The AMGA’s New Fourth Discipline
We are excited to introduce the Apres Discipline to the AMGA curriculum. “The AMGA realized that we are missing one critical component of our curriculum that the Europeans have expertly mastered…,” -AMGA Technical Director Dale Remsberg. The new discipline won’t add significant time to the overall progression of the Mountain Guide Program, and can be […]
Mobile Cribs with Jonathon Spitzer
Cribs is back! Well not really. But in true AMGA style, we’re showing you the envy of most pros — the most epic Mercedes Sprinter van! Today we get to peek into IFMGA/AMGA certified guide, Jonathan Spitzer’s EPIC traveling home. This beast looks like it can handle just about any adventure you set your mind too. Jealous […]
New USFS Recreation Special Uses Guide
The United States Forest Service (USFS) issues over 8000 special use permits every year for outfitting and guiding activities. These permits authorize the holder to conduct business on public land managed by the Forest Service. For decades, the process of obtaining a permit has been unpredictable and difficult due to variations in requirements from one […]
A Jill of All Trades
After twenty years as an outdoor educator, I decided to become a part-time guide. To be honest, I found the transition from teaching to guiding daunting. Despite being an experienced educator, I was unsure if guiding offered a place for me as a 42 year-old woman who is not “a crusher,” especially compared to my […]
Patagonia Action Works
“If you’ve been paying attention, you’ll know that things aren’t going very well for the planet,” says Yvon Chouinard in a new video by Patagonia. “It’s pretty easy to get depressed about it. I’ve always known that the cure for depression is action.” The devoted activist is now making it possible for all of us […]
The Beers of Climbing
It’s no secret that climbing and beer (in that order) are the perfect recipe for a good day. And while beer has fully integrated itself into the climbing world, it’s rare for climbing to show its face in the beer world. So our friends at Climbing Magazine tracked down three breweries either owned or staffed […]
What’s in my bag? Packing for an AMGA Ski Guide Course
Preparation for a ski guide course is a multi-faceted process. From fine-tuning your fitness to prepping complex tour plans, it is important to show up prepared for these courses. Correct equipment selection is a vital part of preparation process as proper gear selection can help a student succeed in a challenging course by providing them […]
And Then There Were Two
Dear Kaz and Irenna, Today you are 10-months old. This week, the last of winter’s snow left our garden, and the final crocus patch bloomed and closed just in time to escape your attempts to eat its purple petals. I spent our first winter together pulling you behind me in a tandem sled that gave […]
Mountaineering and Netflix
With January providing us with little snow and cold nights, a cozy movie night at home just what the doctor ordered. Below is a list of the top mountaineering films that can be streamed right now: TOUCHING THE VOID: One of the greatest mountaineering films of all time, Touching the Void tells the true story of Joe Simpson, a climber […]
Mentorship Days: The Northeast Starts Regular Meetups for Mentorship and Development
I truly believe mentorship is a crucial component to any guide or climbing instructor’s progression. Professional development, another important aspect of our careers, is typically gained through formal courses or exams and/or internal trainings with climbing schools and guide services, however structured mentorship in the US guiding industry, is still in its infancy. This is […]
