The United States Mountain Guides Association
  Don't assume that all guides have been trained or
examined to ensure that they meet a minimum standard,
many haven't. Would you fly with an untested pilot or
go to an untrained doctor?
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ing a Guide
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Rely on the USMGA logo
The USMGA endorsement program ensures that guides have been highly trained and can meet the established standard in areas such as climbing ability, technical guiding skills, safety management, rescue, and first-aid. These guides are raising the standard of American guiding.

Look for a guide endorsed in the discipline you are interested in
The USMGA endorses guides in the rock, alpine, and ski guiding disciplines. It endorses guides who have passed an American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) exam. Hire a guide who has been examined for the type of climbing or skiing you are interested in. If your guide is not endorsed, he or she should at least be an aspirant guide (see definitions). The USMGA endorsement is only good for the discipline in which the guide has been examined. For instance, a guide who is a USMGA endorsed alpine guide may not be the best choice for a ski tour. You'd be better off choosing an endorsed ski or ski mountaineering guide.

Going overseas?
If planning a trip overseas look for a USMGA endorsed mountain guide. These guides have earned the IFMGA mountain guide credential which is the only credential recognized internationally.
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USMGA-PO Box 267-Intervale, NH 03845  Email