The Apprentice Rock Guide’s Exam (Rockies)

The post provides a comprehensive guide to preparing for the ARG Exam (Rockies). It discusses the multiple facets of training effectively, including role playing, climbing, rescue scenarios, and training with various partners and in different weather conditions. It underscores the importance of enjoyment, learning, adaptability, and overcoming stress as key components of the training process. Additionally, it offers tips for the exam week and insights into the marking process. The author encourages learners to embrace the experience as an opportunity for growth in their climbing/guiding career.

Guides Training Rock (GTR Rockies)

The course is after all, A COURSE. So while you’ll be expected to demonstrate some competencies, mostly the morning consist of you watching and learning as the instructors demo skills & techniques

So You Wanna Be a Guide Eh?

The author shares their journey towards pursuing certification in the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) Training and Assessment Program (TAP). While expressing uncertainty due to their age and the high costs associated with the program, they cite passion for guiding as their motivation. The post serves as a personal narrative and general guide for those interested in the TAP.

Cochise Stronghold

If you know, you go. Cochise Stronghold isn’t a name I’d come to associate with the All-American classic rock climbing areas. So, in the dreary rain of November in Revelstoke, BC sitting across the table brewing up ideas over a few brews I was surprised when it was suggested to check out Cochise Stronghold. Located…

Mt Tupper – Upper Headwall of the South Rib (5.11-)

Mt Tupper – Upper Headwall of South Rib (5.11-) Personal Rating: ** Rock Quality: 6/10 Length:  7 pitches of 5.6 – 5.11- climbing Timeline: 12 hours (car-to-car) Gear: # Double Rack 0.3 – 3 I looked up at the relatively blank wall, seeing a few minor down sloping holds and poor feet with no obvious…

The Progression of a Ski Traverse

The Progression of a Ski Traverse Based on a 6-day Traverse of the Gold Range Step 1: The Anticipation. This is it, you’ve made idle plans over one to many beers – and now there’s a budding sense of commitment. Your buddy reaches out to ask about more specific details and you realize you should…

A June Morning on Mt Tupper’s West Ridge

A 7’ wide runnel had formed down the center line of the slide-path and was a black hole vortex that sucked in every rock, dirt, and debris into it’s beckoning arms.

Labour & Love – An Ascent of Mt. Sir Donald – NW Route (5.4)

I awoke, or more, opened my eyes. The sounds of burners hissing, water boiling, and climbing gear gently clinking together overwhelmed all my senses. Pressing the lowest button on my watch revealed an ultra-bright 4:00am. I took one long, full breath. Soaking in the stillness and trying to enjoy the last remnants of comfort, or…

Climbing where you’d least expect it – Sudbury, ON

Climbing where you’d least expect it – Sudbury, ON If you search ‘Sudbury’ into google, it’s likely that you’ll find hits pertaining to mining, education, and perhaps the local hockey team, the Sudbury Wolves. What you’ll likely not come across or be looking for is the blossoming rock climbing scene that has slowly been growing…