Join the AMGA

The AMGA keeps you informed of current issues that affect guiding in the US and internationally and represents you and your profession. Get involved! — Angela Hawse, AMGA Certified Rock Guide and member of the Board of Directors

As a member of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), you are joining a network of professional guides and connecting to a larger community across the country and around the globe. The organization strives to represent its membership by providing support, education, and professional standards.

By becoming an AMGA member, you are joining a team of guides who share similar professional goals. As an organization, the collective voice of your profession is strengthened and the momentum of your craft accelerated. Clients, land managers, and outdoor industry leaders look to the AMGA for excellence, support, and viable solutions. By joining the 1200 plus guides already involved, you become a part of the future of guiding.

The AMGA is your Guide Association.

American Mountain Guides Association Membership Classifications:

To become an AMGA memeber, please fill out the Membership Application or contact the AMGA Membership Director at 303.271.0984.

Associate Member:

Eligibility: Open to anyone interested in joining a larger community of rock climbers, alpine climbers and skiers interested in education, instruction and guiding in technical mountain terrain.
Annual Dues: $45 Student (must provide proof of college enrollment)
Annual Dues: $65 non-student
Benefits:

Quarterly AMGA Newsletter the Mountain Bulletin
Monthly AMGA E-newsletter and E-news updates on important issues in guiding as they arise
Discounts on AMGA publications
Invitation to attend the AMGA Annual Conference and professional development clinics
Eligibility to apply for AMGA climbing instructor level courses (CWI and SPI) and introductoty level guide courses (RIC, AGC and SGC)

Individual Member:

Eligibility: Any Instructor or Guide who works at least part-time as a professional guide or technical climbing instructor. Applicants must submit a resume with a minimum of 40 paid days of guiding in the last two years and 20 days of personal climbing in the last two years. Two letters of reference from an employer, fellow guide, or client need to be submitted with the application.
Annual Dues: $110
Benefits: Same as Associate Membership plus:

Eligible to vote in the annual Board of Directors election
Eligible to run for AMGA Board of Directors
Discounts on AMGA publications
Pro-Purchase
Eligibility to apply for AMGA advanced level guide courses and exams (RGC, RIE, RGE, AAGC, AGE, SMGC, SMGE)

IFMGA Guide:

Eligibility:Guides who have passed the AMGA Rock Guide, Ski Mountaineering Guide and Alpine Guide Exams to become IFMGA Certified Guides.
Annual Dues:

IFMGA via AMGA: $200
IFMGA Reciprocal: $150

Benefits: Same as Individual Membership plus:

Pro-Purchase
Eligibility to apply for an AMGA Logo Use Agreement to use the AMGA logo to promote yourself in advertising and marketing

Certified Guide:

Eligibility:Guides who have passed at least one of the following: AMGA Rock Instructor, Rock Guide, Ski Mountaineering Guide or Alpine Guide Exam.
Annual Dues: $125
Benefits: Same as Individual Membership plus:

Pro-Purchase
Eligibility to apply for an AMGA Logo Use Agreement to use the AMGA logo to promote yourself in advertising and marketing

Certified Single Pitch Instructor:

Eligibility: Guides who have passed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Exam
Annual Dues: $75
Benefits: Same as Individual Membership plus:

Pro-Purchase
Eligibility to apply for an AMGA Logo Use Agreement to use the AMGA logo to promote yourself in advertising and marketing

Accreditation Member

Eligibility: Accreditation is granted to guiding companies, schools, and programs that meet or exceed the high operational standards required during an extensive safety and business review.
Accreditation Review Fee (Every 4 Years): $1000
Annual Dues: $250
Benefits:

Demonstrate to the general public and Land Managers that your program meets or exceeds industry standards - a true asset when attracting clients or participants.
Improve your program through a thorough and valuable review of your business practices and risk management plan.
Provide your full-time guides with a 5% discount on AMGA Guide Program courses and exams.
Use of the AMGA logo in marketing and promotional materials.
Gain greater exposure for your organization by being listed on the AMGA and industry affiliates websites.
Post jobs at no charge on the AMGA's website and live forum.
Gain access to public lands where AMGA Accreditation or Certification is required to obtain a commercial use permit.