Any advice on how to find an AMGA mentor?

I do not know much about the AMGA process. I do know a handful of AMGA guides. You will run into most of these folks if you are out climbing a bunch. I would guess many of them also frequent the gyms in Utah (Momentum Sandy-I think that is the one with all the cracks would be a good location). Spending a lot of time at Indian Creek would also help (they changed the camping situation a few years ago, but it was once very easy to meet folks).

Take this with a grain of salt, as I have not really climbed much in a few years, but many of the AMGA level guides are climbing 5.13 sport and 5.12 trad (I *think* you need to be able to climb 5.11 trad to get the cert). So you want to hit up places where you will be meeting people in that range. In Utah I would think that would be American Fork (Hell Cave), Maple Canyon (Pipe Dream and the Minimum), the VRG down south as well as the cathedral.

It is very easy to meet folks in Ouray, a bunch of AMGA guides live there. Once upon a time they had some sort of alpine mentors program (Steve House ran it), but I do not know if it is still around.

Good luck!

Thanks for the info!
Just FYI, I'm getting the Ski Guide cert and that doesn't require such intense climbing ratings. So I'm more interested in finding another AMGA Ski Guide.
Regardless, your advice is spot on...I just need to put myself out there and talk with people while out. And I could use a reason to go to Indian Creek. Love that place! Sad to hear the camping has changed.

TripleblacksI do not know much about the AMGA process. I do know a handful of AMGA guides. You will run into most of these folks if you are out climbing a bunch. I would guess many of them also frequent the gyms in Utah (Momentum Sandy-I think that is the one with all the cracks would be a good location). Spending a lot of time at Indian Creek would also help (they changed the camping situation a few years ago, but it was once very easy to meet folks).

Take this with a grain of salt, as I have not really climbed much in a few years, but many of the AMGA level guides are climbing 5.13 sport and 5.12 trad (I *think* you need to be able to climb 5.11 trad to get the cert). So you want to hit up places where you will be meeting people in that range. In Utah I would think that would be American Fork (Hell Cave), Maple Canyon (Pipe Dream and the Minimum), the VRG down south as well as the cathedral.

It is very easy to meet folks in Ouray, a bunch of AMGA guides live there. Once upon a time they had some sort of alpine mentors program (Steve House ran it), but I do not know if it is still around.

Good luck!

Oh, sorry. I thought you were doing the full AMGA guide thingy. You will meet a bunch of folks in Avy2. I think my climbing suggestions are a bit much if you are only interested in ski guiding. Most of the ski guides I know are AWFUL at climbing... I know you can shadow fairly easily, just reach out to a few folks.

As I understand it, this is also important for getting clients. You can have a bunch of certs, but if you have no clients, then you might not be able to use your guide cert for anything.

Again good luck!

all the guides i know including this fishing one
like to git paid
its why we do it
i bet if you pay the guide
you git to go
unpaid mentorships dont pay my bills

If you can get a nice gig at a guide service, you immediately get pretty good access to mentorship. If you work at an AMGA accredited guide service, you get 10% AMGA programming and they have the ability to run much more discounted in-house courses (first course in each discipline only). Even if it is a side gig doing backpacking trips at a company that offers ski guiding / education.


I just took my alpine skills course and was registered for the ski guide course but had to pull out because of two back surgeries. Going to get it next year! Make sure your ski movement video is complete this season if you want to apply for next. They have failed a lot of people on applying due to movement, but mainly because it’s a bunch of rock guides trying to ski ;P

You could also troll the Facebook AMGA professional member forum to see if there is anything, but probably a long shot. As someone above said, most of the time someone doesn’t want to provide free mentorship if it’s their job, unless you are part of their community.

Both posts are full of good advice, much appreciated.
I'm trying to find a gig, but it ain't easy in Utah. I've even offered pro bono digital marketing (my profession) for companies in exchange for an internship. I'll keep trying!
And I'm more than willing to pay someone.
I have my ASC in June and I think I'll get some good networking in at that point. As for my movement video, I'm actually really excited to make it as I enjoy filming and editing. I'll make it next season and am not worried about the criteria.

Thanks again, your advice was the best I've found so far. Maybe we'll meet in some ski guide courses/exams :)

SkiingNinjaYou could also troll the Facebook AMGA professional member forum to see if there is anything, but probably a long shot. As someone above said, most of the time someone doesn’t want to provide free mentorship if it’s their job, unless you are part of their community.

**This post was edited on Apr 10th 2021 at 12:00:10pm

Word! I did the same (offering marketing to get in the door). Now I’ve been at the service for three years. My mentor is an IFMGA guide, which is an unbelievable perk.


for the video, just make sure you get the backcountry filming done this season if you don’t have clips. Trying to get 40 degree powder and couloirs in November isn’t ideal ... resort stuff is easy to get early season. December 1 is typically the application date. I know people that had good movement but didn’t have footage of one of the categories and they didn’t get a spot compared to someone who did have a complete video, even if the movement wasn’t as good.

That's sweet to hear, gives me hope!

My plan is to film all next season and apply for 21-22 season. Hopefully next season I can nail down an internship or something somewhere as well.

Good luck with everything!

I mean apply for 22-23 season. Film the 21-22 season.

XCsweet to hear, gives me hope!

My plan is to film all next season and apply for 21-22 season. Hopefully next season I can nail down an internship or something somewhere as well.

Good luck with everything!

I have a friend that is doing something similar to what the other posters have discussed. She wanted to be a guide at Silverton but there is a wait list and she didn't have the experience to start anyway. She became Silverton Mountains director of operations and next season she is starting her guide mentorship. As others have said, helps to get your foot in the door.

In the meantime she is doing what you are looking for - goes out on tours on days off with all the guides. Also gets to ski Silverton Mountain anytime she wants which is nice.