Dick Jackson, founder of Aspen Expeditions, passed away suddenly and peacefully at his home in Basalt, Colorado, on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. He was 75. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Paulina, and his dearest daughter, Tashi.
Dick embodied the spirit of the American mountain guide. Originally from New Jersey, he discovered climbing while attending CU Boulder, exploring Rocky Mountain National Park, Eldorado Canyon, and the Front Range. His passion soon drew him to the greater ranges of the world—most notably Alaska, the Himalayas in Nepal, and Aspen’s sister city of Chamonix, France. In 1978, he and Steve Shay established a first ascent on the north face of Les Droites: La Voie Jackson.
An innovative skier as well, Dick embraced telemark skiing early in the backcountry and liked to joke that he “invented the left-hand turn.” After seeing randonée ski binding setups in Chamonix, he became one of the first to bring Petzl “Sk’Alp” bindings to the U.S. in the 1990s. His affinity for gear was unmatched, and he served as a longtime ambassador and R&D contributor for companies including Petzl, Marmot, Brooks Range, Dynafit, and Scott well into his 70s.
In 1977, Dick founded the Rocky Mountain Climbing School—later Aspen Expeditions—where he became the premier guide of one of Aspen’s flagship guiding services. What began as a small booth connected to the Ute Mountaineer grew into a year-round global guiding company. Dick was one of the first Americans to guide in Chamonix, leading the classic Haute Route many times and forming lasting friendships with hut guardians throughout the Alps. He became the 15th American to earn IFMGA international certification.
Dick guided and climbed throughout the world’s great ranges—the Alaska Range, the Andes, Kilimanjaro, the Alps—but Nepal held a singular place in his heart. Over decades of expeditions, he formed deep bonds with the people, culture, and mountains. His most meaningful journey there was with Paulina during the adoption of their daughter, Tashi—a connection that deepened his love for Nepal, Sherpa culture, and Buddhism. Becoming a father later in life seemed to make Dick even younger in spirit.
Beyond guiding, Dick was a pillar of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). He served on the board, including three terms as president, instructed in guide trainings, and played a key role in helping the U.S. gain membership in the IFMGA. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2011. His charisma, confidence, and generosity drew people to him wherever he went.
Ever the adventurer, Dick also became a passionate paraglider after spending time in the Alps. In 1990, he founded Aspen Paragliding with Jan Stenstadvold, helping introduce tandem paragliding to the U.S. He remains one of the only Americans to hold both IFMGA mountain guide and Tandem-3 paragliding certifications. Dick flew throughout Colorado and the world—including high-altitude flights in Nepal—and piloted clients off Colorado’s 14ners. An early Red Bull ambassador, he helped organize many of Aspen’s paragliding competitions and events.
You won’t find many photos of Dick—because he was usually behind the camera. Whether sacrificing a powder run to capture a client’s turn, documenting a celebration, or photographing the mountains he loved, Dick was always preserving moments and lifting others up through his lens.
Father. Husband. Mentor. Friend. Leader. Explorer. Legend. Dick Jackson’s impact on the mountain community is immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed.
By Amos Whiting
