Where is best to get IFMGA/UIAGM Mountain Guide Certification

Hi there!

I'm starting my training to be a Rock Guide in Canada with the ACMG but also considering doing the full IFMGA/UIAGM process. I'm originally from Spain and about to become a Canadian citizen in 2022 so wondering if doing the Mountain Guide certification would be more affordable in Spain or other European countries than Canada. 

I'm not only considering the price of the training but how much work I could get in that country, how long the certification would take and how much competence there is in each country. 

So far I know that the Ski Program in Canada would be the most expensive, competitive and challenging part of the process.

Also clarify that I'm 30 years old but I'm not starting from 0 either. I've been climbing for 9 years (almost 10), redpoint sport up to 5.13a, onsight 5.12b/c, Trad climb up to 5.12a, Lead WI4 (just started this year) and I'm a pretty solid snowboarder although I need more practice on Skis. 

My weakest points are: Fast and efficient multipitch transitions, safety systems, Mountaineering, reading maps, Avalanche and weather interpretation. So basically, anything that is more methodical since I'm a very intuitive person.

I have the advantage of having European passport as well as Permanent residence I think I could make it work (hopefully without too much travelling)

Would like to know the opinion/advice of anyone that's a Mountain Guide in any country or that has gone to the process: where would you do it if you could choose, what would you do differently, where is the best work/life balance country to be guiding. 

Thanks everyone and looking forward to all the answers!

I guess I missed the part where he was asking to be mentored.

Bryan anderson wrote:

No one is going to mentor someone they don't know and don't trust with their life. You need to get out there and start doing all these things and building your own little community.

This answer makes no sense. Has nothing to do with the question.

Since you’re in Canmore and have already started with the ACMG I’d probably stay right where you are. All the terrain is essentially in your backyard. Allot of the AMGA courses to accomplish the same are scattered in different US locations.

Good luck - that’s allot of time and effort to accomplish the “red tracks” to become fully certified. 

ugh...certs

Jaime Navarro Gutierrez wrote:

...

My weakest points are: Fast and efficient multipitch transitions, safety systems, Mountaineering, reading maps, Avalanche and weather interpretation. ...

You need to turn all your weaknesses into strengths.

Find a guide company and start guiding.  There is no helicopter straight to the top.  Years of guiding beginners and running beginner classes.

Get the materials from IFMGA, AMGA and ACMG.

 The Mountain Guide Manual: The Comprehensive Reference is at Amazon

Talk to people about getting into the ski guide program. I've heard that people have done things like the Great Divide Traverse (21 days) just to increase their chances of being accepted into that program. 

Bryan anderson wrote:

No one is going to mentor someone they don't know and don't trust with their life. You need to get out there and start doing all these things and building your own little community.

Hi Bryan, I have a few mentors in all disciplines. All I'm asking is people with Mountain Guiding experience to give some advice etc. Thanks for your input

Not Hobo Greg wrote:

It’s also at every local climbing shop. Please let’s not just default to Amazon.

I agree.

I've tried to find the Guides Manual physically around the area and not even MEC has it. I might have to default to amazon for this one although even tho I hate amazon and pretty much never use it. 

About the Mountain Guide certifications: Why wouldn't anyone here consider getting their certifications in Europe even if they could? I'm not sure about the U.S but in Canada you're pretty much on your own if you want to take this path. Yes there's plenty of companies and guides that will mentor you and where you can work train etc, but the price is around $60.000 vs 10.000Euros. Also you're close to the Alps, Dolomites and Pyrenees. 

I'm not trying to rave about how good it is in Europe, just wondering if it's worth considering doing the whole thing there.

Thanks Everyone!