Over the past nine days Redline Guide Ryan McGuire took a hiatus from guiding in Washington State to continue his professional development and move one step closer to being a card-carrying, fully certified Alpine Guide through the American Mountain Guide Association (AMGA).
The Rocky Mountains in Colorado were a perfect venue for Ryan’s training. Ryan reports that was a heavy focus on short-roping and short-pitching on snow and rock which are very useful skills for some of the terrain we guide in here in the White Mountain National Forest. Ryan also learned ways to increase guest and guide security with the rope while moving efficiently in the mountains, all while using the terrain and various technical systems to do so.
The Alpine Guide Certification is designed for people who guide glaciated and non-glaciated peaks, approaches and climbs, with no limitation with respect to season and elevation. It includes rock climbs, peak ascents, waterfall ice climbs, and expeditionary climbing. The alpine program progression will help him fine-tune his skills in alpine snow, on mixed terrain, on waterfall ice, and in glaciated terrain. Pretty impressive stuff, Ryan. Our guest will be able to do more and feel safer all the while.
Well done, Ryan. We’re proud of you. You are a valued member of the Redline Guiding Team.