You will feel right at home with Ken’s easy going attitude and friendly smile.  Ken has lived in Asheville for over a decade, spending time climbing, racing motorcycles, and mountain biking.  He also operates Ken Pitts Studio, a photography studio in Asheville.

Always seeking adventure Ken Pitts has been either scaling rock faces around the southeast or racing vintage motorcycles.  Ken grow up in Alabama riding motorcycles as a youth, but this passion for challenge quickly got Ken hooked on rock climbing.   Ken has put up first ascents in Alabama and North Carolina, including Lost and Found at Shortoff Mountain.  His climbing skills have been honed by thirty years of climbing.  He is a traditional climber who has the knowledge and judgment to handle the intricacies of climbing North Carolina rock climbing.  Ken’s skill in rock climbing is clearly evident when  he moves over the rock, always smooth and in control.  He is also a master with placing protection, his gear placements are thoughtful and intricate.  Ken didn’t stop with just personal experience.  Ken is American Mountain Guides Association SPI certified. Ken sought out AMGA training to gain current knowledge and skills associated with the guiding profession.

One of Ken’s other passions is working with others.  His patient nature and supportive feedback builds confidence quickly while out on the rock. Whether you are learning to climb for the first time or an experienced climber, you’ll appreciate Kens good nature and great stories.  With his skills and good nature Ken Pitts is an outstanding climbing guide and instructor.

• AMGA SPI certified
• 30 years experience climbing
• Wilderness First Aid certified
• AMI climbing instructor and guide

Testimonials

After cancelling our first trip because of the weather, it was very easy to reschedule two days later when the weather turned out great. I had a swell day on an empty Nose face of Looking Glass with the very experienced and friendly Ken Pitts. I felt safe seconding him through the Nose and Sundial Crack multi-pitch routes. And although this was a guided climb, I actually learned some new techniques regarding building a stance. I recommend this to everyone longing for a day’s climbing while visiting western North-Carolina.

Hans Bakker, Netherland

Our “first time” rock climbing family consisting of my wife and I along with our two 16 year old sons and 7 year old daughter had a blast! Our guide was outstanding and gave us the confidence to safely push ourselves to new heights. He guided us through the steps to successfully climb to the top of what I thought would be an impossible rock surface to ascend. Mom, Dad and all three kids made it to the top throughout the day. We’ll definitely return for another trip.

David Adler, New Freedom PA

The instruction and help from Ken was superb. It was a combination of instruction coupled with a lot of hands on climbing. We really appreciated the opportunity and will be looking forward to climbing again with AMI.

Christie Bishop

Our rock climbing experience with AMI was great and I would certainly recommend an outing with them to anyone.  My group was very pleased Ken’s work. His emphasis on safety was appreciated. Ken took time to explain what we were doing and why.

Kenneth Raynor

Ken Pitts returning from a day of climbing