Author profile

Rob Coppolillo

Certified AMGA/IFMGA Rock, Alpine and Ski Guide and Owner of Vetta Mountain Guides

On April 20, 2024, we lost a friend. Rob Coppolillo lost his life in a ski accident in the Canadian Rockies, doing what he loved best: guiding. Rob epitomized adventure, pioneering as an AMGA and IFMGA Mountain Guide and founder of Vetta Mountain Guides. Among the first 100 Americans certified internationally, his expertise spanned three decades, guiding worldwide, from Boulder, Colorado, to Chamonix, France. Rob’s absence leaves a void felt deeply by the adventure community but his legacy of exploration and kindness will live on, reminding us to live life to the fullest. He will be deeply missed and remembered by the 57hours team.

Rob Coppolillo skinning towards the Italian side of Mont Blanc, in the Vallée Blanche. Photo courtesy of Matt Kennedy

A Guide Explains: What Is a Professional Mountain Guide?

On a 1993 flight from Costa Rica, a stranger told me he was a mountain professional. I asked, ‘What’s that?’

Certified AMGA/IFMGA Rock, Alpine and Ski Guide and Owner of Vetta Mountain Guides

Upgrade your Avalanche Safety Skills with AIARE Level 2

What does an AIARE 2 course really teach? I cover the pros and cons, the basics, and what a course day looks like.

Certified AMGA/IFMGA Rock, Alpine and Ski Guide and Owner of Vetta Mountain Guides

Aosta Rock Climbing

Location Review

Why Aosta Valley is Italy’s Best Kept Rock Climbing Secret

Nestled on the wild side of Mont Blanc, Italy’s Aosta Valley reveals incredible rock and alpine climbing with a taste of old-world charm.

Certified AMGA/IFMGA Rock, Alpine and Ski Guide and Owner of Vetta Mountain Guides

Flatirons climbing

Location Review

Climbing the Super-Classics of Boulder’s Iconic Flatirons

Watching the sunrise from a pitch up the First Flatiron’s Direct East Face is a rite of passage.

Certified AMGA/IFMGA Rock, Alpine and Ski Guide and Owner of Vetta Mountain Guides

backcountry skiing rocky mountain national park

Location Review

How to Backcountry Ski Rocky Mountain National Park Like a Pro

Rocky Mountain National Park has 265,000 acres of skiing, and the best guidebook covers 85% of it. I’ll cover the rest.

Certified AMGA/IFMGA Rock, Alpine and Ski Guide and Owner of Vetta Mountain Guides

rock climbing in the dolomites

Location Review

Why The Dolomites Should Top Your Climbing Bucket List

Twenty-plus pitches of 5.7, a chairlift approach, and a hut serving pasta and tiramisu are just some of the reasons why I love the Dolomites.

Certified AMGA/IFMGA Rock, Alpine and Ski Guide and Owner of Vetta Mountain Guides

front range climbing colorado

Best of article

The Best Front Range Climbing in Colorado

Nestled in one of the best states for rock climbing, Colorado’s “Front Range” gives climbers thousands of routes to climb.

Certified AMGA/IFMGA Rock, Alpine and Ski Guide and Owner of Vetta Mountain Guides

Saved to bucket list

Removed from bucket list