Ski & Splitboard Guide Program

The Ski Guide Course (SGC) is the entry level program in the ski discipline. This course introduces experienced skiers to the challenging and rewarding art of ski guiding. The program focuses on track setting, down guiding, navigation, and finding the best snow. There is an emphasis placed on teaching guides how to maximize client rewards while managing risk effectively. This program takes place in non-glaciated terrain and is offered at various venues in the lower 48, as well as at SOL Mountain Lodge in BC, Canada.

The Advanced Ski Guide Course & Assistant Exam (ASGC/AE) is designed for skilled skiers and riders who wish to learn the skills and techniques used while guiding in complex glaciated terrain. This course covers management of 3rd, 4th, and possibly intermittent 5th class terrain, technical descents, management of multiple clients, and small team rescues. It emphasizes effective risk management while maximizing client rewards.

Format:

The ASGC/AE includes instruction, coaching, debriefing, and assessment. The assessment phase is known as the Assistant 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 Assistant Exam portion(s) of the course. A final assessment will be based on your overall performance.

Assistant Exam:

The Assistant Exam is intended to help determine whether or not your skills meet the minimum standards appropriate for guiding in ski mountaineering terrain. In addition, it serves as preparation for the final certification exam. Upon passing the Assistant Exam, a guide will gain a scope of practice to work unsupervised in non-glaciated terrain—including terrain that requires rope work—and under supervision in glaciated terrain.

Assessment Areas:

• Screening of skiing/riding movement as well as movement skills in alpine, snow, and mixed terrain
• Technical skills assessment:
  
  • Transceiver search
  • Sled lower
• Guided days assessment, which includes evaluation in the following nine areas: risk management, client care, technical systems, application, terrain assessment, movement skills, mountain sense, professionalism, and instructional technique.

The goals of the 8-day Ski Guide Exam (SGE) are to assess and certify ski guides at the AMGA and IFMGA international standard and to further the general education of the students.

Expectations:

The exam is conducted on ski mountaineering 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 except when necessary to achieve a specific objective.

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.

Assessment Areas:

• Screening of movement skills in rock, alpine, snow, ice, and mixed terrain
• Crevasse Rescue Drill
• Guided days assessment, which includes evaluation in the following six areas: risk management, client care, technical systems, terrain assessment, movement skills, and professionalism