About the AMGA, IFMGA & CGC

The American Mountain Guides Association is the nation’s only representative to the 21-member International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations. The IFMGA is the international governing body responsible for guiding standards and education around the world. Read more about the AMGA at their site. 
 
The AMGA has three disciplines: rock, alpine and ski mountaineering. To be certified in a discipline the candidate must gain guiding experience while passing a series of courses and exams. Once candidates become certified in all three disciplines they become licensed as international mountain guides by the IFMGA, the PhD of guiding. There are about 60 IFMGA guides in the United States.
 
Receiving IFMGA status is known as "having your pin." This pin, which is similar to the silver logo here, is worn and recognized by professional guides world-wide. In nations with a guiding heritage--Canada, Switzerland, France, Italy, Austria, New Zealand--you become a Mountain Guide when you receive your pin. Otherwise you are an Aspirant Guide. 
 
Permits and insurance in the US are expensive and difficult to obtain. Helping US mountain guides is the Certified Guides Cooperative, a non-profit dedicated to assisting certified guides by providing access in the US and abroad.
 

Ten Reasons to Hire a Certified Guide (From the AMGA Website)

  1. Training – AMGA Certified Guides undergo some of the most intense training and examination anywhere. Certification by the AMGA indicates that an individual has been assessed to the standard of an internationally recognized, professional body.
  2. Professionalism – AMGA Certified Guides and Accredited Programs are leaders in the climbing and guiding industry. Theses individuals and organizations are dedicated to excellence and conducting their business in the most professional manner.
  3. Experience – Many AMGA Certified Guides and Accredited Programs have been immersed in the mountain guiding trade for over a decade. Furthermore, they have an intimate knowledge of the areas they guide in.
  4. Quality – AMGA Certified Guides undergo their training with two key factors in mind: becoming the best mountain guides possible and delivering the greatest reward for their clients. This translates into the highest quality experience.
  5. Safety – AMGA Certified Guides and Accredited Programs make safety their prime concern. They are trained to recognize objective hazards such as avalanche danger, rock fall potential, and bad weather. In addition, AMGA Certified Guides are drilled in self-rescue skills.
  6. Personal Attention – AMGA Certified Guides and Accredited Programs are dedicated to delighting clients. Their priority is understanding and delivering the skills and summits clients’ desire.
  7. Comprehensive Guiding - The AMGA certifies guides in alpine climbing, rock climbing, and ski mountaineering. Whatever the terrain or however difficult, there is an AMGA Certified Guide or an Accredited Program that can lead the trip.
  8. Teaching – AMGA Certified Guides are some of the best educators in the field. They work to understand a client’s learning style and then adapt instruction to provide a personal experience that allows clients to excel at any endeavor.
  9. Value – AMGA Certified Guides and Accredited Programs appreciate how important mountain experiences are for their clients. These guides and organizations strive to build personal relationships and provide great adventures that create positive memories to last a lifetime.
  10. Environmental Awareness – AMGA Certified Guides and Accredited Programs understand how fragile the mountain ecosystem truly is. Exploring the high country with an AMGA guide will instill an appreciation of the travel skills required to leave the mountains in good condition for future generations.