Aspen Expeditions Partners with Nutriex to Support Mountain Guides

For professional mountain guides, the body isn't just a tool - it's the foundation of everything. When your livelihood depends on safely leading clients through challenging alpine terrain, across technical rock faces, and down steep ski couloirs, staying strong isn't optional.

Amos Whiting understands this reality better than most. As co-owner and lead guide at Aspen Expeditions, the 49-year-old has spent nearly three decades guiding clients across six continents and 14 countries. He's one of only 200 Americans to hold the prestigious IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations) certification which is a credential requiring mastery in rock climbing, alpine mountaineering, and ski mountaineering.

But here's what sets Amos apart: he's still in the field approximately 150 days per year, maintaining the same passion and physical output he had in his twenties. This summer, he experienced one of his best personal climbing seasons ever.

"At almost 50, I'm still doing this at a high level," Amos reflects. "But the key is being strategic about what I'm doing and how I'm taking care of myself."

The Hidden Demands of Professional Guiding

Unlike competitive athletes who can plan recovery periods around event schedules, mountain guides face year-round physical demands with little downtime. Amos's seasons flow seamlessly: desert rock guiding courses in fall, powder skiing and backcountry ski touring through winter, alpine objectives in spring, and rock climbing throughout summer.

"We're a different type of professional athlete," Amos explains. "We're not climbing 5.15, but we're working hard with our bodies year-round. It's essentially glorified blue-collar work that requires consistent performance."

The physical toll extends beyond cardiovascular fitness. Fingers, knees, shoulders—every joint faces ongoing stress. Recovery between demanding days becomes crucial, yet the schedule rarely allows for extended rest periods.

Why Nutriex Made Sense

When Amos noticed professional climber Chris Sharma partnering with Nutriex, it caught his attention. Sharma, a longtime hero and fellow Majorca enthusiast, represents the type of athlete Amos relates to: someone focused on longevity and sustained performance rather than short-term competitive gains.

"I saw Chris on board and thought, this guy is legitimately still climbing pretty much as hard as he ever has," Amos recalls. "I've always thought he was genuine in the community. Then I started seeing other veteran athletes like Boone Speed involved. These were exactly our people."

The research-based formulations particularly resonated with Amos's needs. Nutriex Sport's comprehensive approach of combining joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine and chondroitin with essential vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds aligned perfectly with the demands professional guides face.

"The main issues for aging athletes and guides are recovery and injury prevention," Amos emphasizes. "That's where Nutriex really speaks to what we need."

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

In 2025, Aspen Expeditions officially partnered with Nutriex, making the supplements available to their entire guide team. The decision reflects Amos's commitment to supporting his colleagues' long-term health and performance.

"We want our guides feeling less fatigued with the same amount of activity, joints holding up better, and recovering faster between demanding days," Amos explains. "It's about sustainable performance."

The partnership extends beyond personal use. As someone who regularly trains and mentors new guides through AMGA courses, Amos sees nutrition as an essential component of professional development, right alongside technical skills and safety protocols.

Looking Forward

Aspen Expeditions has grown significantly since Amos and his business partner Britt Ruger purchased the company in 2016. They've acquired additional operations and expanded their guide roster, but the core mission remains unchanged: providing exceptional mountain experiences while maintaining the highest safety standards.

For Amos, the Nutriex partnership represents a holistic approach to that mission. "We're not just thinking about today's climb or this season's ski tours," he says. "We're thinking about how to keep doing this work we love for years to come."

That long-term perspective combined with quality nutrition, strategic training, and careful recovery is how professional guides like Amos continue thriving in one of the most physically demanding careers imaginable.