Additional Information
Although certification is not a prerequisite, future mountain guides should
consider alpine or rock guiding certification as a necessary educational step.
Certification candidates must demonstrate five to six years of guiding experience
and meet certain requirements. This ensures that the highest safety, environmental
and client care standards are met, making you a more marketable guide.
Internationally certified American Mountain Guides Association guides (those
who meet the requirements of the International Federation of Mountain Guides
Associations) meet the highest guiding standard in the world.
These specialized guides can legally work in any country and guide wherever
their client wants to climb -- including tempting treks into Nepal and Europe.
Guides who are not internationally certified are only allowed to guide in
their country.
If you choose to be certified in the U.S., you'll have to meet climbing,
guide and ability requirements before you are admitted to the program. From
there, expect courses and training in climbing techniques, time and pace management,
geology and risk management.
Future certified guides are encouraged to learn from a more experienced
climber.
Future mountain guides can also attend mountaineering schools that teach
both climbing and tour-leading skills. Expect classroom and on-the-job training
in emergency response, climbing techniques and tour leadership.