Meet Richard

Richard Bothwell, CFO (Chief Fun Officer), Owner and Lead Guide, Avalanche Educator

Since 1996, Richard has been the OAC’s  backwoods expert, climbing guide, splitboard guide, and a pretty good backcountry cook, too. Richard has climbed, skied, snowboarded and guided OAC trips all over the world including 4 of the “7 Summits” (Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua, Denali, and Elbrus). He’s climbed extensively in the Cordillera Blanca of Peru, and snowboarded down 24,000′ peaks in China. He’s surfed (poorly) on four continents as well.

Richard served at the Executive Director of AIARE (American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education) from 2016-2018. In 2023, Richard authored Light Tours of Tahoe, a backcountry ski guide focusing on mellow tours that avoid avalanche terrain.

Certifications and trainings that Richard holds or has held:

• AMGA Single Pitch Instructor and Top Rope Site Manager
• AMGA Backcountry Ski Guide
• AIARE Level 3 avalanche training
• AIARE Avalanche Course leader
• Wilderness First Responder
• PSIA 1 Ski Instructor
• ACA Sea kayak instructor

Richard is passionate about avalanche education and backcountry snowboarding. He served as the Executive Director of AIARE, and teaches for The Nickolay Dodov Foundation, Feather River College and Lake Tahoe Community College in addition to the Outdoor Adventure Club.

Richard has been guiding rock climbing trips and classes since the 1990’s. He has climbed mountains all over the world, and rock walls in Yosemite, and across California. He has backpacked thousands of miles of trails in California, Peru, and Patagonia.

Most of all, Richard loves connecting with people and sharing his knowledge with others. Join him on an upcoming trip or class! Richard can be reached at richard@OutdoorAdventureClub.com.

Meet all of the Professional Guides of the OAC