About
I’m Akio Joy (he/him), co-owner and guide with Beartooth Mountain Guides. I grew up in the small town of Placerville, California, where I discovered climbing and skiing amid the rugged terrain of the Sierra Nevada foothills. At 17, I made my way to Montana, jumped into guiding, and once I finished college, I committed full time to sharing the mountains with others. In 2023 I earned IFMGA certification through the American Mountain Guides Association — a milestone that reflects my dedication to professionalism, partnership, and equity in the outdoors.
Over more than ten years of guiding, I’ve done everything from technical rock and ice first ascents (WI5+ and up to 5.13) to alpine climbs and big wall routes like the Shield on El Capitan. I also have a passion for ski guiding, avalanche education, and teaching technical courses. Outside of guiding, I hold a B.S. in Mathematics (with a focus in Teaching), and I’ve had the privilege of guiding in many places — from the US and Canada to the Alps, Norway, Turkey, Tanzania, and beyond.
My favorite place to recreate? Just south of the Beartooths, on the Clarks Fork of the Yellowstone — there’s something about that landscape that grounds me. Whether I’m navigating ice, rock, snow, or alpine, I aim to bring others into the wild with respect, skill, humility, and joy.
Client Types
Individuals
Small groups
Experts
Trips
Cooke City Level 1 (A)
Our 3-day courses include field travel on skis/boards each day. These 24-hour courses are taught under the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association (AAA). Expect in-depth instruction in backcountry travel, terrain management, snowpack assessment, rescue practices, and decision making. Each course is run by two instructors, allowing for a low student to instructor ratio and unique perspectives.
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
Seasonality
Dec
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Cooke City Level 1 (B)
Our 3-day courses include field travel on skis/boards each day. These 24-hour courses are taught under the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association (AAA). Expect in-depth instruction in backcountry travel, terrain management, snowpack assessment, rescue practices, and decision making. Each course is run by two instructors, allowing for a low student to instructor ratio and unique perspectives.
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
Seasonality
Dec
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Cooke City Level 1 (C)
Our 3-day courses include field travel on skis/boards each day. These 24-hour courses are taught under the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association (AAA). Expect in-depth instruction in backcountry travel, terrain management, snowpack assessment, rescue practices, and decision making. Each course is run by two instructors, allowing for a low student to instructor ratio and unique perspectives.
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated
Seasonality
Dec
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Red Lodge Level 1
Our 3-day courses include field travel on skis/boards each day. These 24-hour courses are taught under the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association (AAA). Expect in-depth instruction in backcountry travel, terrain management, snowpack assessment, rescue practices, and decision making. Each course is run by two instructors, allowing for a low student to instructor ratio and unique perspectives.
This course is based out of Red Lodge, Montana. Red Lodge courses benefit from a lift accessed field day, unique forecasting learning objectives, and an easier destination for many students. Lodging is not provided on this course.
This course is based out of Red Lodge, Montana. Red Lodge courses benefit from a lift accessed field day, unique forecasting learning objectives, and an easier destination for many students. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Seasonality
Feb
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Cooke City Level 1 (D)
Our 3-day courses include field travel on skis/boards each day. These 24-hour courses are taught under the guidelines set forth by the American Avalanche Association (AAA). Expect in-depth instruction in backcountry travel, terrain management, snowpack assessment, rescue practices, and decision making. Each course is run by two instructors, allowing for a low student to instructor ratio and unique perspectives.
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
This course is based out of Cooke City, Montana. Cooke City benefits from high snow fall, excellent skiing, and quality educational venues right out of town. Lodging is not provided on this course.
Book an optional powder ski day for December 15th for $240! Just add your request to the text box. (Minimum sign-up is 3 people - will keep you updated).
Seasonality
Jan
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Goose Lake Winter Camp 2026 (A)
Learn expedition preparation and ski mountaineering skills and techniques on this 4-day backcountry ski trip. Isolated deep in the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness, this trip will provide snowmobile access to the wilderness boundary, where a variety of incredible terrain provides opportunities for ski mountaineering from a backcountry basecamp far from the crowds.
Seasonality
Apr
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Goose Lake Winter Camp 2026 (B)
Learn expedition preparation and ski mountaineering skills and techniques on this 4-day backcountry ski trip. Isolated deep in the Absaroka-Beartooth wilderness, this trip will provide snowmobile access to the wilderness boundary, where a variety of incredible terrain provides opportunities for ski mountaineering from a backcountry basecamp far from the crowds.
Seasonality
Apr
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Stillwater Backpacking Trip
Explore one of the most scenic and remote backpacking routes in Montana on this guided point-to-point trek through the Stillwater River Valley. Designed for hikers with solid fitness and backcountry experience, this 5-day trip takes you deep into the Beartooth Wilderness, where you’ll travel from dense forests to high alpine basins surrounded by granite peaks.
This adventure begins at the Stillwater River Trailhead and ends at East Rosebud Lake, following a route known for its stunning lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and sweeping mountain views. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll cross multiple mountain passes, camp beside crystal-clear alpine lakes, and gain confidence in navigating the backcountry.
This adventure begins at the Stillwater River Trailhead and ends at East Rosebud Lake, following a route known for its stunning lakes, wildflower-filled meadows, and sweeping mountain views. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll cross multiple mountain passes, camp beside crystal-clear alpine lakes, and gain confidence in navigating the backcountry.
Seasonality
Jul
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Red Rock Climbing
Overview:
Experience one of world's best and most accessible climbing venues, Red Rock. With myself, an AMGA certified Rock Guide, you'll find there are plenty of rock climbing opportunities here for all skill levels, group sizes and disciplines. Red Rock truly has it all when it comes to rock climbing.
, group sizes
On this trip to Red Rock, you can expect intuitive face climbing, shorter approaches, reliable weather, and climbing suited for everyone.
Although this trip is perfect for almost all rock climbers who are looking to visit a world class destination, it is best appreciated by those with some climbing experience (even just bouldering in the gym). Total beginners will find that Red Rock is one of the best places to learn, however. Red Rock is stacked with opportunities ranging from high end sport climbing to beginner multi-pitch, and even full day alpine feeling ascents. One can even find world class bouldering throughout the area.
Situated just minutes from Las Vegas, Red Rock is a popular destination for climbers during the fall and early winter. The sandstone here hosts unique and positive face features, often accompanied with splitter cracks. Nearby, Vegas offers accommodation and cheap flights from most cities in the US.
Although flexible, the baseline trip takes place over 5 days in the area. With direct flights from most places, travel is painless.
Seasonality
Oct-Nov
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Beartooth Alpine Rock & Ice
Overview:
Climb in one of America's finest and most underrated alpine venues, the Beartooth Mountains. Between the massive ice flows of East Rosebud and the endless summer alpine objectives, their are plenty of climbing opportunities here for aspiring and seasoned alpinists alike. Being my home range, many opportunities are abound for custom trips given your skill level and group size. Reach out for inspiration!
The Beartooths are an alpine venue suited for all disciplines of climbing. Although most well known for Montana's high point, Granite Peak, there is much more to be explored. Year round, the range offers unheard of world class ice, rock, and ski descents. Whether you prefer a rugged backcountry experience or a car to car mission, we can find a suitable objective.
Situated on the Wyoming/Montana border, The Beartooths provide easy access to nearby tourist destinations such as Yellowstone National Park, Red Lodge, Bozeman and Big Sky. Most climbers decide to fly into Bozeman, a hotspot for skiers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
All Beartooth trips are custom designed. If interested, please email or call and we can choose the perfect objective(s).
Seasonality
All Year
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Squamish Rock Trip
Overview:
Explore one of North America's finest granite climbing venues, Squamish. Between the towering Stawamus Chief and the nearby cragging, their are plenty of rock climbing opportunities here for all skill levels and disciplines.
On this trip to Squamish, you can expect splitter cracks, high friction slabs, and a beautiful town situated at the tip of the Howe Sound.
Although this trip is perfect for almost all rock climbers who are looking to visit a world class destination, it is best appreciated by those with trad climbing experience in other granite areas. The nearby climbing, however, is stacked with opportunities ranging from high end sport climbing to beginner multi-pitch, and even big wall ascents.
Situated on the Sea to Sky Hwy, Squamish is a small coastal town just halfway between Vancouver and Whistler. A popular destination for all types of outdoor activity, the town offers nearby hiking, mountain biking, wind/kite surfing, and kayaking. Many options exist for lodging, most within walking distance of crags (and breweries).
Although flexible, the baseline trip takes place over 5 days in Canada. With direct flights to Vancouver, travel is painless. Rides to and from Vancouver can be arranged, although it is not included.
Seasonality
Jul-Sep
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Valle Cochamó Expedition
Overview:
Embark on an wild expedition through Chile's Cochamo Valley. With Aki, an AMGA Certified Rock Guide, and Anju, a Spanish translator and experienced South American traveler, you'll be able to explore a remote valley with towering granite walls, deep in the jungle.
On this trip through Valle Cochamó, you can expect world class rock climbing, tranquillo campsites, and a proper South American experience.
This was designed for the climber looking for a unique, exotic granite climbing trip. Have you climbed in Yosemite, but found the crowds overwhelming? Do you wish there was a destination like Squamish, just in a more wild setting? Have you always wanted to climb in South America, but the glacial travel sounds unappealing? If you answered yes to any of these, then this is what you're looking for.
Although flexible, our baseline trip takes place over 10 days in Chile. With direct flights from the US to Santiago, travel is safe and easy.
We begin by picking you up at the airport in Puerto Montt and making a short shuttle to Puerto Varas, where we stay the night. Situated on Lago Llanquihue, one is comfortably welcomed to Chile with a European inspired outdoorsy town and views of the impressive Volcan Osorno. This first evening gives us a chance to test out local cuisine and do a final gear check to prepare for the expedition.
The next morning, we make an early departure for the trail head. We load up the pack horses with our equipment, and take off on the casual day hike to base camp. Base camp, La Junta, is situated in the base of a Yosemite-sized glacial valley. It occupies a large series of meadows just a stones throw from the beautiful Rio Cochamo. Chocked full of climbers and South American tourists, La Junta provides an exciting international scene, all the while in an incredible setting.
From here, we have the chance to crag nearby, launch off on big walls, or make high camp in one of the hanging valleys above for day climbing objectives. The nearby cliffs vary from 20-60 minute approaches and offer a spectrum of difficulties, from beginner to expert level sport climbing in a cave. High camps involve a burly trek on climbers' trails through the jungle to reach more alpine environments. Incredible bivouacs and world class rock awaits...
Depending on your climbing background and desire, we tailor the upcoming days to provide the best experience.
During rest and rainy days, we can hike the nearby trails through the jungle, swim in the river, or just relax in the meadows at camp. The surrounding jungles are full of wonder, whether it be cascading waterfalls or ancient Alerce forests.
Once day 9 arrives, we reverse our approach, loading up the horses once again for a quick descent and celebration in town.
Seasonality
Jan-Feb
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