Activate Your New ACMG Designation

Your New ACMG Designations

Professional Practice and Continuing Professional Development

Professional Practice (PP) is work done as a guide or instructor. To remain current in their technical and interpersonal skills as well as in their knowledge of industry best practices and standards and retain active membership, ACMG members are required to fulfill the following minimum number of PP hours every two years:

• Mountain Guides - 100 hours in each discipline

• Alpine, Apprentice Alpine, Ski, Apprentice Ski - 100 hours in each applicable discipline

• Rock, Apprentice Rock, and Hiking Guides - 60 hours

• Climbing Instructors - 30 hours

Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is additional training that may be provided by the ACMG, by employers or obtained in some other way. To remain current in their technical and interpersonal skills and their knowledge of industry best practices and standards and retain active membership, ACMG members are required to fulfill the following minimum number of CPD hours every two years:

• Mountain Guides, Alpine, Apprentice Alpine, Aspirant (Apprentice Alpine plus Apprentice Ski) - 64 hours

• Ski, Apprentice Ski - 32 hours

• Rock, Apprentice Rock, and Hiking Guides - 16 hours

• Climbing Instructors - 8 hours

A new mandatory Professional Practice and Continuing Professional Development reporting form to help members track and report their activities year over year will come into effect on January 1, 2026. The form improves accountability, simplifies audits, and includes features such as recording supervision for apprentice guides. Future updates may also streamline reporting by integrating provincial parks permit usage and liability insurance client days. A unique URL to access your PP and CPD reporting form will be emailed to you.

For more information please refer to the ACMG Professional Practices and Continuing Professional Development Policy.

Personal Accident Insurance

*** This block is unnecessary and can be removed.

Personal Accident Insurance

The ACMG's Personal Accident Insurance program is insured through Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services (brokered by Acera Insurance).

Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance

While Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance is mandatory on an annual basis for active ACMG members in the mountain stream (Mountain, Ski, Alpine and Rock guides and apprentices), AD&D insurance is optional members activating a mountain stream designation for the first time during the year. Active ACMG members outside the Mountain Stream (Hiking Guides, Climbing Instructors and Via Ferrata Guides) can optionaly purchase this insurance.

You are eligible for this insurance coverage if you are an active ACMG member under age 70. Coverage remains valid as long as you remain an active ACMG member. The policy year is from January 1 through December 31 and premiums are not prorated.

You are covered for injury sustained as the result of an accident anywhere in the world regardless of whether or not you are working. AD&D insurance coverage provides the following benefits:

• $25,000 Accidental Death Benefit paid to your estate or designated beneficiary

• up to $25,000 Accidental Loss of Body Part Benefit

• up to $15,000 Family Transportation Benefit

• up to $15,000 Home Alteration and Vehicle Modification Benefit

• up to $15,000 Rehabilitation Benefit

• up to $10,000 Accidental Medical Reimbursement Benefit

• up to $1,000 Rehabilitative Physical Therapy Benefit

• up to $1,000 Accidental Dental Reimbursement Benefit

• up to $1,000 Fracture, Dislocation and Miscellaneous Indemnity

• up to $1,000 Psychological Therapy Benefit

This summary is for information purposes only. Please review the AD&D Benefit Summary for complete coverage details including exclusions.

To designate a beneficiary other than your estate, please complete and return this Personal Accident Insurance AD&D Beneficiary Designation form.

Residency Notice

Our records indicate that you are not a Canadian resident. You are eligible for Weekly Accident Indemnity (WAI) Insurance or Diagnostic and Specialist Access (DSA) Insurance only if you are a Canadian resident and are covered under the provincial health insurance plan of your province of residence.

To update your residency, please go back to the profile page of this form and update your personal information.

Weekly Accident Indemnity (WAI) Insurance

Weekly Accident Indemnity (WAI) insurance is optional for all active ACMG members who purchase Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.

WAI covers loss of earnings due to injury from an accident. The indemnity will pay up to 60% of your weekly insured earnings (from all work sources) to a maximum of $ 800 per week for a maximum of 26 weeks. There is a 21 day waiting period from the date of your disability until benefits start.

If unemployed at the time of your disability, your earnings will be calculated based on income received from the best 9 of the last 12 months. If you are self-employed, your earnings will be calculated on employment income reported on your previous year’s T1 General tax return.

Benefits may be reduced by benefits payable under Work Safe BC, WCB, CPP, QPP, automobile insurance, group disability and retirement plans, or other individual disability plans so as not to exceed 60% of your pre-disability earnings.

This summary is for information purposes only. Please review the WAI Benefit Summary and WAI FAQs for complete coverage details including exclusions.

Diagnostic and Specialist Access (DSA) Insurance

Diagnostic and Specialist Access (DSA) insurance is optional for all active ACMG members. Check with your employer as to whether they will reimburse the cost as a benefit of employment.

If you are referred for an MRI, CAT or CT scan and the wait time is greater than 21 days, you can access this benefit for an expedited appointment. The Insurer will make the first available appointment that can be arranged within 21 days at the geographic location closest to you. There are 10 Specialist Categories covered:

• Cardiology

• Ear Nose & Throat

• Gastroenterology

• General Surgery

• Neurology

• Ophthalmology

• Rheumatology

• Spine Team

• Urology

Exclusion #34 in the DSA Insurance Policy has been amended such that while Injury or Sickness occurring while engaged in any hazardous, high risk or extreme sport activities including but not limited to: sky or scuba diving, parachuting, mountain climbing, ballooning, hang gliding, bungee cord jumping, stunt flying, crop dusting or the operation of an ultra light aircraft, racing of any form (other than on foot) and all professional sports is excluded; this exclusion does not apply to Injury or Sickness occurring while an Insured Person is engaged in the occupational duties of an Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) member engaged in activities including but not limited to: climbing (alpine, rock, ice, via Ferrata, indoor), hiking, backcountry ski touring, helicopter and cat skiing, or other instructional and safety consulting activities while working within their ACMG Scope of Practice.

You are eligible for this insurance coverage if you are an active ACMG member under age 70, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident living in Canada, and are covered under the provincial health insurance plan of your province of residence. Coverage remains valid as long as you remain an active ACMG member. The policy year is from January 1 through December 31, and premiums are not prorated.

This summary is for information purposes only. Please review the DSA Benefit Summary and DSA FAQs for complete coverage details, including exclusions.

Extended Health and Dental Benefits

The ACMG's Optional Extended Health and Dental Benefits program is insured through Simply Benefits (brokered by Acera Insurance).

Extended Health Care

• Gold - 100% Coinsurance coverage

• Silver - 80% Coinsurance coverage (100% hospital/travel coverage)

• Semi-private hospital room

• Travel Insurance OOC – $5,000,000 / Trip Duration: 60 days

• Terminates: age 75

Prescription Drugs

• Coinsurance: 80%, 90% Costco or Pocketpills

• Maximum $50,000 per person per calendar year

• Includes mandatory generic 

Paramedical

• Gold - 100%, up to $500 per practitioner per calendar year

• Silver - 80%, up to $500 per practitioner per calendar year

Vision

• Gold - Exams: $75 once every 24 mo (adults), 12 mo (child)

• Gold - Eyewear: $300 every 24 mo (adults), 12 mo (child)

• Silver - No coverage

Dental Care

• Gold - 80% Basic dental coverage to a max of $2000 per cal yr

• Silver - 80% Basic dental coverage to a max of $1000 per cal yr

• Gold - 50% Major dental coverage to a max of $2000 (combined with basic)

• Silver - No Major dental coverage

• Gold - 6 month dental visit recall

• Silver - 9 month dental visit recall

• Terminates: age 75

Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment

• Benefit amount: $25,000 / $50,000 if accidental

• Benefit reduces by 50% at age 65

• Terminates: age 75

Monthly Rates

Gold

• Single: $124.97

• Duo: $241.28

• Family: $292.27

Silver

• Single: $97.98

• Duo: $203.25

• Family: $249.40

Enrolment & Eligibility Conditions

• Complete this form to request your Simply Benefits enrolment invitation (the invitation must then be responded to within 30 days).

• Failure to complete the enrolment within 30 days will result in medical underwriting. You may be declined coverage if you have pre-existing conditions.

• You can change from Silver to Gold (or vice versa) within 30 days of the plan anniversary (January 1st).

• You must enrol your eligible spouse and dependants if not already covered under another benefits plan.

• Premiums are billed directly via banking or credit card. Details are entered on the enrolment link.

• You must remain on the plan for at least 12 months. Valid reasons for cancellation include:

⚬ You become covered with an employer-sponsored benefits plan or through a spousal benefit plan.

⚬ You are no longer a member of the association.

⚬ Proof is required.

• Changes to family status can occur at any time.

⚬ Proof of alternate coverage is required.

⚬ Over-age dependents are automatically removed from the plan.

⚬ Marriage break-up (separation or divorce) requires submission of proof from the member.

• If you leave the plan, you must wait 24 months before becoming eligible for coverage.

The Arête Magazine

The Arête magazine, published annually, is the official publication of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. The Arête explores various issues of interest including information about events, technical matters, and gear reviews. The Arête is distributed digitally to the ACMG membership, corporate and industry partners and members of the public. A printed version of The Arête can also be mailed to you at a cost of $10 (plus GST) per year.

Simon Parboosingh Assistance Fund

Simon Parboosingh was a dedicated guide candidate, taking part in an Apprentice Alpine Guide exam on Mt. Athabasca in 1994, when he tragically lost his life in an avalanche. His passing left a deep impact on all who knew him. The Simon Parboosingh Assistance Fund was established in 1996 and is supported by the generosity of Simon’s family, ACMG members, and the public. ACMG members, their clients, family members, as well as ACMG staff and volunteers, are eligible to apply for emergency funding from the Simon Parboosingh Assistance Fund in the event of a personal crisis.

The Simon Parboosingh Assistance Fund has never before been more successful in its mission. Over the past ten years, the Fund has provided over $100,000 in financial support. However, with requests for assistance increasing dramatically, we have reached a point where distributions are outpacing contributions to the fund. If each member donates even a few dollars, can we replenish the Simon Parboosingh Assistance Fund and ensure that it continues to provide this critical support?

We all face risks every day. With your support, the Simon Parboosingh Assistance Fund will be there to assist a colleague, friend, or even yourself.

ACMG Professional Member - Event Waiver

The Participating in ACMG event activities will expose you to many risks, dangers, and hazards. Some of the common risks, dangers, and hazards are set out in the program Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement. Please review these carefully and consider whether these risks are within your personal risk tolerance. By participating in the event activities, you will freely and voluntarily accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers, and hazards and the possibility of personal injury, death or loss resulting therefrom.