Mike Browder leads WT adventures from Corsica to the Alps and northward to the fjords of Norway. He has worked in outdoor settings all his life, directing parks and recreation programs in Bend, Oregon, coaching ski teams, and mountain climbing in North America and Asia, including a 2003 ascent of Mt. Everest and an even more challenging descent (ask him for the details!). He spent much of the 90s in Central Asia, climbing peaks, guiding, teaching English, and delving into the many cultures of the region. Mike joined our Europe team in 1999 and settled in the heart of the Alpine action in Chamonix, France, with his British wife, Gill, in 2001. A lifetime learner (currently brushing up on his Russian) Mike brings knowledge, professionalism, and genuine excitement to every trip, whether an alpine adventure, a voyage through glacier-carved fjords or a Mediterranean island ramble. “I want our trip members to appreciate the special nature of these areas, not only the mountains, but also the people and their way of life, which is changing in many ways,” he says. When not guiding for WT, Mike is a nordic ski instructor and high mountain guide for mountain, rock, and ice climbing expeditions in Europe, Alaska, Asia, and beyond. His most prized possession? A Mittenwald violin he brought back from the Tyrolean Alps; when he descends from the trails you’ll find him on his sunny balcony below Mont Blanc, practicing away.
Mike is an outstanding leader. He did his best to keep us well informed on itinerary, changes, daily game plan. He is extremely knowledgeable of the area, history, current events, and local nuances. Great sense of humor as well as a strong commitment to ensuring everyone is safe and has a great experience. He went out of his way to provide extra amenities that were not normally included in the trip details, making each day that much more enjoyable.
Mike's knowledge of the area and mountaineering is second to none and he did an incredible job of managing the trip and delivering the best experience possible for all participants.
A true experienced, professional and just a really nice guy to hang out with. He does a great job interacting with all the group individuals, and juggling special requests/and or physical limitations.
Mike was a true pleasure to be with. His knowledge base is mind-blowing; his energy and enthusiasm are contagious. He was a really good trip leader and did an awesome job entertaining and engaging us throughout our trip.
Mike is great to have as a leader. He was very professional, knowledgeable, and thoughtful. His hiking and mountaineering experience were appreciated.
Mike did a superb job of choreographing a diverse, challenging, and fun trip with excellent hikes and activities such as museums and site visits where we could learn about the culture and background.
Mike is fabulous, very engaging, informed, concerned, effective, and efficient. He made the trip run very smoothly in every detail and showed concern for each element and participant. It was a pleasure and privilege to travel with him.
Very much enjoyed Mike! He was very personable, engaging, and organized.
Mike worked hard to keep us engaged, informed and well taken care of.
Mike was fantastic. In addition to being a strong hiking leader and logistics coordinator, his effervescent personality really kept our group upbeat and cohesive throughout the trip.
We particularly liked Mike's easygoing nature, and were impressed with his extraordinary hiking knowledge.
Mike is a true asset to WT. His ability to interact with all participants in a truly professional level is so important. He is my favorite guide of the 10 trips I've been on with WT.
He is a first-rate trip leader and a first-rate individual with whom I hope to spend more time on future adventures.
Mike was unbelieveable in every respect! He was encouraging, fun, and very very knowledgeable.
Mike was amazing in terms of his knowledge of the area, his attention to detail, interaction with all of us, and his great sense of humor.
Mike was on top of everything. He was hospitable, knowledgeable, always courteous and helpful. It was great having the opportunity to get to know him.
Mike's enthusiasm and humor were a great addition to the trip.
Mike's attitude, professionalism, knowledge and never-ending patience make him possibly my favorite guide from WT (and you have great ones!).
Mike was a lot of fun, multiculturally enthusiastic, as well as a fine leader.
Mike was a fabulous leader who took great care to ensure that all participants had an extraordinary adventure. His knowledge of the Alps’ culture, food, wine, and geography added to the group’s experience.
Mike was an excellent leader, with wide technical skills, knowledge of the area and interpersonal skills.
Mike Browder is a first-rate guide. This was our first serious hiking trip and he made us feel very comfortable while not holding us back in any way. We also found him to be a lot o fun, highly professional, and tremendously experienced.
Mike was very entertaining and fun to be with on top of his outstanding experience in this area.
Mike is an excellent trip leader—very personable, interesting. He took great care to make sure the trip was first rate.
Mike was a pleasure. Everyone enjoyed him. I recommend him very highly.
