Page 17 - SVHS Ops Plan 2017_18

10. GUIDES
Qualifications and Experience
SVHS is firmly committed to providing a highly professional guide service for helicopter ski guiding. SVHS has developed company guide standards and policies based on and influenced by organizations such as the U.S. Heli-Ski Association, the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and the State of Idaho Outfitter and Guide Licensing Board (IOGLB).
All SVHS Level 2 and Level 3 guides (see below) will have licenses from the IOGLB, which maintains minimum first aid and training criteria for backcountry ski guides. Further, all Level 2 and Level 3 guides are certified and current in CPR/AED, National Ski Patrol Outdoor Emergency Care, and/or Wilderness First Responder, or an equivalent 80 hour first aid training with an emphasis in outdoor care.
SVHS recognizes the increasing trend within the guiding industry of hiring AMGA Certified Guides. For future guiding positions SVHS will strongly consider whether candidates are certified (specifically in the Ski Mountaineering or Ski Guide disciplines) or if they have formal AMGA training.
Level 1 “Apprentice Guide”
An Apprentice Guide will be a minimum of 20 years old and must have successfully completed a US Level 1 avalanche course, such as an American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) Level 1 Training Course, or any Level 1 course designed with American Avalanche Association (AAA) guidelines for Level 1 avalanche training. Prior work in the ski industry as a ski patroller, ski instructor or as an apprentice guide with a helicopter, snowcat or ski touring operation is desirable. Extensive backcountry skiing and/or mountaineering experience may be substituted. An Apprentice Guide must provide an employment reference and recommendation from previous employer. Current first aid and CPR cards are required.
An apprentice guide will not normally lead groups of heli-skiers. Apprentice guides will “tail guide” under the guidance and tutelage of Level 2 or 3 guides. After gaining experience (typically near the end of an apprentice season), an Apprentice Guide may lead groups under the direct supervision of a Level 2 or 3 guide. Apprentice guides will receive consultation on route selection, terrain analysis, stability evaluation and other pertinent criteria from the more experienced guides.
17
P.O Box 978 Sun Valley, ID 83353
Phone: 208.622.3108 E: info@sunvalleyheliski.com W: sunvalleyheliski.com