Women’s Rock Guide Course sponsored by The North Face

Historically, professional rock guiding has been a men-dominated field – and it’s time to change that. We are excited to be able to offer, with support from The North Face, the Women’s Rock Guide Course – a professional rock guide training course specifically for women students and taught by women of the AMGA Instructor Team. The grant is a part of The North Face Move Mountains grant program, an annual grant within The Explore Fund, dedicated to bringing more women outdoor explorers into positions of power by providing funding and a storytelling platform to advance their work and inspire others.

2024 Affinity Programs sponsored by The North Face
  • Program: Women’s Rock Guide Course
  • Dates: September 17-24, 2024
  • Location: Boulder, CO

 

  • Program: Women’s Rock Guide Course
  • Dates: October 8-15, 2024
  • Location: Boulder, CO

The application period begins February 1, 2024 / closes February 22, 2024

 

Ready to Apply? There are two main parts to this process:

  1. Apply for the Women’s Rock Guide Course via our standard application process in your My AMGA Account (How to Apply to an AMGA Program )
  2. Complete the additional essay questions in the Scholarship Application

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I apply for this course?

    This course is designed for anyone who identifies as a woman and would like to continue their education as a rock guide. The following are required in order to apply for the course:

    -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
    -Five years of personal rock climbing experience
    -Confidence leading traditional and sport routes up to 5.9, 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 multiple types of mechanical and non-mechanical belay devices
    -Familiar with a variety of rappel devices on multi-pitch rappels
    -Familiar with LNT Practices
    -You have led 10 traditional climbs rated 5.10a or harder on various rock types (single or multi-pitch)
    -You have led or shared lead on 50 multi-pitch rock routes (10 of which are Grade III or longer)

    For more information on the Rock Guide Course and AMGA Rock Programs, click here.

  • What happens if I don't get into the Rock Guide Course?

    If you don’t get into this RGC, email our Guide Program Manager at [email protected]. We can transfer your registration to an RGC program within the program year, but please note that you wouldn’t be eligible for a scholarship as they will have been awarded.

  • If accepted into the program, when does the tuition fee need to be paid?

    A deposit of $500 is due within two weeks of being offered enrollment to the program. The remaining tuition balance is due no later than 10 weeks prior to the start of the course. If you need to discuss payment plans, please contact the mountain guide office.

  • What will I need to do in order to receive the scholarship?

    First, you need to apply for the scholarship. Once you are accepted and awarded the scholarship, you will receive a contract that outlines the requirements due within four weeks of completing your course. The requirements can include but are not limited to: photos, blog content, video, social media, etc. You will receive your scholarship reimbursement as long as you attend the program and submit your content.

  • Once I complete the Rock Guide Course, what does that mean for me?

    When you complete the RGC you are considered an Apprentice Rock Guide within the AMGA educational field and there is a corresponding scope of practice attached to your training level. Learn more about scope of practice here. The RGC is an entry level program into other Mountain Guide Programs.