Andy Politz

Program Titles:

Everest: Life in the Death Zone & the Search for Mallory
Expedition Planning for Everest & Beyond

Rope Work & Rescues

Biography:
Andy Politz has been climbing mountains for over 30 years. At the age of 21 he began guiding for Rainer Mountaineering, Inc and during a 12 year span (1979–1991) made 148 successful summit ascents of Mount Rainer. Andy's high altitude aspirations have lead him around the world on climbing expeditions to Alaska, Ecuador, New Zealand, Nepal, Pakistan and Tibet. While in Alaska, Andy climbed two of the world's highest faces; the Wickersham Wall of Denali and made the first ascent of the South Face of St. Elias.

Andy has been to Mount Everest seven times, reaching the summit in 1991. During the other six expeditions Andy was exploring harder routes', guiding clients, making movies and twice a member of the Mallory and Irvine Research Expeditions. Andy was on the team that found George Mallory's body at 27,000 feet in 1999. This amazing discovery has been the focus of four books, a NOVA show and the most watched documentary the BBC has ever created.

Andy Politz and his family currently live in Columbus, OH. Andy works as an engineering technician for Utility Technologies International. Andy continues to share his passion for climbing and adventure travel with others through teaching mountaineering classes and workshops as well as working with students at the Linworth Alternative Program and the Graham School. Andy currently guides four season backpacking trips, canoe trips, rock climbing, and is skilled in arctic kayak building.