Certified Professionally Trained Guides

In the United States, mountain guides are not universally required by federal law to complete formal professional training. At Summit Ascents International, our guides work within the terrain and responsibilities established by their current American Mountain Guides Association training, certification and Scope of Practice. This ensures that the guide assigned to your trip has been professionally trained for that type of rock climbing, alpine climbing, mountaineering, ice climbing, backcountry skiing or ski mountaineering.

AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide — The Highest Professional Standard

The IFMGA Mountain Guide credential represents the highest level of professional mountain-guide certification attainable through the American Mountain Guides Association and is recognized internationally as the benchmark for fully qualified mountain guides.

To earn this credential, an American guide must complete the AMGA’s entire professional training and examination process and become fully certified in all three mountain-guide disciplines: Rock, Alpine and Ski. Candidates enter the program with years of personal climbing and skiing experience and must complete extensive courses, guided experience, advanced assessments and final examinations.

An IFMGA Mountain Guide has been trained and assessed across technical rock climbing, alpine rock, snow, ice, glaciers, mixed climbing, backcountry skiing and ski mountaineering. The process also evaluates rescue systems, avalanche risk management, navigation, client care, instruction and decision-making in complex and rapidly changing mountain environments.

IFMGA guides must also maintain Wilderness First Responder, CPR and professional avalanche qualifications. The credential is recognized by mountain-guide associations in more than 20 countries and represents the highest international standards of professional mountain guiding.

Our Commitment to You
Our guides do not work beyond their current training or certification level. Whether your trip involves single-pitch climbing, a technical multi-pitch route, an alpine objective or backcountry skiing, we assign guides whose professional qualifications match the terrain.