Guide Team
Our Approach
Smile Mountain Guides is a company built from its mission to “ INSPIRING GROWTH AND EXPLORATION IN THE MOUNTAINS”. We do this by connecting our guests with talented, motivated, and personable guides who have a genuine interest in helping you achieve your goals. In addition to their personalities, each team member is a highly experienced, career guide and educator, who highlights best practices, knowledge, and experience in all facets of the profession.
What you get with each of Smile’s team members is an embodiment of our core values of PASSION, PARTNERSHIP, INCLUSION, and CREATIVITY.
We love what we do! It’s our passion- our team spends significant personal time climbing and skiing in venues worldwide. This gives them a unique opportunity to educate, of course, and to inspire and motivate as well.
Meet the Team
Guide Certification TRAINING AND SUPPORT
CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING
All of our guides undergo training through the AMGA and receive annual CPD. A majority of our guides hold AMGA Guide Certifications. This commitment to professionalism through certifications ensures that our clients are working with the best in the industry regarding security and industry best practices.
SUPPORT
To further support our team, Smile pays 50% of tuition costs for all mountain guide programs to our full-time team members. We pay this directly, with no guide reimbursements. In 2024, we have a donor matching our tuition. This means each full-time guide is receiving full-cost coverage for their continuing education.
American Mountain Guides Association, AMGA Training/Certification Flow Chart
Apprentice Alpine Guide = Alpine Guide Course
Assistant Alpine Guide = Advanced Alpine Guide Course
Certified Alpine Guide = Alpine Guide Exam
Apprentice Rock Guide = Rock Guide Course
Assistant Rock Guide = Advanced Rock Guide Course
Certified Rock Guide = Rock Guide Exam
Apprentice Ski Guide = Ski Guide Course
Assistant Ski Guide = Advanced Ski Guide Course
Certified Ski Guide = Ski Guide Exam