A Life Outside: American Mountain Guides (2026)
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.
Director: Mat Hames
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Paul Petzoldt as |
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Glenn Exum as Himself |
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Jessica Baker as Herself |
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Brenton Reagan as |
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Morgan McGlashon as |
| Directing | Mat Hames | Director |
| Production | Beth Hames | Executive Producer |
| Production | Laura Utt | Producer |
| Production | Joanna Kail | Executive Producer |
| Production | Judd Rogers | Executive Producer |
| Editing | Sean McQueeney | Editor |
