Ben Mirkin is an outdoor educator who brings learning to life—literally. His students quickly learn that hands-on means boots on the ground, skis on the snow, and ropes on the rock. “I firmly believe in extensive time in the field,” he says. “To be competent and comfortable in the outdoors, you need to be out there—a lot. If someone wants to be a climbing guide, they need to spend time climbing. Experience is key.”
Ben lives what he teaches. In winter, you’ll find him ice climbing at Lake Willoughby or skiing the slopes of Mt. Washington. In summer, he’s climbing local cliffs or riding the Kingdom Trails on his mountain bike.
A highly credentialed educator and practitioner, Ben holds certifications from the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and the American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE). He teaches both AMGA and AIARE courses as part of the curriculum at Vermont State University Lyndon, where he has been a full-time faculty member since 2013. In recognition of his outstanding work as a field-based educator, Ben was named the 2024 AMGA Educator of the Year.
Ben is an avid backcountry skier, mountain biker, and ice and rock climber. Before joining VTSU Lyndon, he spent nine years at The White Mountain School working with students with learning differences and directing the White Mountain Climbing Camp. He has also taught Adventure Education courses at the University of New Hampshire, Plymouth State University, and the University of Northern Colorado, and has led extended wilderness expeditions across the Northeast, Pacific Northwest, Canadian Rockies, and Alaska.
At the heart of Ben’s teaching is a desire to help students turn their passion into purpose. He begins many first conversations with a simple question: “What’s your dream job?” He’s heard answers ranging from climbing guide to naturalist, game warden, heli-ski guide—and has seen students go on to achieve every one of them. He is especially inspired by first-generation college students and veterans: “They tend to be deeply motivated to learn and grow. If they choose this field, they’re doing it with heart.”