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Ski Guide Certification

The Ski Guide certificate program prepares students for a career in the mechanized and backcountry ski guiding sectors of the adventure tourism industry. It is comprised of a 6-day field-based alpine skills specific training course, a 7-day mechanized skiing specific training course, a 7-day ski touring specific training course, a 9-day practical apprentice exam, a 1 - 3 year apprenticeship period, and a 9-day practical certificate exam. Ski Guide scope of practice details are outlined in the ACMG Scope of Practice document.
ACMG Scope of Practice (opens in new tab)
Prerequisites

Students entering the Ski Guide certificate program must be 19+ years of age and possess the following prerequisites:

  • 3 seasons of backcountry skiing/snowboarding experience in a variety of regions;
  • A minimum of 75 days backcountry skiing/riding experience in complex terrain in a leadership or co-leadership role which should include:
    • A mix of day trips and hut/basecamp based trips;
    • Significant experience in complex glaciated terrain;
    • A minimum of 8 nights of winter camping as part of multi-day traverses; and
    • Trips with a ski mountaineering component.

Note: 75 days is the minimum requirement. Most successful applicants significantly exceed that number of days.

  • A current Training and Assessment Program ski/snowboard downhill movement screening certificate (prospective students must successfully complete an in-person ski/snowboard downhill movement screening before applying for entry to the Ski Guide program);
  • A CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1 certificate;
  • A CAA AvSAR level 1 certificate (AvSAR Advanced Skills or AvSAR Practical Skills Assessment Certificates will also be accepted) *ACMG Alpine Guides that can evidence currency in companion rescue may not be required to submit the AvSAR certificate. Contact [email protected] for details.; and
  • A current wilderness first responder or advanced workplace first aid certificate.

Preview the Training and Assessment Program's Ski/Snowboard Downhill Movement Standard and Applicant Selection Criteria

Guide Training Ski Courses

Guide Training Ski is a 20-day field-based training program that introduces students to the preferred methods and best practices that are common to guiding and instructing clients in mechanized and backcountry ski touring terrain. The program is divided into three training courses each with a separate emphasis.

  • Guide Training Ski 1 – Alpine Skills: Introduces students to navigation methods, route planning techniques, rope-handling techniques, and improvised rescue systems that are applicable to travel on glaciers and in moderate alpine terrain.
  • Guide Training Ski 2 – Touring/Mechanized: Introduces techniques and best practices for mechanized and backcountry ski touring guiding; including track setting principles, terrain assessment considerations, glacier travel applications, and downhill guiding techniques.
  • Guide Training Ski 3 – Touring: Focuses on backcountry ski touring and ski guiding applications and techniques. It builds on the curriculum of the first two modules and provides students with an opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills gained in the prior training courses on larger ski touring objectives.

The Guide Training Ski courses are the initial courses in the Ski Guide certificate program and are a requirement for enrolment in the Apprentice Ski Guide exam.

Apprentice Ski Guide Exam

The Apprentice Ski Guide exam is a 9-day practical skills assessment that simulates a variety of backcountry ski guiding and instructing scenarios. Throughout the exam, students’ technical systems, judgement, decision-making, application, navigation, movement and improvised rescue systems, are coached and assessed.

Students who successfully complete the Apprentice Ski Guide exam are eligible to become recognized as professional members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, under the Apprentice Ski Guide designation.

Apprenticeship and Certificate Exam Prerequisites

Upon successful completion of the Apprentice Ski Guide exam, students are expected to gain 1 - 3 years of industry experience under the guidance and supervision of certified guides. Detailed supervision requirements for Apprentice Ski Guides are outlined in the ACMG Scope of Practice document.

Students are also required to complete the CAA Avalanche Operations Level 2 certificate prior to challenging the Ski Guide certificate exam. Enrolment in the CAA Avalanche Operations Level 2 program is highly competitive and students are encouraged to actively pursue this certification early in their apprenticeship.

Optional Additional Training and Mentorship

The Training and Assessment Program offers an optional 3-day Ski Guide mentorship and exam training course that is designed to support students in their competency development and preparation for the Ski Guide certificate exam. The course is entirely field-based and includes mentorship, a technical update, a review of current preferred methods and best practices, and several simulated ski guiding and instructing scenarios that are comparable to those of the Ski Guide exam.

Ski Guide Certificate Exam

The Ski Guide certificate exam is a 9-day practical skills assessment that simulates a variety of backcountry ski guiding and instructing scenarios. Throughout the exam, students’ leadership, technical systems, judgment, decision-making, application, navigation, movement, and improvised rescue systems are assessed.

Students who successfully complete the Ski Guide certificate exam are eligible to become recognized as professional members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, under the Ski Guide designation.

Application Information

Adventure tourism activities and the environments in which they occur are inherently dangerous. When preparing and training independently for ACMG Training and Assessment Program courses and exams, choose objectives that are within your abilities, experience level, and individual risk tolerance.

Application Notes: 

  • You will receive an automated email response when your application has been successfully submitted.
  • You will be notified of the status of your application within 4 weeks of the application deadline.
  • Do not apply until all prerequisites are met in full.
  • Late applications will be subject to a $110 late applicant administration fee. Please contact the Training and Assessment Program office ([email protected]) to confirm course availability before submitting a late application.

Prospective Ski Guide program students must complete an in-person ski/snowboard movement screening and demonstrate proficient movement at the Ski/Snowboard Downhill Movement Standard, prior to being eligible to apply for entry to the Ski Guide program. Upon successful completion of the ski/snowboard movement screening, students will be issued a certificate that will remain valid for 3-years. Students who are unsuccessful in attaining the movement standard will be provided with written feedback and will be eligible to register for a subsequent screening session in the same season if space permits, registration fees will apply. Review Downhill Movement Screening Overview.

To apply to attend a prospective student in-person ski/snowboard downhill movement screening session, complete the online Ski/Snowboard Downhill Movement Screening Application Form.

To apply for entry in the Guide Training Ski Program, complete the online Guide Training Ski Application Form by June 1, 2026, and submit the following:

  • Education and employment resumé;
  • A personal experience vitae formatted using the GTS Personal Experience Vitae template, which demonstrates a minimum of 3 seasons' experience in backcountry skiing or snowboarding in a variety of regions;
  • A minimum of 75 days of backcountry skiing/riding experience in complex terrain in a leadership or co-leadership role which should include:
    • A mix of day trips and hut/basecamp based trips;
    • Significant experience in complex glaciated terrain;
    • A minimum of 8 nights of winter camping as part of multi-day traverses;
    • Trips with a ski mountaineering component;
    • Ski and/or avalanche industry experience; and
    • Other relevant mountain and outdoor experience
  • A current Training and Assessment Program ski/snowboard movement standard certificate;
  • A CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1 certificate;
  • A CAA AvSAR level 1 certificate (AvSAR Advanced Skills or AvSAR Practical Skills Assessment Certificates will also be accepted) *ACMG Alpine Guides that can evidence currency in companion rescue may not be required to submit the AvSAR certificate. Contact [email protected] for details; and
  • A current wilderness first responder or advanced workplace first aid certificate.

Preview the Training and Assessment Program's Ski/Snowboard Movement Standard and Applicant Selection Criteria.

To apply for enrolment in the Apprentice Ski Guide Exam:

Students who successfully complete the Guide Training Ski program will be automatically enrolled in the Apprentice Ski Guide exam. Students who are required to re-screen or elect to defer their exam enrolment to a subsequent year are required to complete the Guide Training Ski Application Form and submit:

  • An updated personal and emergency contact information;
  • An education and employment resumé;
  • A GTS Personal Experience Vitae; and
  • A current wilderness first responder or advanced workplace first aid certificate.

To apply for enrolment in the Ski Guide Mentorship and Exam Training Course,  complete the online Ski Guide Mentorship and Exam Training Course Application Form and submit the following:

  • Active professional ACMG membership with an Apprentice Ski Guide designation;
  • An education and employment resumé; and
  • A current wilderness first responder or advanced workplace first aid certificate.

To apply for enrolment in the Ski Guide Certificate Exam, complete the online Ski Guide Certificate Exam Application Form and submit the following:

  • Active professional ACMG membership with an Apprentice Ski Guide designation;
  • An education and employment resumé;
  • Letter(s) formatted using the Apprentice Supervision Confirmation Template from your supervising guide(s) that confirm you have 30 days of supervised industry experience since successfully completing the Apprentice Ski Guide exam;
  • A personal experience vitae formatted using the SGE Personal Experience Vitae template, which demonstrates a minimum of 20 days of touring in complex glaciated terrain, in either a recreational or professional capacity, since successfully completing the Apprentice Ski Guide exam;
  • A CAA Avalanche Operations Level 2 Certificate; and
  • A current wilderness first responder or advanced workplace first aid certificate.

Success on the Ski Guide exam requires ongoing training. Maintaining your fitness and the ski/snowboard downhill movement standard, and continuing to challenge yourself in unfamiliar terrain is strongly encouraged.

Course Locations, Dates, Tuition and Deadlines

Ski Guide Certificate Exam Application Notes: Please indicate your preferred Ski Guide certificate exam dates when submitting your application. The Training and Assessment Program is unable to guarantee exam date placement but will endeavour to accommodate students' requested dates when possible.

Course TitleLocationStart DateEnd DateTuitionApplication DeadlinePayment Deadline
Guide Training Ski - Mechanized/
Touring		CMH Adamants2025-11-242025-12-01$4800.002025-06-012025-10-01
Guide Training Ski - Mechanized/
Touring		Chatter Creek2025-12-022025-12-09$4800.002025-06-012025-10-01
Ski Guide Mentorship and Exam TrainingGolden, BC2025-12-152025-12-17$1720.002025-09-302025-10-15
Guide Training Ski - TouringLake Louise and Wapta Icefield, AB2026-02-222026-02-27$3165.002025-06-012026-01-15
Guide Training Ski - TouringLake Louise and Wapta Icefield, AB2026-03-012026-03-06$3165.002025-06-012026-01-15
Guide Training Ski - TouringLake Louise and Wapta Icefield, AB2026-03-082026-03-13$3165.002025-06-012026-01-15
Ski Guide ExamCoast Range, BC2026-04-032026-04-11$3800.002025-07-012026-01-15
Apprentice Ski Guide ExamCoast Range, BC2026-04-032026-04-11$3800.002025-06-012026-01-15
Apprentice Ski Guide ExamInterior, BC2026-04-102026-04-18$4900.002025-06-012026-01-15
Apprentice Ski Guide ExamInterior, BC2026-04-172026-04-25$4900.002025-06-012026-01-15
Apprentice Ski Guide ExamInterior, BC2026-04-242026-05-02$4900.002025-06-012026-01-15
Ski Guide ExamInterior, BC2026-04-272026-05-04$4900.002025-07-012026-01-15

Prerequisite Ski/Snowboard Downhill Movement Screening Locations, Dates, Tuition and Deadlines

Prospective students must successfully complete an in-person ski/snowboard movement screening prior to applying for entry to the Ski Guide program. Ski/Snowboard movement screening is completed in-bounds at the ski resort. Upon successful completion of the ski/snowboard movement screening, students will be issued a certificate that will remain valid for 3-years. Students who are unsuccessful in attaining the movement standard will be provided with written feedback and are eligible to register for a subsequent screening session in the same season if space permits. Students are responsible for ensuring they have a valid resort pass or lift ticket for the screening session.

Course TitleLocationStart DateEnd DateTuitionApplication DeadlinePayment Deadline
Downhill Movement ScreeningRevelstoke Mountain Resort, BC2025-12-182025-12-18$385.002025-11-152025-11-15
Downhill Movement ScreeningKicking Horse Mountain Resort, BC2025-12-192025-12-19$385.002025-11-152025-11-15
Downhill Movement ScreeningRevelstoke Mountain Resort, BC2026-01-232026-01-23$385.002025-12-152025-12-15
Downhill Movement ScreeningKicking Horse Mountain Resort, BC2026-03-232026-03-23$385.002026-03-012026-03-01
Downhill Movement ScreeningRevelstoke Mountain Resort, BC2026-03-242026-03-24$385.002026-03-012026-03-01
Downhill Movement ScreeningWhistler-Blackcomb, BC2026-04-122026-04-12$385.002026-03-012026-03-01
Downhill Movement ScreeningLake Louise, AB2026-04-132026-04-13$385.002026-03-012026-03-01