Alpine

Certification has helped gain recognition, respect and acceptance from fellow colleagues around the globe. It has opened up many doors and work opportunities, allowed me to travel around the world and visit amazing places, and interact with all sorts of interesting people through my job.
— Vince Anderson, Certified IFMGA Guide

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The Alpine discipline is designed for the climber or experienced guide looking to fine-tune their skills in alpine snow, mixed, waterfall ice, and glaciated terrain. The Alpine programs begin with a high standard and require participants to have a well-versed experience base and solid knowledge of technical mountain travel.

In order to begin your alpine training, you must first complete the Rock Instructor Course. This ensures all course participants have the foundation needed to run a top-level program. As you progress through the Alpine discipline, you will cover a wealth of topics including efficient 3rd and 4th class travel, glacial travel for guiding, crevasse rescue for guides, managing technical descents, guide security and safety, navigation, route finding, short-rope and short-pitch techniques on rock, snow, and glacial ice, track setting, time and pace management, and client care.

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Ice Instructor Course (IIC):

The IIC is designed for skilled rock and ice climbers as part of the AMGA Alpine discipline flow. This course will address the skills and techniques used while instructing and guiding in single and multi-pitch ice terrain. Additionally this course can provide continuing education for AMGA guides who have already passed through the Alpine discipline. This course will focus on practical experience where the candidates are guiding the terrain. Climbing routes are from 1-5 pitches long. Students are expected to place solid gear and have a good working knowledge of multi-pitch ice guiding. The routes will be up to WI 4+ in difficulty. (+) Learn more

Alpine Guide Course (AGC):

The AGC is designed to take a competent alpine climber and develop the fundamental skills necessary to guide in a non-glaciated alpine environment. During this ten-day course you will learn and develop the base skills that define the standard for an alpine guide. These programs are held throughout the United States in areas like Rocky Mountain National Park and the North Cascades. (+) Learn more

Advanced Alpine Guide Course (AAGC): Sponsored by First Ascent

The AAGC is a twelve-day program designed to advance your knowledge and refine your efficiency to the highest standard in the Alpine discipline. This demanding and challenging program polishes your skills as a guide and prepares you to become a Certified Alpine Guide. The course includes an Aspirant Exam evaluation. Each participant must perform to standard and receive a Pass assessment in order to move onto the Alpine Guide Exam. Fitness, proficiency, and strong technical skills are required for this course. The AAGC is held in world-class alpine venues such as the North Cascades and Chamonix. (+) Learn more

Alpine Guide Exam (AGE): Sponsored by The North Face

The AGE is a ten-day assessment at the international standard for alpine guiding. Aspirant guides are reviewed on technical competence, terrain assessment, route finding, technical descents, rescue skills, client care, and your ability to perform at the highest level. (+) Learn more