AHGA Backpacking Guide Course

Backpacking Guide/Mountain Leader Course

The Backpacking Guide/Mountain Leader program (ML) was established to promote the safe enjoyment of the backcountry specifically focusing on trails and remote off-trail backpacking on Class I - IV terrain. The ML program provides training and assessment on technical and group management skills required by those who wish to lead groups in the backcountry areas of the United States in a non-winter environment. It integrates experience, training and assessment in a variety of testing conditions in mountainous country. This program is divided into two parts: Summer Mountain Leader and Winter Mountain Leader. Both parts must be completed to gain full International Mountain Leader certification.

Stages of the Summer Mountain Leader Program:

1. Gain personal trekking, backpacking, hiking experience (40 mountain days)

2. Register for the Mountain Leader program and be issued a logbook. Our office will be in contact with you once you submit the registration form on the registration page

3. Attend an AHGA Summer Mountain Leader training course (4 to 5 days)

4. Log (20) mountain days in logbook, to include 8 camping nights/5 of these should be backcountry camping

5. Attend a Summer Mountain Leader assessment course.(Pass/Fail/Defer) (Can defer twice before taking the 4 to 5 day course again)

6. Continue to gain and record experience and any relevant additional training

Prerequisites: - Advanced Wilderness First Aid - CPR - Backcountry Water Safety - Backcounry Food Handler's or State Food Handler's certificate - Bear Safety Awareness - AHGA approved Wilderness Survival Course - AHGA approved Wilderness Navigation Course - Leave No Trace Trainer

Course length: 4 to 5 days. Most providers offer a 4 day course with longer days.

Course cost: $500.00 USD

Private courses at your location are available. Please call our office for details on how to set this up or host a course.