Ski Guide Training
The best way to learn ski guide skills is to train with an IFMGA Mountain Guide. The IFMGA sets the international standard for mountain guides. This course is applicable to aspiring guides, guides prepping for AMGA courses and exams or recreational backcountry skiers who want the notch up their skills toward a professional level. This is a custom course so please email Joe to inquire. Joe will consider taking locals for practicum (unpaid assistant/shadow guiding) experience if you are preparing for your AMGA exam.
Date
One to three days in October through July.
Prerequisites
A strong interest to learn
Advanced downhill ability
Advanced backcountry skiing ability
Avalanche Rec 2 required
No guiding experience necessary
Recent avalanche rescue practice
Skill Options
Guide gear
Guide meetings
Risk management plan
Route and tour planning
Track setting
Down guiding
Group management
Finding good snow and terrain for your client
Steep skiing and survival skiing
Instability assessment
Full snowpack profile
Emergency shelter
Belayed skiing and rappelling
Snow anchors
Crevasse rescue
Spotting, short-roping, short-pitching
Whiteout navigation
Cost
1 client: $700 per day
2 clients: $400 per person per day
3 clients: $300 per person per day
4+ clients: $250 per person per day, a second guide may be added over four clients.
In partnership with Alaska Guide Collective.
Includes
AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide Joe Stock
Navigation, first aid and repair kits
Emergency communication and shelter
Does Not Include
Transport. Using a rental car or your personal car is the best option.
Lodging, food and drink. See Southcentral Alaska Logistics.
Personal gear. See Backcountry Ski Gear List.
Rescue and trip insurance. See Booking for details.
Photos of Ski Guide Courses and Skills
“We learned a lot this winter, especially on your trip to Nome. That was a lot of fun. We got the ropes out this winter, used em a bit for belayed climbing and also lowered ourselves into a nice couloir we’ve been eyeing for a couple years, we were pretty stoked! ”