Ralph Fickel has been climbing mountains for over thirty years. He is responsible for over seventy first ascents on rock and ice in North Carolina, New Hampshire and Maine. Throughout his climbing career, Ralph has climbed various routes in the High Sierras, the Grand Tetons, the Desert Southwest, and two recent 6000+ meter peaks in the Nepal Himalayas. With an interest in experiential education, Ralph has instructed for the North Carolina Outward Bound School and has taught grade school as well as college. In the past he has worked mountain rescue for the Appalachian Mountain Club and the National Park Service, where he has served as a park ranger in North Carolina. Ralph has a Master’s Degree in Geography from Appalachian State University. Ralph completed the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Toprope Site Manager Course in December 2005. In May 2008 he earned certification as a Single Pitch Instructor with the Professional Climbing Instructors Association (PCIA). Ralph is also certified in Wilderness First Aid through SOLO.
References:
Climbers Guide To North Carolina, Thomas Kelly
Select Climbs of North Carolina, Lambert and Schull
Climbing magazine, # 205; August 2001, August 1979
East Coast Climbs, Harlin
http://www.mountainproject.com/v/north_carolina/laurel_knob/106247530
March 21, 1950 - March 3, 2010
A NC High Country legend, Ralph Fickel contributed so much to the climbing community just by who he was and how he lived his life. Ralph was a teacher, a mentor, climbing partner, conversationalist, reader, thinker, and friend to many. Ralph's spirit lives in the places he loved - Linville Gorge, Snake Mountain, Laurel Knob and the Cashiers area, the White Mountains of NH, and the Nepal Himalayas. For those of us who knew him, he left his mark on us in a powerful way, and we carry his spirit within us. We miss him dearly.
