The Value of Your Guide’s Education
I have had the pleasure of being the Director of IRIS for over a year now. In that time, we expanded our vision with the goal to reach more people, bringing them into the outdoors feeling competent in their skills.
This mission is one all of us at IRIS value. Our hope is to adventure together, broaden our community and build knowledge and skills to make decisions in which we are confident.
This all begins with our guides. I wholeheartedly believe IRIS has the best team of guides out there.
All brilliantly skilled in their personal climbing / skiing; talented, excited educators; with calm and patient demeanors. I am reassured knowing each day is a success filled with camaraderie, laughter, and learning.
https://irisalpine.com/about/guides/
Our guide team didn’t get to where we are today without building personal experience, seeking mentorship, and investing in our formal education. We value the combination of these aspects to produce a well-rounded guide. This is why we work within our scope of practice and why we believe we should. For a climbing or skiing guide in the U.S, formal education equates to instructor and guide training through the American Mountain Guides Association, avalanche education, and wilderness medical training.
Yes, it is rigorous. Yes, it is a substantial financial investment. And yes, there are many barriers along the way in our country. We know as we invest in this training, we are investing in the future of our profession, which is good for us all. We know our outdoor public deserve a well-rounded guide.
To learn more about the American Mountain Guide Association and how your IRIS guide has invested:
If you value your guide’s training and education, I encourage you to support this organization: become a member, donate, or help fund a scholarship for a new instructor or guide out there!
https://amga.com/donate-now/become-private-donor/
Thank you for your support!
We’ll see you in the mountains!
-Lindsay
