Smile’s Guide Team

Our Approach

This team is built on our mission to “ INSPIRE GROWTH AND EXPLORATION IN THE MOUNTAINS.” We achieve this by connecting our guests with talented, motivated, and personable guides who genuinely share a passion for helping you reach your goals.

In addition to their personalities, each team member is a highly experienced career guide and educator who highlights best practices, knowledge, and experience in all facets of the profession.

What you get with each Smile team member is an embodiment of our core values: PASSION, PARTNERSHIP, INCLUSION, and CREATIVITY.

We love what we do! It’s our passion. AND WE USE IT TO ENERGIZE YOUR PASSION and make you the best version of yourself.

Our team spends significant personal time climbing and skiing in venues worldwide, which gives them a unique opportunity to educate, of course, but also to inspire and motivate you on your next adventure.

Meet the Team

A man smiling outdoors dressed in a red jacket and wearing sunglasses on a cap, with a rocky landscape in the background that is black and white.
A smiling man with a beard wearing a red Arc'teryx jacket and a cap, standing against a rocky background.
A man wearing a bright orange hood, pink sunglasses, and a light blue Arc'teryx jacket is outdoors in a mountainous area with cloudy skies in the background. He has a piece of food in his mouth.
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Smiling man in a blue Arc'teryx jacket and helmet standing outdoors with mountainous terrain in the background.
A woman taking a photo with a camera in front of a mountain landscape with a waterfall.

Guide Certification Training and Support

CERTIFICATION AND TRAINING

All of our guides undergo training through the AMGA and receive annual CPD. A majority of our guides hold AMGA Guide Certifications. This commitment to professionalism through certifications ensures that our clients work with the best in the industry, regarding security and industry best practices.

SUPPORT

Smile pays 50% of the tuition costs for all AMGA mountain guide programs to our full-time team members. Since 2024, a donor has matched our tuition, meaning our full-time team receives free continuing education for their careers, taking one of the industry's most significant burdens off their minds.

American Mountain Guides Association, AMGA Training/Certification Flow Chart

Flowchart of the American Mountain Guide/IFMGA Guide certification program, detailing different pathways for Alpine, Rock, and Ski Guide tracks, including exam durations and training courses.

Apprentice Alpine Guide = Alpine Guide Course Assistant Alpine Guide = Advanced Course Certified Alpine Guide = Alpine Guide Exam

Apprentice Rock Guide = Rock Guide Course Assistant Rock Guide = Advanced Course Certified Rock Guide = Rock Guide Exam

Apprentice Ski Guide = Ski Guide Course Assistant Ski Guide = Advanced Course Certified Ski Guide = Ski Guide Exam