ACMG Training

Of all the guiding companies on the West Coast, none are as qualified to offer these unique programs as is Squamish Rock Guides. Colin Moorhead instructs and examines on the ACMG Guide Training Rock courses and is pleased to offer two separate programs to meet the needs of aspirant guides and curious recreational climbers alike.

Guiding Skills – Preparation for Guide Training Rock

The goal of this program is to introduce the basic skills needed to become a rock climbing guide. It is best suited to traditional lead climbers who are comfortable in the multi-pitch environment, or registrants for the ACMG Guide Training Rock course in June. Over the course of the weekend, the core material taught on the GTR program will be introduced, giving GTR participants a head start and recreational climbers a feel for what is expected of a professional guide. The basic curriculum will involve:

• Discussion – What does it mean to be a professional climber?
• Protection placement and multi-directional anchor review.
• Introduction to the ACMG demonstration rescue system.
• Introduction to basic lowering systems and brakes.
• Introduction to guide/client rappels.
• Multi-pitch ascent practice on the Apron (focus on client care).
• Multi-pitch retreat practice on the Apron with newly learned systems.
• Debrief of program and coaching on where to go from here.

This course can be arranged privately through our private instruction and private guiding program.

ARG Exam Refresher

Once the ACMG Guide Training Rock course is completed in June, aspirant guides are left to complete their own “self-directed” training. This two-day program is designed to help students “tune-up” for the Assistant Rock Guide exam and the content is purposely flexible so we can tailor the course to the specific needs of the participants. Completion of the Guide Training Rock program is the obvious prerequisite and the following list is a sample of some of the activities that could be included:

• ACMG mock demonstration rescue exam and/or review.
• Review of rope ascending, guide lowers and/or guide rappels.
• Short-roping review and/or practice.
• Mock movement exam to help reduce “jitters” during ARG.
• Mock descent systems exam and/or practice.
• Mock multi-pitch guiding day. Aspirants play guide and instructor plays client with a thorough debrief at day’s end.

We encourage aspirants to come forward with their own suggestions about the material that would be most valuable to them.

This course can be arranged privately through our private instruction and private guiding program.