Todd Passey. Certified IFMGA / AMGA Mountain Guide

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Todd Passey — In Memoriam

IFMGA AMGA Mountain Guide

Todd grew up in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, where skiing moguls and exploring his local mountains laid the foundation for a lifelong career in the outdoors. Over the past two decades, that passion has taken him across all seven continents—leading skiing and climbing expeditions from Antarctica to Svalbard, the Himalayas, the Alaska Range, the Alps and beyond.

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In Memoriam

Todd Passey died on Friday, August 21, 2026, in a skiing accident in Chile. He was an IFMGA-licensed mountain guide, a co-founder of Wasatch Mountain Guides, and one of the most accomplished skiers, climbers, and avalanche professionals in the American West. He guided all Seven Summits and stood on top of Everest twice.

None of that is what people talk about first. They talk about how calm he was. How he could take someone to a place they never believed they could reach, and make them feel safe the entire way there. Todd was humble about his resume and generous with his time. He mentored guides, built lifelong friendships out of single days in the mountains, and had a way of helping people move through fear and find out what they were actually capable of. He lived fully, laughed often, and left every group better than he found it.

Above everything, Todd was Winslow’s husband and Bodhi’s dad. That was the part he was proudest of.

FOX 13 News shared the story of Todd’s life and the community he shaped: Utah outdoor community mourns the loss of guide who died in Chile.

Todd’s family invites you to add your stories and photos to his Kudoboard, and to join them for his Celebration of Life on Saturday, October 10, 2026.

You can continue to support his surviving family here.

Bio

As an IFMGA/UIAGM-certified Mountain Guide with extensive global experience, Todd has pioneered routes on virgin Antarctic peaks, guided clients to the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on all seven continents, and built a reputation for sound judgment, technical mastery, and leading with clarity and confidence in demanding mountain environments.

What sets Todd apart is his focus on people. He believes mountain guiding is about more than objectives—it’s about building trust, supporting personal growth, and making the process as enjoyable as the goal. Whether he’s enjoying Wasatch powder turns with a new guest or leading a complex international expedition, he brings a positive attitude, clear communication, and a strong sense of camaraderie to every trip.

Today, Todd guides with Wasatch Mountain Guides and In The Company of Guides, where he continues to create rewarding, memorable experiences rooted in professionalism, fun, and genuine connection.

Notable Ascents

Todd has guided all over Utah, on Denali, Cho Oyu, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Vinson in Antarctica, New Zealand, Ecuador, The Alps, plus MUCH more. He has not only climbed but also guided on all 7 Summits on every continent and has ascended each the following 7 Summits a number of times:

Kilimanjaro in Africa 1x
Elbrus in Europe 4x
Aconcagua in South America 2x
Denali in North America 22x
Carstensz in Oceana 7x
Vinson in Antarctica 24x
Everest in Asia 2x

Todd has gained recognition for his many new routes and first ski descents in Antarctica.

What Clients Say

I have traveled with Todd Passey across the globe and his reputation, especially with elite-experienced guides, is exceptional.

He is incredibly capable and always delivers a unique and thrilling experience. It is also great to know that on a regular day in the Wasatch Range he routinely provides a world class adventure in the local mountains.

Eric S.

I had a great time skiing with Todd.

Super experienced guide who knows the Wasatch like the back of his hand. brought me to some of the best powder skiing of my life. I learned a lot from him as well. I ended the day as a better backcountry skier.

Oliver Y.

I highly recommend Wasatch Mountain Guides and Todd specifically.

Todd was amazing. He managed our group perfectly even though we had a 1st time BC participant along with others that have been doing it for 20+ years. The terrain he took us on was perfect for our skill level and the Avy conditions on Sunday and he kept things at a pace that we all could handle.

Ted D.

Todd created an excellent day for me...

I had a great day on a multi-pitch guided climb with my guide Todd. I am an experienced climber visiting from out of town. Todd created an excellent day for me to explore the area, climb different types of routes, and adapted the day to the things I wanted to do. Recommend this guiding company.

Eric P.

Patient, kind, nurturing. They understand kids, their fears and anxieties...

Todd and Winslow are the best possible people to lead a group of children up an 80 foot rock wall. Patient, kind, nurturing. They understand kids, their fears and anxieties and are there literally beside them on the wall helping them to learn and smile.

Peter G.

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