Select photos from the AMGA 2003 Advanced Alpine Course and the 2006 Alpine Guide's Exam in the North Cascades, WA

Since completing my alpine certification in 1997, I have been fortunate each year since to teach alpine courses and conduct exams for AMGA certification.  This is the most grueling and rewarding work that I do each year as training with many of the top alpinists in the U.S. is a fantastic learning opportunity for everyone involved.  Climbing is such a dynamic endeavor that there are rarely "right" or "wrong" answers,  just plenty of options to solve the inherent problems involved in alpinism.

AMGA Technical Director and JHMG owner Rob Hess, keeping a close eye on the crevasse rescue portion of the exam

                     A spectacular high camp above "Winnie's Slide" on Mount Shuksan

      Guide's in-training on the classic West Ridge of Forbidden Peak with Eldorado Peak in the distance

     Sunrise on Mount Baker as seen through a crevasse on the "Hells Highway" portion of Mount Shuksan

           Matt Schonwald checking out the southern Picket Range during an ascent of Mount Triumph

                                             Sunset at high camp on Mount Shuksan

                      Joe Stock making the often tricky creek crossing on the way to Mount Shuksan's North Face

            Ben Gilmore climbing through a crevasse on the North Face of Mount Shuksan, Sept., 2003

 Craig Luebben on the crux headwall pitch of the Coleman Headwall on Mount Baker, Sept. 2003

          Kevin Lorda mid-pitch on the Coleman Headwall route on Mount Baker's northwest face        

           Kevin Mahoney making headway on the Coleman Headwall route on Mount Baker