ACMG, IFMGA AND CAA CERTIFICATION
When hiring a guide in Canada, make sure they are a member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) and hold the appropriate certification for your trip. No other climbing or ski guide training programme in Canada has the same rigourous standards, extensive scope of practice or the international recognition afforded to ACMG guides.
Within the ACMG there are several different types of certification, including climbing instructors, and hiking, alpine climbing, skiing and rock climbing guides. As a Mountain Guide I am trained in all disciplines and qualified by the International Federation of Mountain Guiding Associations (IFMGA).
The ACMG Training and Assessment Programme offers a series of training courses and exams designed to train guides to the highly respected standards of the ACMG. Guides become certified after a rigorous series of training courses, examinations and an apprenticeship period. Once finished their training, all ACMG members must maintain their skills through a continuing professional development programme.
In addition, guides teaching avalanche courses must be members of the Canadian Avalanche Association (CAA). Avalanche courses provided by the CAA are an integral part of ACMG guides’ training.
The following links will help you learn more about guide qualifications:
Association of Canadian Mountain Guides