Alpine Athletics Founder Lisa Thompson Acquires Mountain Madness, Becomes New President and Majority Owner

September 26, 2025

Seattle, Washington (September 26, 2025) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – Mountain Madness, a global leader in guided mountain adventures, today announced that it is being acquired by Lisa Thompson, founder of Alpine Athletics. Effective immediately, Thompson will lead Mountain Madness as its new President and sole owner, bringing together Alpine Athletics’ expert coaching and training with Mountain Madness’ 40+year legacy of guiding transformative climbing, trekking & skiing adventures worldwide.

With nearly 20 years in the mountains, Lisa Thompson is an accomplished climber and coach. Among her achievements are the Seven Summits and becoming the second American woman to reach the top of K2, as told in her best-selling memoir, Finding Elevation. In 2018 she founded Alpine Athletics to prepare climbers of all levels for the physical, mental, and tactical requirements of mountaineering.

A Legacy Forged in the Mountains

Mountain Madness was founded in 1984 by legendary climber Scott Fischer and partners. Fischer is widely known for his role in the 1996 Mount Everest expedition, chronicled in Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air, which brought global attention to the risks and rewards of high-altitude climbing. Under Fischer’s leadership, Mountain Madness became synonymous with bold expeditions, but most importantly, a passion for sharing the magic of the mountains.

In 1997 the company grew under the new leadership of Christine Boskoff, one of the first prominent female 8,000-meter high-altitude climbers. Her vision took guests to new uncharted, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and strengthened Fischer’s dream to guide more 8,000-meter peaks. Longtime guide Mark Gunlogson, who began guiding for Mountain Madness in 1994, took the reins in 2008, expanding the company into a globally respected adventure travel leader while honoring its founding values of exploration, education, and empowerment. To honor Mountain Madness’s legacy and ensure its future thrives, Mark will remain onboard to guide and mentor the team. “Leading a company dedicated to sharing the challenges, beauty, and joy of outdoor adventures has truly been one of the greatest privileges of my life. With our shared passion for all things mountain related, I look forward to partnering with Lisa and supporting her vision as she elevates the company to its next stage of growth and success.”

— Mark Gunlogson, Former President, Mountain Madness

Two Forces Join for the Next Era of Adventure

Since 2021, Alpine Athletics and Mountain Madness have partnered on unique initiatives such as fundraiser climbs and all-women’s expeditions in the Pacific Northwest. This partnership continues with an all-women’s Ama Dablam expedition. With a shared vision to inspire and empower climbers to go beyond what they thought was possible, Thompson will further this by offering a fully integrated client journey—from the first training session to summit day—and everything in between.

“Mountain Madness has long been a symbol of bold adventure and purposeful exploration, and it’s an incredible honor to steward that legacy into the future. The mountains have been profoundly transformative in my own life, and through Alpine Athletics, I’ve seen how they shape confidence, resilience, and perspective in others. I’m excited to unite Mountain Madness’s iconic guiding legacy with a future focused on preparation, inclusion, and empowering more people to discover their strength in the mountains.”

— Lisa Thompson, President, Mountain Madness

As Mountain Madness celebrates more than 40 years of mountain exploration this new chapter promises to carry its legacy forward—guided by Lisa Thompson’s leadership, unwavering values, and vision for the future of adventure.

About Mountain Madness

Founded in 1984, Mountain Madness is a Seattle-based guide service and mountaineering school offering world-class expeditions, treks, skiing and climbs on seven continents. With highly qualified guides, exceptional logistics, and a focus on cultural exchange and skills development, we deliver unforgettable adventures for beginners as well as seasoned trekkers and mountaineers.

About Alpine Athletics

Founded in 2018, Alpine Athletics empowers mountaineers of all levels to achieve their highest potential—physically, mentally, and tactically. Through expert coaching, immersive training programs, and a strong community, we prepare climbers to take on the world’s most challenging peaks with confidence and resilience.

Visit Mountain Madness and Alpine Athletics to learn more.