The AMGA Ski and Splitboard Guide certifications are meant for the experienced backcountry skier/rider or ski guide looking to further hone their skills in off-trail and glacial terrain. It is designed for guiding either ski tours or ski ascents/descents, on alpine touring, splitboard or free-heel equipment. Topics covered include: track setting, navigation, efficient 3rd and 4th class travel, short-rope and short pitch techniques, rescues skills, and client care.
Students are expected to arrive with a minimum of four years of recreational backcountry skiing/riding experience and an working knowledge of knots, belaying, rappelling, anchors, and basic alpine climbing systems. It is assumed that the students can ascend and descend 4500 vertical feet per day. It is expected that students are physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared for a 10+ days of continuous outdoor activity.
Splitboard Use on Ski Programs
Starting in 2014, the AMGA will allow Splitboarders to move through the entire Ski Program on their boards, without being tested on skis. Splitboarders will have to demonstrate all the same guide skills as skiers, and their travel mode will have to be via skins. No snowshoes will be allowed. While those who successfully pass the Ski Guide Exam on a Splitboard will become certified AMGA Splitboard Guides through the AMGA, individuals who are pursuing American Mountain Guide/IFMGA Guide certification will not become internationally certified until they pass a one-day movement assessment on skis. This is a requirement of the IFMGA, as the association does not allow certification for Splitboarders at this point in time. Those who demonstrate that they meet the ski standard will be awarded American Mountain Guide/IFMGA Guide certification. Click here for more information about the AMGA Splitboard Guide Certification.
To get your Ski and/or Splitboard Guide Certification, you must complete:
The Ski Guide Course (SGC) is designed for skiers and riders who wish to learn the skills and techniques used while guiding multi-day tours in a non-glaciated, yet possible high-mountain backcountry setting. It covers management of 3rd and 4th class terrain, technical ascents and descents, and management of multiple clients and small team rescues. Emphasis is placed on effectively managing risks and maximizing client rewards. Glacier travel, crevasse hazards and sustained technical mountaineering challenges are generally not covered in this course.
The SGC includes indoors and outdoors classroom time, practice sessions, and skiing on a variety of terrain and snow conditions. Recreational backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering skills and judgment are screened as part of the daily activities. The course is designed to introduce some of the recommended methods common to ski mountaineering guiding through sessions and practical application.
Check out this Ski Guide Course Video from 2016 Mammut Scholarship Recipient, Casey Graham.
The Advanced Ski Guide Course & Aspirant Exam (ASGC/AE) is designed for skilled skiers and climbers who wish to learn the skills and techniques used while guiding on complex glaciated terrain. This course covers management of 3rd, 4th and possibly 5th class terrain, technical descents, management of multiple clients, and small team rescues. It emphasizes effective risk management while maximizing client rewards.
The ASGC/AE is a course and 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.
The Aspirant Exam is intended to help determine whether or not your personal skills meet the minimum standards appropriate for guiding in ski mountaineering terrain. 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, the essential skills and abilities of the aspirant guide must be comparable to those of a full guide.
The goals of the 8-day Ski Guide Exam (SGE) are to assess and certify ski guides at the AMGA and IFMGA international standards and to further the general education of the students.
During the exam students are expected to carry out guiding assignments given by the examiners. The students serve as guides to the examiners and to the other participants on routes chosen for their complex guiding challenges. While acting as the guide, students are responsible for route planning, client orientation, risk management and normal guiding practices. Route assignments and client profiles are usually given the night before. Students are responsible for obtaining information about the assigned route as well as alternative routes if the original objective proves infeasible.
The exam is conducted on routes chosen by the examiners. Ski mountaineering terrain includes glaciated alpine environments where guides may need to employ extensive short roping techniques, use of the ice axe and crampons, as well as travel on heavily crevassed glaciers. Multi-pitch ice or rock climbing is generally not included in the defined terrain except when necessary to achieve an objective.
Ski Programs Schedule
Program Type | Code | Location | State | Dates | Tuition | Status | Apply |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Advanced Ski Guide Course/AE | S5 ASGC 25 | Rogers Pass | British Columbia | 3/4/25 - 3/13/25 | $4200.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Advanced Ski Guide Course/AE | S11 ASGC 25 | Cascades | Washington | 4/9/25 - 4/18/25 | $3825.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Advanced Ski Guide Course/AE | S12 ASGC 25 | Valdez | Alaska | 4/12/25 - 4/21/25 | $4500.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Advanced Ski Guide Course/AE | S15 ASGC 25 | Cascades | Washington | 4/23/25 - 5/2/25 | $3825.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Advanced Ski Guide Course/AE | S16 ASGC 25 | Cascades | Washington | 4/30/25 - 5/9/25 | $3825.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Advanced Ski Guide Course/AE | S17 ASGC 25 | Cascades | Washington | 5/13/25 - 5/23/25 | $3825.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Course | S23 SGC 24 | Sol Mountain Lodge | British Columbia | 11/30/24 - 12/7/24 | $5275.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Course | S1 SGC 25 | Jackson | Wyoming | 1/22/25 - 1/31/25 | $3925.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Course | S2 SGC 25 | Snoqaulmie Pass | Washington | 2/4/25 - 2/13/25 | $3825.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Course | S3 SGC 25 | Sierra | California | 2/19/25 - 2/28/25 | $3825.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Course | S4 SGC 25 | Stanley | Idaho | 3/3/25 - 3/12/25 | $3825.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Course | S7 SGC 25 | Red Mountain Pass | Colorado | 3/19/25 - 3/28/25 | $3925.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Course | S8 SGC 25 | Red Mountain Pass | Colorado | 4/2/25 - 4/11/25 | $3925.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Course | S10 *WMNS* SGC 25 | Red Mountain Pass | Colorado | 4/9/25 - 4/18/25 | $3925.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Course | S19 SGC 25 | Jackson | Wyoming | 1/7/25 - 1/16/25 | $3925.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Course | S20 SGC 25 | Sol Mountain Lodge | British Columbia | 4/7/25 - 4/14/25 | $5200.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Exam | S6 SGE 25 | Rogers Pass | British Columbia | 3/17/25 - 3/24/25 | $3825.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Exam | S9 SGE 25 | Valdez | Alaska | 4/2/25 - 4/9/25 | $4150.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Exam | S13 SGE 25 | Bela Coola | British Columbia | 4/12/25 - 4/19/25 | $4200.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Ski Guide Exam | S14 SGE 25 | Cascades | Washington | 4/16/25 - 4/24/25 | $3450.00 | Waitlist | Waitlist |
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· This ASGC may utilize 1-2 heli bumps if weather/conditions allow. This is included in the cost of tuition.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
· This program is only open to US Citizens who are able to enter Canada legally
Instructor Team: Geoff Unger, Jonathon Spitzer *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spots: 8
Applications Deadline: August 29, 2024
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· Cascades ASGCs include a built in travel or rest day. Program may go to multiple venues including NCNP, Mt. Baker, or Snoqualmie Pass depending on weather and conditions.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Dale Remsberg, Ian Nicholson *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Space: 8
Application deadline: August 29, 2024
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· This ASGC may utilize 1-2 heli bumps if weather/conditions allow. This is included in the cost of tuition.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Geoff Unger, Christian Santelices *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spaces: 8
Application Deadline: August 29, 2024
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· Cascades SGEs are 9 days in length and include a built in travel or rest day. Program may go to multiple venues including NCNP, Mt. Baker, or Snoqualmie Pass depending on weather and conditions.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Joshua Cole *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roter Spaces: 8
Application Deadline: August 29, 2024
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· Cascades ASGCs include a built in travel or rest day. Program may go to multiple venues including NCNP, Mt. Baker, or Snoqualmie Pass depending on weather and conditions.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Erica Engle, Matt Farmer *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Space: 8
Application Deadline: August 29, 2024
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· Cascades ASGCs include a built in travel or rest day. Program may go to multiple venues including NCNP, Mt. Baker, or Snoqualmie Pass depending on weather and conditions.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Patrick Ormond, Evan Stevens *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Space: 8
Application Deadline: August 29, 2024
This program is based out of Sol Mountain Lodge in the Monashee Range, BC. We are so excited to be back at Sol—the snowpack is consistently deep, and the lodge offers a unique AMGA SGC experience.
Because of the lodge-based nature of this program, the SOL SGC is 9 days in length.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Jeff Ward, Emilie Drinkwater, Erik Leidecker *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spots: 12
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
• For the Jackson SGC, up to two days of lift tickets are included in the cost of the tuition.
Instructor Team: Paul Rachele, Dan Corn *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spots: 8
Application Deadline: August 29th, 2024
Please note, that program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· For Snoqualmie Pass SGCs, up to 2 days of lift tickets are included in the cost of tuition
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Jonathon Spitzer, Ian Nicholson *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spaces: 8
Application Deadline: August 29th, 2024
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· For this Sierra SGC up to 2 days of lift tickets are included in the cost of tuition.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Geoff Unger, Howie Schwartz *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spaces: 8
Application Deadline: August 28th
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· For this Stanley SGC, three nights at the Williams Peak Hut are included in the cost of tuition
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Erik Leidecker, Matt Farmer *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spaces: 8
Application Deadline: August 29th
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· For this RMP SGC, 2 nights at Hayden Lodge (with breakfast and dinner) are included in the cost of tuition
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Mike Soucy *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spots: 8
Application deadline: August 29, 2024
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· For this RMP SGC, 2 nights at Hayden Lodge (with breakfast and dinner) are included in the cost of tuition
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Peter Leh *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spots: 8
Application deadline: August 29, 2024
Over the last few years, the American Mountain Guides Association has reflected on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within our association, recognizing areas of growth and creating an action plan. One of our key focuses is creating accessibility to our courses through various initiatives like the women’s Single Pitch Instructor Course and women’s Rock Guide Course. This course is designed for anyone who identifies as a woman and would like to continue their education as a ski guide. We would like to support underrepresented communities to pursue guide training and education at the AMGA. At this time, this is not a tuition-assisted program but we are looking for partner support and will keep applicants updated.
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· For this RMP SGC, 2 nights at Hayden Lodge (with breakfast and dinner) are included in the cost of tuition
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Angela Hawse *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spots: 8
Application Deadline: August 29, 2024
Program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
• For the Jackson SGC, up to two days of lift tickets are included in the cost of the tuition.
Instructor Team: Dan Corn, Dale Remsberg *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spots: 8
This program is based out of Sol Mountain Lodge in the Monashee Range, BC. We are so excited to be back at Sol—the snowpack is consistently deep, and the lodge offers a unique AMGA SGC experience.
Because of the lodge-based nature of this program, the SOL SGC is 9 days in length.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Larry Goldie, Josh Cole *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· This SGE may utilize 1-2 heli bumps if weather/conditions allow. This is included in the cost of tuition.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: John Kear *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spaces: 8
Application deadline: August 29, 2024
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· This SGE may utilize 1-2 heli bumps if weather/conditions allow. This is included in the cost of tuition.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Mike Soucy *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spots: 8
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
Instructor Team: Andrew Councell, Tim Brown *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spots: 8
Application Deadline: August 29, 2024
Please note, program tuition does not include food, lodging, transportation, equipment, or any other associated program costs unless otherwise noted. For ski programs, tuition does include mechanized ski access and huts/yurts IF used.
· Cascades SGEs are 9 days in length and include a built in travel or rest day. Program may go to multiple venues including NCNP, Mt. Baker, or Snoqualmie Pass depending on weather and conditions.
· It is strongly recommended that you purchase Trip Insurance to protect your tuition investment and other associated costs with your program.
Instructor Team: Emilie Drinkwater, Anna Keeling *Staffing is subject to change throughout the year based on AMGA programming needs and instructor availability*
Available Roster Spots: 8
Application Deadline: August 29, 2024
Application and Notification Deadlines
Program Dates | Application Deadline | Notification Deadline |
---|---|---|
Ski, Ice, and Rock Programs with start dates of November 15, 2024 - May 31, 2025 | August 29, 2025 | September 23, 2024 *S23 SGC 24 & I10 IIC 24 Notification Deadline: September 6, 2024 |
April & May Alpine Programs and all Program with start dates of June 1 - July 31, 2025 | October 28, 2024 | November 22, 2024 |
August 1 - November 15, 2025 | January 15, 2025 | February 15, 2025 |