Hailing from Providence, RI, Colin was introduced to climbing after retiring from a highly competitive track and field career. A friend dragged him up Mt Washington for his first winter hike in his late 20’s and was hooked. He then started taking as many educational opportunities, clinics and safety courses through the Appalachian Mountain Club. This led him to find technical ice climbing and mountaineering. He then became a volunteer leader for the AMC, primarily leading new Ice climbers. This path has led him to the summit of Mt Rainier as well as to 20,000 feet in the Andes, trekking in the high peaks of Nepal, mountaineering in Iceland and getting pumped on the cliffs of Lake Willoughby.
In recent years, Colin has focused his attention on getting more BIPOC and marginalized groups into the outdoors, organizing many BIPOC climbing and community events.
Colin is also an avid mountain biker and runs a bicycle – based nonprofit that gets kids involved in competitive cycling. When not climbing, riding bikes or DJ-ing around Providence and Boston, Colin works as a strength and conditioning specialist and sports performance coach, helping people of all ages and ability levels reach their physical potential. He also works part-time building adventure vans.
He’s excited to come back to Ice fest to help with the Affinity programs.
Explore More Guides
Clinics
Colin Aina may be involved with the following clinics:
Inquire About Climbing with Colin Aina