AMGA Alpine Guide

The Alpine Guide Certification is designed for people who guide glaciated and non-glaciated peaks, approaches and climbs, with no limitation with respect to season and elevation. It includes rock climbs, peak ascents, waterfall ice climbs, and expeditionary climbing. The alpine program progression will help you fine-tune your skills in alpine snow, mixed, waterfall ice, and glaciated terrain.

To enter the program you must first successfully complete the Rock Guide Course or the Alpine Skills Course, depending on if you are pursuing IFMGA certification or Alpine Guide certification only, and meet all the prerequisites for the Alpine Guide Course. As well, you must have a solid experience base and knowledge of technical mountain travel.

To get your Alpine Guide Certification, you must complete:

The 10-day Rock Guide Course (RGC) or the 5-day Alpine Skills Course (ASC). If you are pursuing IFMGA certification you will want to take the RGC.
The 9-day Alpine Guide Course (AGC)
The 5-day Ice Instructor Course (IIC)
The 9-day Advanced Alpine Guide Course and Aspirant Exam (AAGC/AE)
The 9-day Alpine Guide Exam (AGE)
Successful completion of an AMGA approved Pro 2, or Level III
For details on the updated avalanche education framework introduced in the 2017/18 season, please click here.
Current CPR Certification
Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR

Although this is a demanding program, it opens up tremendous opportunities for you as a professional guide.

Program Information

Alpine Skills Course
The Alpine Skills Course (ASC) can be the first step in the AMGA’s Alpine Guide training and certification process. It is a 5-day course, designed for aspiring guides and instructors who have an alpine climbing background and interest in developing their guiding skills in this setting. The ASC places strong emphasis on maximizing client rewards while effectively managing risks. The ASC can be used as a prerequisite to taking the Alpine Guide Course and as a prerequisite to taking the Ski Guide Course, starting in 2016.

The ASC addresses guiding techniques commonly used on simple glacier routes that may include rock scrambles up to Class 4 with short steps of easy 5^th class. The terrain might also require technical descents, management and movement of multiple clients, small team rescue and other related skills and knowledge.

There will be considerable structured practice in the ASC. Techniques will be presented and/or demonstrated, you will practice on the ground, and then practice in venues that are representative of the terrain. Because of the short nature of the course it may not be practical to access certain terrain.

Prerequisites:
- Current AMGA member
- Current CPR Certification
- Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR
- Successful completion of a Level I Avalanche Training and Avalanche Rescue Course
  - For details on the updated avalanche education framework introduced in the 2017/18 season, please click here.
- Two years personal climbing experience on a variety of terrain that includes snow, rock and alpine
- Confidence leading 5.6 in rock shoes, at the time of the course
- Confidence on 3rd and 4th class terrain, in mountain boots, at the time of the course
- Competence in overnight backcountry camping
- Experience up to 10,000' in elevation
- Familiar with basic knots, including: figure 8, bowline, clove hitch, munter hitch, mule hitch, prusik, flat overhand, double fisherman's and klemheist
- Confidence placing traditional rock protection
- Familiar with multiple types of belaying techniques, including plates and assisted braking devices
- Familiar with ascending methods
- Familiar with mechanical advantage systems
- Familiar with LNT practices
- Documentation of lead or shared lead on 5 rock climbs rated 5.6 or harder
- Documentation of lead or shared lead on 5 ascents that include snow climbing
- Documentation of 3 overnight backcountry trips
Alpine Guide Course
The Alpine Guide Course (AGC) is designed to take a competent alpine climber and develop the fundamental skills they need to guide in a non-glaciated alpine environment. It provides training for aspiring guides and experienced guides who work in a wide range of alpine environments including alpine rock, mixed terrain, alpine ice, and waterfall ice. The AGC emphasizes a hands-on approach to the mechanics of guiding on alpine terrain.

Prerequisites:
- Current AMGA member
- Current CPR Certification
- Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR
- Successful completion of a Level I Avalanche Training and Avalanche Rescue Course, or AMGA approved Level II
  - For details on the updated avalanche education framework introduced in the 2017/18 season, please click here.
- Successful completion of the Rock Guide Course or the Alpine Skills Course (for non-IFMGA track guides)
- Confidence leading 5.8 in rock shoes and 5.6 in mountain boots (with or without crampons), at the time of the course
- Confidence leading AI/WI 3, at the time of the course
- Confidence leading moderate mixed terrain in the alpine environment, at the time of the course
- Confidence with French Technique on firm 40 degree snow, at the time of the course
- Familiar with basic knots, including: figure 8, bowline, clove hitch, munter hitch, mule hitch, prusik, flat overhand, double fisherman's and klemheist
- Familiar with placing ice, snow, and rock protection and anchor construction
- Competence with map and compass
- Familiar with LNT practices
- Documentation of lead or shared lead on 25 different alpine routes in at least 2 different areas (e.g., Cascades and Alaska). Of these 25 routes,10 are classic alpine routes rated 5.6 or harder and Grade III or longer, 5 include snow, ice or mixed climbing, 5 are alpine climbs rated 5.6 or harder that were climbed in mixed conditions with boots and crampons, 5 are ice routes rated WI 3 or harder,
Format:
The AGC includes indoor and outdoor classroom time, practice sessions, and climbing on a variety of rock, snow, and mixed routes. Recreational climbing skills and judgment are screened as part of the daily activities. The course is designed to introduce some of the recommended methods common to alpine guiding through sessions and practical application.
Ice Instructor Course
The Ice Instructor Course (IIC) is a fundamental component of the alpine guide education and certification process and is designed for skilled rock and ice climbers. This course addresses the skills and techniques used while instructing and guiding in single- and multi-pitch ice terrain. This course can also be taken as continuing education by AMGA guides who have already passed through the Alpine discipline.

Prerequisites:
- Current AMGA member
- Current CPR Certification
- Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR
- Successful completion of a Level I Avalanche Training and Avalanche Rescue Course, or AMGA approved Level II
  - For details on the updated avalanche education framework introduced in the 2017/18 season, please click here.
- Successful completion of the Rock Guide Course, or, successful completion of the Alpine Skills Course and the Alpine Guide Course. Completion of both the Rock Guide Course and the Alpine Guide Course is STRONGLY recommended.
- 3 years ice climbing experience
- Confidence leading WI 4, at the time of the course
- Familiar with basic knots, including: figure 8, clove hitch, munter hitch, mule hitch, flat overhand, double fisherman's and klemheist
- Competence placing ice protection, building ice threads, and placing traditional rock protection
- Familiar with a variety of rappel devices on multi-pitch rappels
- Familiar with LNT practices
- Documentation of 2o lead or shared lead ice routes (10 of which are WI 4 or harder)
Format:
The IIC includes indoors and outdoors classroom time, practice sessions, and climbing on a variety of water ice climbs. Recreational climbing skills and judgment are screened as part of the daily activities. The course focuses on practical experience where the students are guiding the terrain. Climbing routes are from one to five pitches. 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. The course introduces some of the recommended methods common to water ice guiding through sessions and practical application.
Ice Instructor Exam
The Ice Instructor Exam is designed to assess and certify ice climbing guides at the AMGA and IFMGA ice guiding standards for individuals who do not guide on glacier ice.

Format:

During the 6 day exam you will be guiding your peers and examiners on routes up to 3 pitches in length that fall within the Scope of Practice for Certified Ice Instructors. Routes will be chosen based on their unique challenges and will be up to WI 4+ with minimal approach and descent challenges.

Expectations:

While on the IIE you will be guiding 2-3 pitch routes focusing on the client experience and maximizing movement and teaching opportunities. Minimal focus will be on moving quickly and managing 3rd and 4th class terrain where short-roping is required.

Assessment Areas:

Candidates will be assessed on their movement at the WI 4+ climbing standard, ice specific rescue skills (these will be taught and practiced during the exam), and guided days assessment with evaluation in the following areas: Risk Management, Client Care, Technical Systems, Application, Terrain Assessment, Movement Skills, Mountain Sense, Professionalism, and Instructional Technique.

Prerequisites:
- Current AMGA member
- Current CPR Certification
- Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR
- Successful completion of a Level I Avalanche Training and Avalanche Rescue Course, or AMGA approved Level II
  - For details on the updated avalanche education framework introduced in the 2017/18 season, please click here.
- Successful completion of the Rock Guide Course and Ice Instructor Course; completion of the Alpine Guide Course is strongly recommended
- Confidence leading ice and mixed routes up to WI 4+ M5 at the time of the exam
- Since completing the IIC you have led or shared lead on 10 ice climbs WI 4+ or harder
- Since completing the IIC you have guided 20 days on multi-pitch ice routes; 10 of these days can be mock guided
Advanced Alpine Guide Course & Aspirant Exam
The 9-day Advanced Alpine Guide Course (AAGC) helps accomplished climbers develop the skills and techniques they use while instructing and guiding in a glaciated alpine setting. It covers the tools used when guiding and instructing multiple clients on longer routes up to Grade V—management of 3rd and 4th class terrain, technical descents, simultaneous multi-client belaying, technical descents, management and movement of multiple clients, and small team rescue skills. It emphasizes effective risk management while maximizing client rewards.

Prerequisites:
- Current AMGA member
- Current CPR Certification
- Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR
- Successful completion of an AMGA approved or Pro 1, or Level II
  - For details on the updated avalanche education framework introduced in the 2017/18 season, please click here.
- Successful completion of the Alpine Guide Course
- Successful completion of the Ice Instructor Course
- Confidence leading 5.10a in rock shoes and 5.7 in mountain boots, at the time of the course
- Confidence leading WI 4, at the time of the course
- Confidence with French Technique on firm 40 degree snow, at the time of the course
- Familiar with short roping, short pitching, lowering, rappelling, and the associated transitions
- Familiar guiding multiple clients, including managing two clients simultaneously on two ropes
- Comfortable leading in complex glaciated terrain
- Familiar with LNT practices
- Since completing the Alpine Guide Course, documentation of lead or shared on 10 different glacier routes with significant crevasse difficulty
- Since completing the Alpine Guide Course, documentation of lead or shared lead on 5 different alpine routes Grade IV or longer
- Since completing the Alpine Guide Course, documentation of lead or shared lead on 5 different ice climbs rated WI 4 or harder
- Since completing the Alpine Guide Course, documentation of 10 guided/mock-guided days in diverse alpine terrain
Format:

The AAGC includes instruction, coaching, debriefing, and assessment. The assessment phase in known as the Aspirant Exam. The focus of the course is on principle-based learning, giving you the strategies for problem solving through coaching and practical application in simulated guide/client scenarios. Guiding and instructional skills will be assessed during the Aspirant Exam portion(s) of the course. A final assessment will be based on your overall performance.

Aspirant Exam:

The Aspirant Exam is intended to help determine whether or not your personal skills meet the minimum standards appropriate for guiding. In addition, it serves as preparation for the final certification exam. The standard for the Aspirant Exam is at a level appropriate for guiding clients professionally with only indirect supervision. Finally, your essential skills and abilities as an Aspirant Guide must be comparable to those of a full guide.

Assessment Areas:
- Screening of movement skills in rock and alpine terrain;
- Technical skills assessment including 45-minute rock rescue drill and five-minute knot-pass drill;
- Guided days assessment, which includes evaluation in the following nine areas: risk management, client care, technical systems, application, terrain assessment, movement skills, mountain sense, professionalism, and instructional technique.
Alpine Guide Exam
The goals of the 9-day Alpine Guide Exam (AGE) are to assess and certify alpine climbing guides at the AMGA and IFMGA international standards and to further the general education of students.

Format:

You are expected to carry out guiding assignments given by the examiners during the exam. You serve as guides to the examiners and to the other participants on routes chosen for their complex guiding challenges. You are responsible for route planning, client orientation, risk management, and normal guiding practices while acting as the guide. Route assignments and client profiles are usually given the night before. You are responsible for obtaining information about the assigned route as well as alternative routes if the original objective proves infeasible.

Expectations:

The exam is conducted on routes in alpine terrain and may include glaciated and non-glaciated peaks, approaches, and climbs, with no limitation. It includes rock climbs, peak ascents, and waterfall climbs. A strong emphasis is placed on expertise in short roping clients.

Assessment Areas:

Screening of movement skills in rock, alpine, snow, ice, and mixed terrain; Crevasse Rescue Drill; Guided days assessment, which includes evaluation in the following nine areas: risk management, client care, technical systems, application, terrain assessment, movement skills, mountain sense, professionalism and instructional technique.

Prerequisites:
- Current AMGA member
- Current CPR Certification
- Current Wilderness First Responder (WFR) Certification or higher that meets the Minimum Guidelines and Scope of Practice for a WFR
- Successful completion of an AMGA approved Pro 2, or Level III
  - For details on the updated avalanche education framework introduced in the 2017/18 season, please click here.
- Successful completion of the Advanced Alpine Guide Course and Aspirant Exam
- Confidence leading 5.10a in rock shoes, at the time of the exam
- Confidence leading 5.7 in mountain boots, at the time of the exam
- Confidence leading WI 4, at the time of the exam
- Confidence with French Technique on firm 40 degree snow, at the time of the exam
- Familiar with LNT practices
- Since completing the AAGC/AE, you have led or shared lead on 5 different alpine routes grade IV or longer
- Since completing the AAGC/AE, you have led or shared lead on 10 different traditional style rock climbs rated 5.10a or harder
- Since completing the AAGC/AE, you have guided 10 paid days in diverse alpine terrain, with at least 5 in complex glaciated terrain

Alpine Programs Schedule

2022 Application and Notification Deadlines are below
For information on how to apply to a program and how applications are reviewed, click here
For the complete AMGA Course Schedule, click here

Program Type	Code	Location	State	Dates	Tuition	Status	Apply
Advanced Alpine Guide Course/AE	A13 AAGC 23	Cascades	Washington	6/20/23 - 6/28/23	$4250.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Advanced Alpine Guide Course/AE	A16 AAGC 23	Cascades	Washington	7/25/23 - 8/2/23	$4250.00	Open	Apply
Advanced Alpine Guide Course/AE	A18 AAGC 23	Cascades	Washington	8/18/23 - 8/26/23	$4250.00	Open	Apply
Advanced Alpine Guide Course/AE	A19 AAGC 23	Cascades	Washington	8/23/23 - 8/31/23	$4250.00	Open	Apply
Advanced Alpine Guide Course/AE	A29 AAGC 23	Cascades	Washington	7/12/23 - 7/20/23	$4250.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Guide Course	A1 AGC 23	Estes / Boulder	Colorado	4/18/23 - 4/27/23	$3200.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Guide Course	A2 AGC 23	Estes / Boulder	Colorado	5/2/23 - 5/10/23	$3200.00	Open	Apply
Alpine Guide Course	A4 AGC 23	Estes / Boulder	Colorado	5/16/23 - 5/25/23	$3200.00	Open	Apply
Alpine Guide Course	A7 AGC 23	Sierra	California	5/31/23 - 6/8/23	$3200.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Guide Course	A9 AGC 23	Estes / Boulder	Colorado	6/6/23 - 6/14/23	$3200.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Guide Course	A11 AGC 23	Jackson	Wyoming	6/13/23 - 6/21/23	$3200.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Guide Course	A22 Veterans AGC 23	Cascades	Washington	8/8/23 - 8/16/23	$3200.00	Open	Apply
Alpine Guide Exam	A15 AGE 23	Tantalus Range	British Columbia	7/25/23 - 8/2/23	$0.00	Open	Apply
Alpine Guide Exam	A17 AGE 23	Cascades	Washington	8/7/23 - 8/15/23	$4250.00	Open	Apply
Alpine Guide Exam	A20 AGE 23	Cascades	Washington	9/6/23 - 9/14/23	$4250.00	Open	Apply
Alpine Guide Exam	A21 AGE 23	Cascades	Washington	9/18/23 - 9/26/23	$4250.00	Open	Apply
Alpine Skills Course	A3 ASC 23	Estes / Boulder	Colorado	5/8/23 - 5/12/23	$2100.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Skills Course	A5 ASC 23	Bend	Oregon	5/22/23 - 5/26/23	$2100.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Skills Course	A6 ASC 23	Estes / Boulder	Colorado	5/22/23 - 5/26/23	$2100.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Skills Course	A8 ASC 23	Mt. Erie / Mt. Baker	Washington	6/5/23 - 6/9/23	$2100.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Skills Course	A10 ASC 23	Mt. Erie / Mt. Baker	Washington	6/12/23 - 6/16/23	$2100.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Skills Course	A12 ASC 23	Estes / Boulder	Colorado	6/19/23 - 6/23/23	$2100.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Skills Course	A14 ASC 23	Mt. Erie / Mt. Baker	Washington	6/26/23 - 6/30/23	$2100.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Skills Course	A23 Veterans ASC 23	Mt Erie/Mt Baker	Washington	6/19/23 - 6/23/23	$2100.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Skills Course	A34 ASC 23	Boulder	Colorado	6/26/23 - 6/30/23	$2100.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Skills Course	A31 ASC 23	Estes Park	Colorado	7/17/23 - 7/21/23	$2100.00	Waitlist	Waitlist
Alpine Skills Course	A33 ASC 23	Estes Park	Colorado	8/14/23 - 8/18/23	$2100.00	Open	Apply

Application and Notification Deadlines

The application deadline is when your complete application is due.
The notification deadline is the latest date you will be contacted in regard to your enrollment.

Applications received after the application deadline will be reviewed on a rolling admission.

Program Dates	Application Deadline	Notification Deadline
SOL Mountain Lodge SGC 2022	June 22, 2022	July 14, 2022
Programs with start dates of January 1 - May 29, 2023	September 7, 2022	October 5, 2022
Programs with start dates of May 30 - June 30, 2023	January 9, 2023	February 8, 2023
Programs with start dates of July 1 - November 30, 2023	April 3, 2023	May 3, 2023