Education

Qualified Instruction is at the core of a safe and fun climbing experience.  We typically offer several training opportunities throughout the year.

The Michigan Ice Fest Guides will be offers American Mountain Guides Association Single Pitch Instructor Courses as well as an SPI Assessment, typically in the spring and fall of each year.

SPI COURSE SEPTEMBER 15-17th  2023 Marquette, Michigan  $575.00

The Single Pitch Instructor (SPI) Program teaches climbing instructors to proficiently 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. This program is the industry standard for facilitating single pitch outdoor rock climbing. It is also a highly beneficial program to complete prior to moving into the AMGA Guide Track Programs.

The SPI Program consists of a 3 day course and separate 2 day assessment. Candidates should meet the required prerequisites prior to attending the course or assessment.

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.

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 6 PARTICIPANTS PER SPI COURSE!
REGISTER FOR THE SPI COURSE HERE!

Deleted:

SPI ASSESSMENT SEPTEMBER 18-19th 2023 Marquette, Michigan $399.00

The SPI Assessment is two days in length (minimum of 16 hours assessment time) and will take place at a single pitch climbing area where there are a selection traditional lead routes in the 5.6 range and top roping routes in the 5.8 range. The assessment will examine all aspects of institutional single pitch climbing that the Single Pitch Instructor may encounter. Day one will look at climbing movement and all aspects of technical systems from anchoring to assistance skills and general climbing competence. On day two the examiner will arrange for volunteer novice clients (non-paying) for the candidates to instruct in a group setting.

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.

SPACE IS LIMITED TO 6 PARTICIPANTS PER ASSESSMENT!
REGISTER FOR THE SPI ASSESSMENT HERE!