Assistant Ski Guide Exam

Goal: To give the candidate the opportunity to apply guide techniques in mountainous ski terrain while being coached, supervised, and assessed by an experienced ACMG guide. The technical skills and judgement and decision making skills are assessed to the standard of the ACMG Assistant Ski Guide.

Format: The course is a 9 day exam. It usually takes place in remote glaciated terrain based out of tents or huts. Candidates will get exposure to guiding in all types of terrain and will undertake a number of ski mountaineering objectives. The field trips will involve a variety of, simulated, guided ski tours and ski mountaineering trips.

Expectations: Each candidate must be prepared to "guide". This means he will have applied the time between the training and the exam in a preparatory and constructive manner appropriate for a guide planning a trip with clients. Arrive with a researched knowledge of the area, a plan of day and overnight tours and knowledge of current weather and snow conditions.

Special Exam Areas: In addition to day-to-day guiding there may be exams in the following topics - Crevasse Rescue, Transceiver Search, Navigation, Ski Skills, Record Keeping, Teaching Session, CAA Standards, history of the mountain region.

Location and Length: 9 days, mid March to mid April. Location varies but can take place in the Rockies, Coast or Interior Ranges. Past examples: Pemberton, Pantheon range, Rogers Pass