ASI GUIDE CERTIFICATIONS


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UIAGM/IFMGA is the highest license of Mountain Guiding available anywhere in the world. It is attained by completing the entire certification program of the countries' guides association that has been admitted into the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA). In the U.S., this means completing the highest level of certification in three disciplines, Rock, Alpine and Ski Mountaineering. More info

The AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association) is the American Guide Training and Certification Program. It provides training courses and rigorous examinations in three different disciplines including Rock Guide, Alpine Guide and Ski Mountaineering Guide. Any AMGA certification demonstrates that a very high professional standard has been attained through great committment. The AMGA also provides training and certification for rock climbing Top Rope Site Manager/Single Pitch Instructor certification.

PSIA (Professional Ski Instructors of America) provides training and certification exams for Nordic Skiing including Track, Telemark as well as Alpine Skiing, in addition to Snowboarding through the AASI (the snowboard division of PSIA). PSIA Level I is certified to teach beginner skiers and riders. Level II for intermediate and Level III for advanced.

ASI Directors

	Mimi Maki-Vadasz ASI Co-Founder ASI Adminisrative Director ASI Rock Guide ASI Alpine Guide ASI Ski Mountaineering Guide AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide Certified PSIA Level II Nordic & Alpine Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified OEC & CPR Certified Mt. Everest Summiteer 2003
	Bela G. Vadasz ASI Co-Founder ASI Technical Director IFMGA Internationally Licensed Mountain Guide AMGA Ski Discipline Coordinator AMGA Ski & Alpine Instructor/Examiner AMGA Technical Committee Member AMGA Lifetime Acheivement Award 2008 PSIA Level III Nordic & Alpine Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 1, 2 & 3 Instructor AIARE Education Committee member WFR & CPR Certified

ASI Guides & Qualifications

What absolutely sets ASI apart is the team of world-class professional guides and instructors. Besides being top-notch skiers, riders and climbers who have contributed to the advancement of their sport, they are highly experienced outdoor educators who

are leaders in their field. In addition to their tremendous professional qualifications, they are personable companions in the mountains who care not only for your safety, but quality of experience as well as the learning of life-long skills for you to enjoy.

We are very proud of this exceptional team and think you will appreciate their dedication to providing the best mountain experience possible.

	Paul Adams ASI Lead Snowboard Mountaineering Guide ASI Lead Rock Climbing Guide ASI Lead Alpine Climbing Guide AMGA Rock Guide Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified AIARE Level 1 Instructor WFR & CPR Certified
	Tom Carter ASI Lead Avalanche Trainer Senior Rock Climbing Guide Trainer AMGA Rock Guide Certified AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide Certified Previous AMGA SMG Instructor/Examiner PSIA Level II Nordic Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 1, 2 & 3 Instructor AIARE Education Committee member AAA Avalanche Instructor Certified OEC, WFR & CPR Certified Ruby Mountain Heli-Ski Guide since 1984
	Geoff Clarke ASI Director of Nordic Skiing Lead Nordic Ski Instructor ASI Rock & Alpine Mountaineering Guide AMGA Ski Guide Certified AMGA Top-Rope Site Manager Certified PSIA Level III Nordic Certified PSIA/W Backcountry Director Previous PSIA-W Nordic Chief Examiner AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Instructor WFR & CPR Certified
	Eric DesLauriers ASI Director of Alpine Skiing ASI Ski Mountaineering Guide AMGA Ski Guide Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified EMT1 & CPR Certified Renowned big mountain skier Founder of All Mountain Ski Pros X-Team Clinic Co-founder Author: "Ski The Whole Mountain"
	Tim Dobbins ASI Rock Guide ASI Alpine Mountaineering Guide ASI Ski Mountaineering Guide AMGA SPI Certified AMGA Rock Instructor Course Completion AMGA Advanced Alpine Guide Course Completion AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide Aspirant AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Instructor WFR & CPR Certified Renowned European Alps Extreme Skier Video - Col de la Verte, Chamonix
	Peter Leh ASI Lead Ski Mountaineering Guide *with ASI for 30 years AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide Certified AMGA Ski Guide Instructor/Examiner PSIA Level III Nordic Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 1 & 2 Instructor OEC & CPR Certified
	Kent McBride ASI Rock Guide ASI Alpine Mountaineering Guide ASI Ski Mountaineering Guide IFMGA Internationally Licensed Mountain Guide AAI Avalanche Level 3 Certified WFR & CPR Certified Guiding experience in 18 countries
	Peter Mayfield ASI Rock Climbing Guide ASI Backcountry Ski & Snowboard Guide ASI Nordic Ski Instructor AMGA Rock Guide Certified PSIA Level III Nordic Certified Previous PSIA-W Nordic Chief Examiner AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified WFR & CPR Certified Renowned Yosemite and World Cup Competition Sport Climber Previous Chief Guide - Yosemite Mountaineering School Founder of City Rock Climbing Gym Founder of Gateway Mountain Center
	Ben Mitchell ASI Rock Climbing Guide ASI Alpine Climbing Guide ASI Ski Mountaineering Guide IFMGA Internationally Licensed Mountain Guide AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Instructor WFR & CPR Certified Renowned Base Jumper www.benmitchellmountainguide.com
	Doug Nidever ASI Eastern Sierra Director ASI Rock Climbing Senior Guide ASI Alpine Climbing Senior Guide ASI Ice Climbing Senior Guide ASI Ski Mountaineering Senior Guide IFMGA Internationally Licensed Mountain Guide AMGA Rock Guide Instructor Examiner AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified WFR & CPR Certified Previous Chief Guide - Yosemite Mountaineering School www.themountainguide.com
	Heidi Pesterfield ASI Lead Womens Climbing Guide ASI Rock Climbing Instructor AMGA Top-Rope Site Manager Certified WFA & CPR Certified Author: "Traditional Lead Climbing".
	Steve Reynaud ASI Ski Mountaineering Guide ASI Alpine Mountaineering Guide AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Instructor EMT1 & CPR Certified Sierra Avalanche Center Field Observer Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue Team Member
	Dave Riggs ASI Ski Guide ASI Rock Climbing Instructor ASI Alpine Climbing Instructor AMGA Ski Guide Course Completion AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Instructor WFR & CPR Certified
	Davide Sartoni ASI Rock Guide ASI Alpine Mountaineering Guide ASI Ski Mountaineering Guide ASI Nordic & Telemark Ski Instructor AMGA SPI Certified AMGA Advanced Rock Guide Aspirant AMGA Ski Guide Course Completion PSIA Level III Nordic Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Instructor WFR & CPR Certified USMC MWTC Master Instructor
	Nick Schiestel ASI Rock Guide ASI Alpine Mountaineering Guide ASI Ski Mountaineering Guide AMGA Certified Rock Instructor AMGA Alpine Guide Course Completion AMGA Ski Guide Course Completion AIARE Level 2 Qualified EMT & CPR Certified Previous Alpine Meadows Technical Rope Rescue Trainer Previous Sugar Bowl Avalanche Forecaster
	Steve Schneider ASI Rock Climbing Guide AMGA Certified Rock Guide WFR & CPR Certified Renowned Yosemite Big Wall & Free Climbing Specialist. Over 110 ascents of El Capitan, Yosemite Previous YOSAR (Yosemite Search & Rescue) Team Member Previous Bandaloop Vertical Dance Team Performer
	Bill Seline ASI Rock Guide ASI Alpine Mountaineering Guide ASI Ski Mountaineering Guide ASI Telemark & AT Ski Instructor ASI Avalanche Education Director AMGA Top Rope Site Manager Certified PSIA Level III Nordic Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 1 & 2 Instructor AIARE Education Committee member ASHI WFR & CPR Instructor Captain with Truckee Fire Dept.
	Rich Stull ASI Rock Climbing Instructor ASI Youth & Family Rock Director AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course Completion WFA & CPR Certified USSA Youth Alpine Ski Coach
	Logan Talbott ASI Rock Climbing Instructor/Guide ASI Alpine Climbing Instructor/Guide ASI Winter Mountaineering Instructor/Guide AMGA SPI Certified AMGA Rock Instructor Course Completion AMGA Certified Rock Guide AMGA Ski Guide Course Completion AIARE Level 2 Qualified AIARE Avalanche Level 1 Instructor WEMT & CPR Certified YOSAR (Yosemite Search and Rescue Team Member)
	Danny Uhlmann ASI Rock Guide ASI Alpine Mountaineering Guide ASI Ski Mountaineering Guide AMGA Certified Rock Guide AMGA Certified Alpine Guide AMGA Ski Mountaineering Guide Aspirant WFR & CPR Certified U.S. Antarctic Program Guide JSART (Joint Antarctic Search & Rescue Team) www.firstlightmountainguides.com
	Chris Werner ASI Rock Guide ASI Alpine Mountaineering Guide AMGA Certified Rock Guide AMGA Alpine Guide Course Completion AIARE Level 1 WFR & CPR Certified
	Lorenzo Worster ASI Ski Mountaineering Guide ASI Telemark Instructor AMGA Ski Guide Course Completion PSIA Level III Telemark Certified AASI Level 2 Snowboard Certified AIARE Avalanche Level 3 Certified WFR & CPR Certified Renowned Professional Telemark Skier Sugar Bowl Telemark Ambassador www.lorenzoworster.com

Trekking/Climbing Sherpa

Geljen Sherpa
ASI Sherpa Guide
Over 50 Himalayan Treks & Expeditions since 1990
Expedition Basecamp Manager
Everest Camp 2 Manager
Trekking Peak Summit Guide
Nepalese Master Chef
WFA & CPR Certified

ASI Aspirant Guide

Tobin Vadasz
ASI Rock Climbing Assistant Instructor
AIARE Level 1
Big Mtn & Freeride Assistant Ski Instructor
WFA & CPR Certified
ARC Life Guard Certified

Associated IFMGA Mountain Guides

ASI works directly with a group of professional colleagues to provide high quality programs with special technical or regional needs.

Jean Pavillard
ASI/ATE European Program Coordinator
Swiss American Mountain Guide
IFMGA Internationally Licensed Mountain Guide
Swiss Mountain Guide Certified
Previous AMGA Ski Discipline Coordinator
Previous AMGA Technical Director
Swiss Ski Instructor Certified
AIARE Avalanche Education President

Swiss Alpine Ambassador

Kurt Schnider
ASI Swiss Alpine Ambassador
Kurt was the first Trip Leader of the ASI Swiss/American Guiding Exchange started in 1981 in the Sierra Nevada and the European Haute Route.

ASI Guides Networking & Referral Service
If we cannot provide a program to fit your schedule or you wish to visit an area we are not permitted to due to government restrictions, we will be happy to offer a referral. Within our network of Certified or regionally qualified guides, we can recommend the most trained, experienced, and personable guides to specifically meet your needs. With so many new guiding companies starting up, referrals are a good way to go.

Private Arrangement
Our professional mountain guides are available for private guiding and instruction throughout the mountains of California and other great ranges of the world. They provide individualized attention at your pace and for your schedule. Call, write or e-mail to discuss possibilities. All programs are directed by a UIAGM-IFMGA Guide.

Authorized Land Use:

ASI has met Federal requirements, pays user fees, and has been issued permits to operate in: Tahoe, Inyo, Shasta, Eldorado National Forests, Sequoia and

Kings Canyon National Parks and Denali National Park. Bugaboo, Garibaldi and Robson Provincial Parks, British Columbia, Yamnuska Natural Area and Peter Lougheed Provincial Parks, Alberta, Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks, Canada. Additional UIAGM-IFMGA International Guides reciprocities apply where appropriate. ASI operates on all public land on a non-discriminating basis, maintains a policy of minimum impact use, and remains sensitive to all users interests.

Tipping Your Guide
ASI Guides strive to offer the best possible quality of experience, education and above all...safety to you and your group. It is customary to offer them gratuity for their efforts.

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