Interior About
AMGA

How to Choose an AMGA Certified Guide or Accredited Program

The first step is to identify what type of trip you would like to take. An AMGA Certified Guide or Accredited Program can help you learn the basics of climbing from the comfort of an indoor climbing gym, enhance your experience on a technical climb or ski tour, or take you to the roof of the world. Please review our Terrain Guidelines page to help you determine the AMGA certification most appropriate for your needs.

Next, view a complete listing of the AMGA Certified Guides in a particular discipline by traveling to our Find a Guide by Discipline page or by clicking on one of the links below. There you will find where a particular guide is headquartered and relevant contact information. You may narrow your search in one of two ways: locate a guide based in the area where you wish to climb or ski, or contact a guide residing in your area for local guiding or to inquire about their willingness to travel.

The last step is to contact one or more of the guides you have selected to determine their availability and price. Questions to consider include:

  • What type of medical training do you have?
  • Have you participated in any continuing education?
  • What is your safety record?
  • Do you have experience guiding in this particular location?
  • Can you provide a list of references?

Compare the options and make your selection. Please contact the AMGA office if you have questions or concerns about a particular guide or program.

In addition, the AMGA also accredits guide services and climbing programs. For a complete list of these programs please click here: AMGA Accredited Programs