Certification Courses

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course


The Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Program teaches climbing instructors to effectively facilitate and instruct the sport of rock climbing in a single pitch setting. The SPI is the only internationally recognized single pitch climbing instructor certification program in the United States. It was developed to fit in the AMGA Rock program.


Benefits:

  • The program is for current, active rock climbers who have a real desire to teach rock climbing to novices in a single pitch setting.
  • The SPI Course is a 27-hour training course that normally runs as three consecutive nine-hour days or day classes with evening sessions
  • It significantly improves the instructor’s skill sets and integrates into the next level of training, the AMGA Rock Guide Course.


2024 AMGA SPI Course Dates:

  • March 20 - 23   
  • May 13 - 15
  • August 31 - September 2
  • November 22 - 24


Prerequisites:

  • You are a Professional Member of the AMGA.
  • You have a genuine interest in rock climbing and instructing novices on single pitch crags.
  • You are at least 18 years old at the time of the course.
  • You have at least 12 months prior climbing experience.
  • You are an active climber with traditional lead climbing experience (leader placing pro).
  • You have led a minimum of 15 traditional rock climbing routes (any grade).
  • You are capable of comfortably climbing 5.8 while on a top rope.



Due to the specialty of this program we do not allow online bookings. If you are interested in signing up for the Single Pitch Instructor course please fill out the application below and we will contact you as soon as possible.




*All of our SPI Courses and Assessments are run out of our New Paltz/Gunks Office.


AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Assessment


Benefits:

  • The SPI Assessment is a minimum of 16 hours run over a two-day period.
  • Certification lasts for three years as long as the candidate keeps current AMGA Membership and First Aid Certification.
  • After three years current SPI’s can re-take the SPI Assessment to regain the SPI certification.
  • Taking any higher level AMGA Course also recertifies the SPI certification for another three years.


2024 AMGA SPI Assessment Dates:

  • April 13 - 14
  • May 30 - 31
  • October 17 - 18
  • November 30 - December 1


Prerequisites:

  • You are a current member of the AMGA.
  • You have successfully completed an AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course.
  • You have led a minimum of 40 traditional routes, most of which should be 5.6 and on a variety of rock types.
  • You are able to comfortably lead 5.6 traditional routes, which means you place protection.
  • You are able to comfortably climb 5.8 on top rope.
  • The SPI Assessment can be taken directly following the SPI Course if the candidate successfully completed the course and meets the assessment prerequisites. However, it is highly recommended that the SPI Course candidate take time practicing and consolidating the skills learned on the course before assessment (6-12 months).
  • You do not need First Aid training to take the course or assessment. However, it is your responsibility to hold appropriate medical certification for the location that you are working in.



*All of our SPI Courses and Assessments are run out of our New Paltz/Gunks Office.


AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Assessment

Single Pitch Instructor Course Application

AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Course

AIARE 1: Introduction to Avalanche Hazard Management


Students can expect to develop a good grounding in how to prepare for and carry out a backcountry trip, to understand basic decision making while in the field, and to learn rescue techniques required to find and dig up a buried person (if an avalanche occurs and someone in the party is caught).


The AIARE 1 is for ANYONE, regardless of method of travel, who wants to recreate in or near avalanche terrain. Participants may have attended some awareness classes or workshops or completed the Avalanche Rescue course, but none are a prerequisite for this course.


Benefits:

  • The AIARE 1 is a three-day / 24-hour introduction to avalanche hazard management.
  • Develop a plan for travel in avalanche terrain.
  • Demonstrate the ability to identify avalanche terrain.
  • Effectively use The AIARE Risk Management Framework to make terrain choices in a group setting.
  • Demonstrate effective companion rescue.


2022-23 AIARE 1 Course Dates:

  • Stay tuned for future course dates.


Prerequisites:

  • Students must be able to travel in avalanche terrain and bring appropriate equipment for traveling on snow to class. There are no other prerequisites.








*All of our AIARE Courses and Assessments are run out of our North Conway, NH Office.


Certification Programs:

Location
Travel Month

Frequent Questions About Certifications

  • What is the difference between a private climbing day and joining a group class?

    Private classes are custom tailored to the individual and are available any day of the week. Private reservations do not have to reach a minimum enrollment to run and are guaranteed to run barring rain and bad weather. Private reservations are great for those who wish to have more personalized instruction, who have a narrow window of availability or just want a guide to themselves without being matched with other climbers in a group. Joining a pre-scheduled group class: If you have a flexible schedule and don’t mind being matched with other climbers, then joining a pre-scheduled class is a great cost-savings option. Group classes require a minimum number of participants to run and may be cancelled by us if there is low enrollment. Joining a group class is a very popular option for new climbers. Class dates and prices can be found online, and reservations can be made online or by phone.

  • What do I need to bring?

    A complete gear list is available online. Please read through the gear list before you arrive for items you will be responsible for bringing. In general you should be dressed appropriately for the weather, pack a lunch & water, have a backpack, and wear closed-toe shoes on your feet (no sandals).

  • Where do we climb?

    Your exact climbing location is usually determined when you arrive in the morning for your lesson. Guides make the decision where to climb based on knowledge of traffic at the crag, weather, and skill level of the group. This is all taken into consideration on the morning you arrive at the Climbing School.

  • What if something comes up last minute and I need to cancel? Do I get a refund?

    If you need to cancel please do so within the specific time frame allowed for your lesson (the specifics will be in your confirmation). No refunds will be given for last-minute reservation changes or cancellations. Please mark the reservation date on your calendar and purchase travel insurance if you are coming from afar.

  • Are children allowed to climb?

    YES, OF COURSE!! We encourage families with kids to get out and climb with the School as much as possible. In addition to great exercise, climbing challenges the mind, too. To make it easier on families, we have put together a discounted rate for families with any child age 15 or younger. This can be any combination of family and friends. The only thing you need to qualify for the family rate is for one person in the group to be age 15 or younger. The full day family climbing rate is $400 for up to 6 people (4 in The Gunks) and includes all climbing equipment. If you have more than the maximum in your group an additional $400 will be charged for an additional guide.

  • At what age can you join a climbing class?

    Our pre-scheduled group rock climbing classes are reserved for people age 16 and older. Please remember that if you are signing up your 16 or 17 year old child to climb, you must sign a waiver form on their behalf and you must be available to provide transportation to and from the cliff in the morning and at the end of the day. For this reason, we encourage parents with kids who do not drive and are not 18 to sign up with their kids or book a private lesson.

  • Can I tip my guide?

    Tipping is never expected, but always appreciated. If you enjoyed your climbing day and would like to thank your guide, please feel free to do so.

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