ABOUT NORIE KIZAKI
Born in rural, western Japan, Norie Kizaki was raised in the Buddhist monastery her family has administered for generations. A graduate of Tokyo’s prestigious Obirin University, Norie moved to Colorado 1996 and earned a masters degree in International Intercultural Communications from Denver University. Leaving behind a successful consulting career, Norie turned her passion for climbing and skiing into her profession.
Norie is the first mother to complete the Mountain Guide Program, the first Japanese woman to achieve IFMGA status, and the first woman of color to become AMGA/IFMGA guide. She is also a 2023 Guide of the Year Award recipient from American Mountain Guides Association. She is an AIARE Instructor and Certified Wilderness First Responder
Norie and her husband are passionate about creating an inclusive and diverse community of mountain recreants and professionals, and sponsor the Kizaki-Wolf Scholarship of the American Institute for Avalanche Research & Education.
