Greetings from Boulder,
We've got some fun news items this month, and new job opportunities! Included in this issue are: 2012 Annual Meeting update, news from Summer 2012 Outdoor Retailer, Advocacy update regarding increasing insurance requirements, Program application deadlines, Member Insight regarding Trip Insurance and details of the AMGA photo contest!!!
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OCTOBER 20-22, 2012
Red Rock Canyon NCA
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Things are shakin' up!!! We're rolling right along with the Annual Meeting plans. In case you haven't made your plans yet, this is a friendly reminder to get on it! Venues and clinics will be finalized by Sept. 1 and posted on the AMGA blog. We have a great mix of clinics to offer this year. Professional Development Opportunities Last year, the AMGA implemented required continual trainings to maintain AMGA guide certification. Fortunately the professional development clinics provided at the Annual Meeting (for free) satisfy these requirements! And they totally rule! We have some fun and interesting clincs in the line up this year.  | |
Photo credit: Karsten Delap
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They range from short roping to crevasse rescue, and from single pitch systems to learning the way of the warrior! Did we mention they are FREE?!?! In these clinics, you work closely with the instructor as well as your fellow attendees. Yet another opportunity to meet, greet, and make long lasting connections. Schedule of Events: Oct. 17 (Wednesday) SPI Provider Training: Day 1 Oct. 18 (Thursday) SPI Provider Training: Day 2 WFR Re-certification (click here to register): Day 1
Oct. 19 (Friday) SPI Provider Refresher WFR Re-certification: Day 2 Oct. 20 (Saturday) Professional Development Clinics (see blog for details) Technical Committee Meeting; open for all to attend. OPENING NIGHT!! Includes door prizes, FREE food and beer... woo hoo! *Sponsored by GORE-TEX® with Marmot* Oct. 21 (Sunday) Professional Development Clinics (see blog for details) Board of Directors Meeting; open for all to attend. MAIN EVENT!!! Includes awards ceremony, silent auction, door prizes, FREE food and BEER... woooo hoooo! *Sponsored by GORE-TEX®* Oct. 22 (Monday) Guides Olympics; for the first time in AMGA history: cash prize for 1st place! *Sponsored by GORE-TEX® and First Ascent* Round Table Discussion on Access; open for all to attend. *Sponsored by Arc'teryx* 'DYNO' BIRD HAPPY HOUR: join the folks from Arc'teryx immediately after the meeting for some fun and FREE adult beverages! *Sponsored by Arc'teryx* Oct. 23-24 (Tuesday/Wednesday) Instructor Team Training The Nitty-Gritties Going forward, all information regarding the annual meeting will be posted on the AMGA blog. This includes registration for the meeting itself, registration for the WFR course, transportation/lodging, etc. Please keep checking back as we will be adding pertinent information in the coming months. Camping/Lodging Please be aware that this a very busy time of year for Red Rock Canyon, and camping locations are scarce. We have reserved group sites at the Red Rock Canyon Campground (contact the AMGA TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT). Cost is $5/person/day. Group sites accommodate 8 cars (with additional parking near by), and up to 20 people. Sites are very limited, so contact us as soon as you can if you are interested. Individual sites are also available on a first come first serve basis (you cannot reserve these). Cost for an individual site is $15/site/day. Each site allows two vehicles, 2-3 tents, and up to 9 people. Other suggested accommodations are listed on the blog.  Have fun at the Guides Olympics... cash prize for first place, with prizes for second and third as well!
Hope to see you there!
This event would not be possible without our Corporate Sponsors. A huge thanks to all of them!
Feel free to contact us via e-mail or phone with any questions you may have regarding the meeting.
Contact: Caroline / 303.271.0984 x2# / e-mail
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Salewa/AMGA Party at Outdoor Retailer
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Eric Henderson from Salewa and Rob Hess from JHMG/AMGA
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On Saturday, August 4, Salewa put on an event that raised almost $800
that goes directly to the AMGA Scholarship Fund for future AMGA programs. It was quite the success, and we here are incredibly grateful for their efforts.
Fun was had by all, gear was raffled off, and a very lucky woman won the opportunity to observe 3 days of an AMGA Rock Instructor Course in 2013. Thanks to Eric, the super emcee, for his orchestration that evening. And thanks to all you folks who came and supported us that afternoon.
Thanks to Salewa!!!
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2012 AMGA Industry Award: Outdoor Research
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Outdoor Research (OR) received this year's AMGA Industry Award at the recent summer Outdoor Retailers Trade Show.
 The AMGA Industry Award was created to recognize and honor those companies who have helped further the mission of the AMGA and grow the mountain guiding and climbing instructors professions by providing outstanding support, through scholarships, sponsorship, product and donations. As an AMGA Partner for the past 19 years, Outdoor Research is one of the longest-continuing supporters of the AMGA. Additionally, OR has outfitted an untold number of guides and outdoor enthusiasts with reliable gear from head to foot, ensuring a quality experience in the mountains throughout the world. The company works closely with the "IFMGA Test Team", comprised primarily of AMGA team members. These internationally certified guides utilize their expertise and knowledge to help Outdoor Research with product development by providing insight and feedback into the gear OR designs. ...click here to read on!
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Scott Massey: Increased Insurance Requirements Greetings from Colorado! This summer brings exciting happenings all over the country - from Washington, DC, to Jackson, WY. On August 2nd, the House Subcommittee for National Parks, Forests, and Public Lands held an oversight hearing regarding some National Park concession contract issues, including a potential increase in the minimum liability insurance coverage. Nat Patridge of Exum Mountain Guides was in D.C., serving as a witness for the hearing, and representing the guiding industry to our elected officials. The archived video and testimonies can be found here. ... click here to read on!
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NEW AMGA WEBSITE... coming soon!
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PHOTO CONTEST!!!
We here in the office are quite aware that 'amga.com' is in need of a face lift, or should we say total reconstruction. In an attempt to address the needs of the membership, our partners, and the general public, we are launching a whole new site.
For this we're reaching out to all of you for help. We are holding a photo contest to fill up the pages of the new site. Our country here provides some of the most beautiful terrain in the world, from New England in the fall to Yosemite in the spring, and everything in between. We're asking for the photos to be taken in the United States, and pertain to the guiding industry (keep it "kid friendly" please). Our intention is to incorporate all aspects of the industry: alpine, rock, ski, single pitch, climbing walls, guides, clients, etc. Our membership is full of awesome people doing awesome things, and we'd like to represent you all on the AMGA website.
Submissions are due Sept. 15. We understand this is limiting as you won't be able to take new winter/spring photos, however we are hoping that you can dig into your photo libraries and find some shots from years past. We also understand this is only three weeks away, however our proposed launch date has moved to the end of this fall and we need the photo content in order to press on. Creativity is encourage!! You will receive photo credit on the site should your picture be chosen. Prizes will be awarded to the photographers of the chosen photos. Thanks in advance to all who participate! Click here for submission details.
For questions or suggestions, please contact Caroline McNally, AMGA Membership Director (phone: 303.271.0984 x2#). |
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HEY GUIDES: don't forget to sign up for your program!!!
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Make sure your application is COMPLETE, meaning it includes the following: - CPR/First Aid/WFR (depending on the course) - AMGA health statement - Appropriate Avy Cert if applicable - Complete resume (complete doesn't mean 50%) Applications Deadlines for 2013 AMGA Programs: Deadline: September 15, 2012
I3:IIC:12 - Ouray, CO - 12/19-23/12 I1:IIC:13 - North Conway, NH - 2/4-8/13 S1:SGC:13 - Jackson, WY - 1/7-18/13 S2:SGC:13 - SLC, UT - 1/21-2/1-13 S3:SGC:13 - Cascades, WA - 2/5-16/13 S4:SGC:13 - Aspen, CO - 3/11-22/13 S6:SMGC/AE:13 - BC, Canada - 3/22-31/13 S7:SMGE:13 - BC, Canada - 4/7-14/13 S8:SMGE:13 - Valdez, AK - 4/15-24/13
Deadline: November 1, 2012
I2:IIC:13 - Canmore, Canada - 3/18-22/13 R1:RIC:13 - Joshua Tree, CA - 3/12-21/13 R2:RIE:13 - Joshua Tree, CA - 3/23-28/13 R3:RGE:13 - Red Rocks, NV - 4/1-6/13 R4:RGC/AE:13 - Red Rocks, NV - 4/8-17/13 R5:RIC:13 - Smith Rock, OR - 4/23-5/2/13 R6:RIC:13 - Boulder, CO - 5/14-23/13 R7:RIE:13 - Boulder, CO - 6/10-15/13 A1:AGC:13 - Boulder, CO - 5/28-6/6/13 A2:AGC:13 - Jackson, WY - 6/11-20/13 Deadline: February 1, 2013
R8:RIC:13 - North Conway, NH - 7/16-25/13 R9:RIE:13 - North Conway, NH - 8/19-23/13 Deadline: March 1, 2013 A5:AAGC/AE:13 - Cascades, WA - 9/4-15/13 A6:AGE:13 - Cascades, WA - 9/17-26/13 R10:RIC:13 - North Conway, NH - 9/4-13/13 R11:RGC/AE:13 - Red Rocks, NV - 10/1-10/13 R12:RGE:13 - Red Rocks, NV - 10/1-6/13 R13:RGC/AE:13 - Red Rocks, NV - 10/8-17/13 R14:RGE:13 - Red Rocks, NV - 10/12-17/13 R15:RIC:13 - Joshua Tree, CA - 10/29-11/7/13 R16:RIC:13 - Smith Rock, OR - 11/5-14/13 R17:RIE:13 - Joshua Tree, CA - 11/9-14/13 Please contact Henry Beyer via email or phone (303.271.0984 x3#) with questions. |
Marc Hanselman: Trip Insurance... why it's a good idea! September 24, 2011 found me leading out on the Cockscomb Ridge of Mt Baker, Washington. It was day seven of the AMGA Alpine Exam. I had been short roping relatively steep, firm snow and we had arrived at the crux of the route. Below us was a gapping bergshrund, above a steepening slope capped by a wall of pumice stone. The upper left skyline provided our exit. I had chopped out some stances, placed a snow pig, clipped us in and was transitioning to pitching when the rock hit me. None of us saw nor heard anything, yet I felt as if I had been hit by a baseball  bat in the elbow when I wasn't looking. Multiple expletives left my mouth as I reeled in pain. Initially I wasn't aware of the extent of my injuries. Somewhat like getting kicked in the shin while playing soccer, I thought that I'd be able to continue after a few minutes, until I saw the blood. I had a very small nick in my soft shell jacket and noticed a tinge of red. As I rotated my arm to get a better look, blood began pouring out of my sleeve and I felt my glove had also filled up too. It was time to bail. ... click here to read on!Please contact Henry Beyer via email or phone (303.271.0984 x3#) with questions regarding trip insurance. |
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 In an attempt to better serve our membership, we will be offering space in the monthly e-Newsletter to share job opportunities. This benefit is available to any current AMGA Accredited Program, certified guide or Corporate Partner. Postings must be submitted to membership.director@amga.com between the 1st and the 5th of every month in order to make the monthly e-Newsletter. Any postings submitted outside this time-frame will be deleted. Postings must be 200 words or less and will be reviewed and accepted or denied by the AMGA office staff. Please email membership.director@amga.com with any questions. ......................................................................................................................
Irwin - Full Time Ski Guide Contact: Billy Rankin, Snow Safety Director via e-mail or 970.275.275 Irwin, a snow cat skiing operation based out of Crested Butte CO, is seeking a full time ski guide for the 2012 - 2013 winter season. Applicants will need to be available from November 15th 2012 to at least mid-April 2013 and can expect to guide four to five days a week. Responsibilities will include ski guiding, avalanche mitigation work, documenting weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations to a professional standard. Applicants need to be expert skiers in all conditions with extensive backcountry skiing experience, preferably in a continental snow pack. Minimum requirements include; Level-2 avalanche course completion (Level 3 preferred), Wilderness First Responder, and Five years of professional decision-making experience in avalanche terrain. Having mechanized or backcountry ski guiding, ski patrol, and explosives experience is necessary and snowmobile experience is helpful. Looking for applicants who have completed an AMGA ski guide course and are on the path of IFMGA certification as International guiding opportunities could arise. There is a daily commute of ten miles each way by snowmobile. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and references to Billy via email. ...................................................................................................................... Irwin - Snow Safety/Ski Guide Intern Contact: Billy Rankin, Snow Safety Director via e-mail or 970.275.275 Irwin, a snow cat skiing operation based out of Crested Butte CO, is seeking a snow safety / ski guide intern for the 2012 - 2013 winter season. Applicants will need to be available from November 15th 2012 to at least mid-April 2013. Interns will assist in all aspects of snow cat ski operations. Responsibilities will include ski guiding, avalanche mitigation work, documenting weather, snowpack, and avalanche observations to a professional standard. Random non-ski related tasks for overall operations should be expected. Applicants should be expert skiers with extensive backcountry skiing experience, preferably in a continental snow pack. Level-2 avalanche course completion, Wilderness First Responder, and two years of professional decision-making experience in avalanche terrain are all required. Mechanized or Backcountry ski guiding, ski patrol, explosives experience, snowmobile driving and / or completion of an AMGA ski guides course is preferred. Lodging is provided in the town of Crested Butte if needed. Expect longs days, big rewards and an incredible guiding opportunity with a handful of menial tasks. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume, and references to Billy via email. ...................................................................................................................... Jackson Hole Mountain Guides Expands Guest Guide Opportunities CONTACT: Rob Hess, Chief Guide Jackson Hole Mountain Guides
rob@jhmg.com
In early September, 2011, I notified AMGA certified rock guides of the opportunity to guest guide under JHMG's permits in Moab/ Indian Creek, the Red Rock, Cody and Boulder, Colorado. I am pleased to announce a further expansion of our guest guide program to include the world class City of Rocks outside of Almo, Idaho. This opportunity is available only to AMGA certified guides and IFMGA-level guides. Guides wishing to climb under JHMG's guest guide program should submit a letter of interest along with a climbing resume, copy of current first aid and CPR cards, and a copy of the guide's AMGA certification card to Rob Hess at the email address shown above. An Idaho guide's license is required and JHMG is now in position to expedite the process of acquiring a license for AMGA certified guides through Idaho Outfitter and Guides Association. Guides whose applications have been approved will receive a written acknowledgement and additional information about the program
...................................................................................................................... Exum Mountain Guides - Guest Guide Opportunities The AMGA is excited to announce that we will be working with Exum Mountain Guides this summer to offer you the opportunity to work as a guest guide in Grand Teton National Park! The Tetons provide some of the most accessible and diverse climbing in the North America. One of its premier climbs is, naturally, the Grand Teton (13,770 ft), a remarkable ascent via many outstanding routes that all providing an exhilarating day in the mountains. While the Grand Teton is the most famous peak in the region, the range also offers dozens of other climbs that are both famous and challenging, all in a beautiful and dramatic landscape. The AMGA is proud to work with Exum Mountain Guides in this capacity, and Exum is proud to offer AMGA guides this opportunity. To apply to be a guest guide at Exum you must be an AMGA Certified Alpine Guide. Click Here to find out how to apply. |
Cheers, American Mountain Guides Association
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Our Scholarship Sponsors:
Double Diamond
Visit Our Website
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AMGA Merchandise
In addition to the Outdoor Research Radar Pocket Caps and Zip Hoodies we have now added a selection of Mountain Hardwear Wicked Lite T's to the list of AMGA merchandise.
The new t-shirts are available in men's (Small - Large) and women's (Small - Large) sizing and the following colors:
Men - Palm, Titanium, Green
Women - Greenery
All have a version of the AMGA t-shirt image on the front.
We also have some older items on our shelves that we need to clear out - quantities are limited and the sizes listed below are all we have. These items will be sold on a first-come first-served basis, so don't delay. Call 303.271.0984 x2 to place your order.
Marmot Women's DriClime Windshirt - Black w/AMGA logo embroidered on right chest area
Size Medium (1)
$25 + Shipping
AMGA T-shirt - Black/White Ringer or Green
Size Small Blue (3)
Size X-large Black (17)
Size X-Large Green (12)
$10 + Shipping
AMGA Embroidered Sweatshirts - Black, Blue or Green w/AMGA logo embroidered on left chest area
Size Small Blue Hoodie (1)
Size Small Green Hoodie (3)
Size Small Black Hoodie (3)
Size Small Blue Crew (3)
Size Medium Black Hoodie (6)
Size Medium Black Crew (1)
Size Large Black Hoodie (1)
Size Large Green Hoodie (6)
Size X-Large Back Hoodie (2)
Size X-Large Green Hoodie (1)
Hoodie $20 + Shipping
Crew $15 + Shipping
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