A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides
Jan 17, 2026 · 1h 27m
Director
Mat HamesOverview
A gripping look at mountain guiding and its deep roots in the legacy of Paul Petzoldt — founder of the National Outdoor Leadership School and North America’s oldest guide service, Exum. The film weaves the story of a modern climb gone wrong with the life of Petzoldt, a pioneer who scaled K2, set records on the Matterhorn, trained soldiers to fight Nazis in the Alps, and defined adventure itself. Featuring today’s mountain guides alongside rare archival footage and breathtaking cinematography from Wyoming and France, this feature-length documentary explores risk, grit, mentorship, and the enduring call of the mountains.
Cast of A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides
Crew of A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides
About A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides
What is A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides about?
A gripping look at mountain guiding and its deep roots in the legacy of Paul Petzoldt — founder of the National Outdoor Leadership School and North America’s oldest guide service, Exum. The film weaves the story of a modern climb gone wrong with the life of Petzoldt, a pioneer who scaled K2, set records on the Matterhorn, trained soldiers to fight Nazis in the Alps, and defined adventure itself…
When was A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides released?
A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides was released on January 17, 2026.
How long is A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides?
A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides runs 1 hour 27 minutes (87 minutes).
Who directed A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides?
A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides was directed by Mat Hames.
Who is in the cast of A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides?
The cast of A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides includes Paul Petzoldt, Glenn Exum (Himself), Jessica Baker (Herself), Brenton Reagan and Morgan McGlashon.