Ski Guide Training
Mark Klassen has been providing professional level guide training for 25 years. These ski guide courses are designed to prepare students for the courses run by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides Training and Assessment programme. They are recommended for students who are in their apprenticeship year between exams, or who are scheduled to attend the ACMG TAP apprentice or full exam this season. Students who have completed ACMG Rock or Alpine Guide exams may be allowed on these courses as well. Contact me to discuss.
Decision making
Note that these courses are not run by the ACMG.
An analysis of the student's skills by an experienced instructor who is independent from the ACMG exam process gives a confidential, objective assessment that will not carry over into the ACMG programme. This frees the student from some of the normal stresses involved in the training programme and opens the door to a positive learning experience.
The course focuses on modern methods of risk assessment and management. We will utilize decision-making frameworks that help students make consistent decisions that are within Association of Canadian Mountain Guide standards.
Leading strategies
Strategies for dealing with the exam process are also discussed. These include pre-exam preparation, tactics to use while on lead, and techniques to use while debriefing.
My 35 years of experience includes working as an avalanche forecaster, heli-ski guide, and ski touring guide in the Rockies, Columbia Mountains, and Coast Ranges. I taught on the CAA Level 1, 2 and 3 courses for over 20 years and was an instructor for the Thompson Rivers University Canadian Mountain and Ski Guide programme for 15 years. This background, combined with completing the Instructional Skills Workshop at TRU and other instructor training courses, have given me a unique perspective on how to teach professional level risk-based decision making.
““...super pleased and inspired...”
“Thanks for a great course and such detailed feed-back…””
Pre-requisites
Minimum requirements are having completed the ACMG TAP ski guide training courses. Students who have completed ACMG Rock or Alpine Guide exams may be allowed on these courses as well. Contact me to discuss.
Courses are open to students who are planning on attending either the Apprentice Ski Guide Exam or Ski Guide Exam. It is a perfect bridging course for guides who are in their apprenticeship seasons between their apprentice and full exams.
Further Information
Check out the logistics package here.
STUDENT:INSTRUCTOR RATIO
4:1. This ratio helps with inspiring discussion amongst the group.
DATES AND PRICING
DATE: March 13-14, 2025. Sold out - let me know if you want to be on a waitlist.
PRICE: $495 plus 5% tax
LOCATION: rogers pass. Plan B location is Rockies. We can flip that if the majority of students are based in the Rockies.
DATE: March 19-20, 2025.
PRICE: $495 plus 5% tax
LOCATION: rockies. Plan B location is Rogers pass if conditions are significantly better there.
Organize your own course
Alternate dates, course length, ratios and pricing may be available if you organize your own group.