Via Ferrata Guide Certification
Prerequisites
Students entering the Via Ferrata Guide certificate program must be 19+ years of age and possess the following recreational rock climbing experience:
- 1 year of outdoor rock climbing experience; and
- 10 outdoor sport routes flashed in the past year (minimum 5.8).
Additional prerequisites include:
- A current intermediate first aid and CPR certificate.
Via Ferrata Guide Certification Course
The Via Ferrata Guide certification course is a 3-day blended instruction and assessment program that introduces students to the preferred methods and best practices that are common to guiding clients, managing groups, and managing risk when guiding class 'A' via ferrata routes. The curriculum and assessment process emphasize the following:
- Via ferrata classifications, equipment and applications;
- Hazard recognition and risk management;
- Front-country client care;
- Basic environmental stewardship;
- Anchor configurations and belays; and
- Improvised rescue techniques.
Students who successfully complete the Via Ferrata Guide certificate are eligible to be recognized as professional members of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, under the Via Ferrata 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:
- Course fees are collected at the time of application and are subject to the Training and Assessment Program's withdrawal and refund policies, whereby the Training and Assessment Program does not issue refunds after the application deadline.
- You will receive an automated response when your application has been successfully submitted.
- Do not apply until all prerequisites are met in full. Incomplete applications are subject to a reprocessing administration fee of $110.
- Additional course information and logistics will be shared with you 4 weeks prior to the course date.
- Late application requests can be made by emailing the Training and Assessment Program office ([email protected]) and will be subject to a $110 late application fee.
To apply for entry in the Via Ferrata Guide program, complete the online Via Ferrata Guide Course Application Form and submit the following:
- An education and employment resumé;
- Attest to meeting the following prerequisites:
- 1 year of outdoor rock climbing experience; and
- 10 outdoor sport routes flashed in the past year (minimum 5.8); and
- A current intermediate first aid and CPR certificate.
Course Locations, Dates, Tuition and Deadlines
| Course Title | Location | Start Date | End Date | Tuition | Application Deadline | Payment Deadline |
| Via Ferrata Guide Course | Banff, AB | TBC | TBC | $850.00 | 2026-04-15 | 2026-04-15 |