Arnette
I started climbing at 38 while working full-time and raising a family. I summited Everest at 54 and became the oldest American to summit K2 at 58. I know what it takes to pursue serious climbing goals in a real life — because that’s exactly what I did.
I’ve now coached hundreds of climbers, from first-timers to Everest summiteers. I never receive a commission from any guide service or gear company I recommend. My only interest is your success on the mountain.
Self-assessment if you need a coach:
- Q: Are you confident in your physical training plan?
- Q: Are you certain you have the correct gear?
- Q: Are you certain you have the proper skills for your climb?
- Q: Do you fully understand what it will take to have a positive experience on your climb?
- Q: How confident do you understand what it will take to summit safely?
- Q: Are you sure you have selected the correct guide that matches your personality, experience, budget, and skills?
- Q: Do you know what climbs you should do before the big one you plan?
If you answered no to any question, schedule a free call to explore how Summit Coach can change those no’s to yes.
what i offer
Everything is one-on-one and built around your mountain, your timeline, and your life.
A clear path to the summit
A personalized climbing plan — which peaks, in what order, with what skills — so you’re building toward your goal every year.
No surprises on the mountain
Camp-by-camp TiPS guides for Everest, K2, Denali, Aconcagua, and the Seven Summits — written from experience, not research.
A training plan that fits your life
Built around your current fitness, your objective, and how much time you can realistically give — not a generic template.
Gear and guide you can trust
Vetted recommendations for every climb. Best quality at the lowest price. No commissions, no conflicts of interest — ever.
Someone in your corner, always
Unlimited calls, texts, and emails throughout your engagement. Fast responses whenever you need them.
Support while you’re on the mountain
Alan is reachable by phone or email while you climb. Real-time guidance at the moments that matter most.
Ready to talk through your goal?
The intro call is free, 30 minutes, and there’s no obligation. Just bring your goal and where you’re starting from. Alan works with a limited number of clients — if you’re planning a climb in the next 1–2 years, now is the right time.
Coaching from $2,000.
“Alan provided everything I needed to summit Everest at 19. He guided me every step of the way, from zero experience to the top of the world. I seriously couldn’t have done it without him.”
Ryan — Everest summit 2024, age 19
“His knowledge helped me fully prepare — training, gear, and life management. I took his TiPS checklist to base camp and read it over and over. He helped me summit smoothly and safely.”
Jim — Everest and Cho Oyu summits
“Alan is the most valuable resource I’ve had. His knowledge of specific mountains reduced my unknowns and materially improved every pre-expedition decision I made.”
Jason — Everest 2019, Rockies and Andes
“From the initial call right up to my climb, your help in identifying strengths and fixing weaknesses made me a more confident, better-prepared climber. Thank you for everything.”
Brian — Mt. Baker summit, Washington
IS SUMMIT COACH RIGHT FOR YOU?
| A good fit if you … | Probably not the right fit if you … |
✓ Have a serious climbing goal and want expert guidance to reach it safely | x Want someone to tell you what you want to hear rather than what you need to know |
✓ Are balancing training with a job, family, and real life | x Are looking for a quick checklist rather than a real coaching relationship |
| ✓ Want unbiased advice on gear and guides with no financial strings attached | x Aren’t willing to invest time and training in proportion to your objective |
| ✓ Want to arrive at your mountain prepared — not just hopeful |
Start with a free conversation.
Tell Alan your goal and where you’re starting from. No preparation needed, no obligation. Just an honest 30-minute conversation about what it will take to get you there.Talk to Alan — free, 30 min ↗
Alan works with a limited number of clients at a time. The intro call is the first step — and it costs nothing.
Coaching from $2,000 · 10% of all fees donated to Alzheimer’s research · no commissions ever