Alpine Guide Training
ENROLMENT MONTH
July
LENGTH OF STUDY
157.5 full time hours within 6 months
CREDITS
8
CREDENTIAL
Diploma
Accredited by Government of B.C. Private Training Institutes Branch (PTIB).
ALPINE GUIDE TRAINING – PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Alpine Guide Training Program consists of 157.5 full time hours completed over a 6 month period and introduces the fundamental skills to alpine mountaineering techniques and backcountry guiding. Students are able to strengthen their own alpine techniques and/or to prepare for a career as an ACMG/IFMGA guide assistant.
Students learn the fundamentals to alpine mountaineering and are immersed in the alpine of the Whistler valley, where they practice their newly learned skills in “real world” situations. Throughout the program, students will be building a resume of trips and backcountry experiences to help prepare them to reach an ACMG/IFMGA level, if chosen.
WHO IS IT FOR?
This specific program is aimed at the experienced climber/mountaineer who is looking to extend their skills into the alpine mountaineering territory.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
- Mountaineering on rock, snow, ice with necessary equipment
- Glacier travelling, multi-pitch ascents and descents
- Alpine climbing and rescue techniques
- Knots and anchors
- Rappelling and belaying
- Route planning, navigation and forecasting for guided trips
- Risk management protocols and safety for clients
- Guiding standards
CERTIFICATIONS OBTAINED
- Program Diploma
POSSIBLE CAREER OCCUPATIONS
- Apprentice or intern alpine mountain guide
- Guide operations assistant/manager
- Guide customer service assistant/manager
PROGRAM COSTS
| Tuition Fee Domestic | $3,500 CAD |
| Tuition Fee International | $5,000 CAD |
| Textbook Fees | $50 CAD |
| Application Fee | $250 CAD |
| Trip Fees - this program may incur trip fees payable by the student. Includes, but not exclusive to: overnight trips, special equipment, transportation or other excursions as decided by the course instructor during the program | $450 CAD |
WAS GENERAL ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 18 years old
- Proficient in English
- Rock Climbing Skills
PROGRAM SPECIFIC ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Submit a resume of related skills to be submitted proving the following abilities.
- Ability to correctly wear a harness, helmet and climbing shoes.
- Ability to climb 5.8 outside on top rope in rock climbing shoes
- Ability to tie a follow through figure eight into a clubbing harness.
- Ability to safely belay (PLUS method) and lower a top-rope climber, including correctly loading the rope into the device with locking carabiner and connecting it to the harness.
- Ability to climb 5.7 in mountain boots on top rope
- Basic alpine experience including ability to correctly install and walk in crampons and attach a prusik to a rope.
- Ability to safely belay a leader including loading a belay device, correctly installing it to a harness, preparing the rope, feeding out slack, locking off the rope during a fall and communication with the leader.
- Basic level of fitness including ability to walk uphill for 2 hours at a moderate pace.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
SPECIAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
- Additional physical requirements are necessary
COURSES
| Course | Program | Month | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Guide Level 1 | Alpine Guide Training | June/July | 22.5 |
| Alpine Guide Level 2 | Alpine Guide Training | July/August | 67.5 |
| Alpine Guide Level 3 | Alpine Guide Training | August/September | 67.5 |
CHRIS LAWERENCE
Chris is an internationally certified guide who has been working for thirty years in the mountains, both in summer and winter. He calls Squamish home but loves to travel and explore whether on foot, ski or a bicycle.
GUILLAUME OTIS
As owner and lead guide of Coast Mountain Guides, you may find Guillaume Otis anchored to a granite face, carefully analyzing a snow stability compression test or carving epic powder lines. Inspired by the outdoors and driven by nature he relocated from Quebec to the West Coast in his late teens and followed his dream to become a guide.
Coming Soon