New in 2020 – the Multi-Pitch Instructor Course & Exam prepares candidates to guide multi-pitch climbs up to 4 pitches in length (not to exceed 400 ft total) that are not remote in nature, and have simple approaches and descents with minimal short-roping. This program has an emphasis on providing a great client experience while adequately managing risk for both the client and the guide.
To get your Multi-Pitch Instructor Certification, you must complete:
UPDATES AND FAQS ABOUT THE MULTI-PITCH INSTRUCTOR COURSE & EXAM: HERE
The above prerequisites are absolute minimums. Learn more HERE.
Learn more HERE.
This is the entry-level course for the Rock Guide and Alpine Guide programs and the Rock Instructor Certification. The Rock Guide Course (RGC) was designed for aspiring guides who have a strong rock climbing background and for instructors who are interested in improving their skills and increasing knowledge. The RGC trains aspiring guides on routes up to Grade III and 5.9 while emphasizing risk management and client rewards. You are expected to arrive with a strong recreational climbing background with an acquired knowledge of knots, belaying, anchors, protection strategies, and climbing systems. It is assumed that you can lead the climbs listed on the submitted resume and that you are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for a week of outdoor activity.
FORMAT
The Multi-Pitch Instructor Course & Exam includes instruction, coaching, debriefing, and assessment. The program is 8 days in length. There are 5 days of instruction and course work and a 3-day assessment.
The Course portion of the program includes:
The Exam portion of the program includes:
ASSESSMENT AREAS:
PREREQUISITES
General Requirements
Training Level Requirements
Technical & Movement Requirements
Resume Requirements: Applicants are required to document the below requirements in the resume template provided by the AMGA during the application process. The same climb may be used to fulfill multiple requirements
Program Type | Code | Location | State | Dates | Tuition | Status | Apply |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rock Guide Course | R8 RGC 22 (A) | Boulder | Colorado | 6/7/22 - 6/16/22 | $3100.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R9 *RGC 22 (A) | Boulder | Colorado | 6/12/22 - 6/19/22 | $3900.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R11 RGC 22 | North Conway | New Hampshire | 9/8/22 - 9/17/22 | $3100.00 | Applications Under Review* | |
Rock Guide Course | R29 *RGC 22 | Red Rock NCA | Nevada | 11/7/22 - 11/14/22 | $3900.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R28 RGC 22 (A) | Joshua Tree | California | 11/2/22 - 11/11/22 | $3100.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R25 RGC 22 (A) | Boulder | Colorado | 10/13/22 - 10/22/22 | $3100.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R24 RGC 22 (A) | Smith Rock | Oregon | 10/13/22 - 10/22/22 | $3100.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R14 *RGC 22 (A) | Boulder | Colorado | 9/18/22 - 9/25/22 | $3900.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R15 *VETS* RGC 22 | Leavenworth | Washington | 9/20/22 - 9/29/22 | $3100.00 | Applications Under Review* | |
Rock Guide Course | R21 RGC 22 | Brevard | North Carolina | 10/4/22 - 10/13/22 | $3100.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R9 *RGC 22 (B) | Boulder | Colorado | 6/12/22 - 6/19/22 | $3900.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R14 *RGC 22 (B) | Boulder / Estes | Colorado | 9/18/22 - 9/25/22 | $3900.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R24 RGC 22 (B) | Smith Rock | Oregon | 10/13/22 - 10/22/22 | $3100.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R25 RGC 22 (B) | Boulder / Estes | Alabama | 10/13/22 - 10/22/22 | $3100.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Rock Guide Course | R28 RGC 22 (B) | Joshua Tree | California | 11/2/22 - 11/11/22 | $3100.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Multi-Pitch Instructor Course/Exam | R16 MPI 22 | North Conway | New Hampshire | 9/21/22 - 9/28/22 | $3900.00 | Applications Under Review* |
This is a 3:1 student to instructor ratioed program and is 8 days rather than 10.
Weather and condition-dependent, this program may also utilize Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park, Colorado.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
The application deadline for this program is January 12th, 2022.
This is a 2:1 student to instructor ratioed program and is 8 days rather than 10.
Weather and condition-dependent, this program may also utilize Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park, Colorado.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
The application deadline for this program is January 12th, 2022.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
3:1 student to instructor ratio; max 6 students.
The application deadline for this program is April 4th, 2022.
This is a 2:1 student to instructor ratio program and 8 days rather than 10; max 4 students.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted.
It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
3:1 student to Instructor ratio; max 6 students
Student Kate McHugh leading Western Saga during the 2016 RGC in Joshua Tree. Photo by Azissa Singh.
Application deadline is April 4, 2022.
Weather and condition dependent, this program may also utilize Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park, Colorado.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
3:1 student to Instructor ratio; max 6 students
Application deadline is April 4, 2022.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
3:1 student to Instructor ratio; max 6 students.
A student leads the way during the 2016 RGC at Smith Rock. Photo by Instructor Pete Keane.
Application deadline is April 4, 2022.
This is a 2:1 student to instructor ratioed program and is 8 days rather than 10. Maximum 4 students. The application deadline for this program is April 4, 2022.
Weather and condition dependent, this program may also utilize Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park, Colorado.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
Student Karen Hilton works her way up the Bastille Crack in Eldorado Canyon during the 2016 RGC in Boulder. Photo by student Brandon Phillips.
This program is only open to VETERANS of the US Military who wish to use their GI Bill funds to pay for the course. This course is run through the American Alpine Institute (an AMGA accredited business), who are accredited and approved to accept GI Bill funding.
In order to participate on this Alpine Guide Course, you must:
1) Be a veteran of the US Military
2) Apply to the program, pay the non-refundable $65.00 application fee, and submit all of the required application materials (resume, WFR/CPR, and AMGA approved avalanche training certs) to show that you meet the prerequisites for the AGC
3) Email Jesse Littleton ([email protected]) proof of veteran status
4) Once your materials have been reviewed, you will be eligible to become enrolled in the course if space is available (like all AMGA programs, entrance is competitive and we may receive more applications than we have spaces available - meeting the prerequisites is not a guarantee of enrollment, please review the process for application review here)
5) If accepted into the program, you will be sent a document describing how to complete the enrollment process and use your VA benefits to pay for the program. You cannot be officially enrolled until you have completed the VA Benefits Survey and Enrollment Agreement through the American Alpine Institute.
If you have any questions about this course, the application review/enrollment process, how to use your VA benefits, or anything else related to this program, please contact Jesse Littleton ([email protected]).
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
3:1 student to instructor ratio; max 6 students.
The application deadline for this program is April 4th, 2022.
This is a 2:1 student to instructor ratioed program and is 8 days rather than 10.
Weather and condition-dependent, this program may also utilize Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park, Colorado.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
The application deadline for this program is January 12th, 2022.
This is a 2:1 student to instructor ratioed program and is 8 days rather than 10. Maximum 4 students. The application deadline for this program is April 4, 2022.
Weather and condition-dependent, this program may also utilize Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park, Colorado.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
Student Karen Hilton works her way up the Bastille Crack in Eldorado Canyon during the 2016 RGC in Boulder. Photo by student Brandon Phillips.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
3:1 student to Instructor ratio; max 6 students.
A student leads the way during the 2016 RGC at Smith Rock. Photo by Instructor Pete Keane.
Application deadline is April 4, 2022.
Weather and condition dependent, this program may also utilize Lumpy Ridge in Estes Park, Colorado.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
3:1 student to Instructor ratio; max 6 students
Application deadline is April 4, 2022.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
3:1 student to Instructor ratio; max 6 students
Student Kate McHugh leading Western Saga during the 2016 RGC in Joshua Tree. Photo by Azissa Singh.
Application deadline is April 4, 2022.
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, or other course expenses unless otherwise noted.
2:1 student to Instructor ratio; max 4 students.
The application deadline is April 4, 2022.
Application and Notification Deadlines
Program Dates | Application Deadline | Notification Deadline |
---|---|---|
Programs with start dates between December 15, 2021 and May 15, 2022 | October 3, 2021 | October 22, 2021 |
Programs with start dates between May 16 - July 31, 2022 and ALL Alpine Skills Courses | January 12, 2022 | January 28, 2022 |
Programs with start dates between August 1 and November 15, 2022 | April 4, 2022 | [updated] May 6, 2022 |
SOL Mountain Lodge SGC 2022 | June 22, 2022 | July 14, 2022 |