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AMGA Ski Guide Program Fundraiser

Join in an intimate dinner, presentation and day of backcountry skiing with Adrian Ballinger

The AMGA is thrilled to partner with Adrian Ballinger and Alpenglow Expeditions for a truly first-class event. Join us for a memorable weekend of backcountry skiing and an intimate dinner and presentation featuring Adrian’s first recorded ski descent of Makalu. All donations will support the AMGA Ski Guide program.

Space is Limited! Register by March 15, 2025

  • Event ticket: $4,000 per individual, $7,500 per couple
  • Benefactor ticket: $5,000 per individual, $9,000 per couple (includes preferred seating at Adrian’s table and skiing in his party **limited availability, contact Tracy Faber via email at tracy.l.faber@gmail.com

Visit the AMGA Donor Page to register. Select one-time contribution, enter the ticket amount in the Custom Amount box, select “area of greatest need” and under “write us a comment” enter Ski Guide Program. Once we see your donation, we will send you a confirmation email and subsequent program details.

Event Details

Friday, April 4th

6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. dinner hosted at a North Lake Tahoe restaurant including hors d’oeuvres, a three (3)-course dinner, accompanied by wine pairings and presentation by Adrian

Saturday, April 5th

8:00 a.m. safety meeting and gear check at Alpenglow offices, Palisade Tahoe Resort

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Tahoe backcountry ski tour (conditions and weather will dictate exact trailhead/terrain)

More details will be provided after your registration.

Additional Information

How good of a skier do I need to be? Advanced intermediate skiers/riders that are competent in a variety of conditions are welcome. You should be confident skiing all blue runs and most black diamond runs at a ski resort (including ungroomed terrain).

Are backcountry touring rentals available? A complete backcountry touring setup is required. Beacons, probes, shovels, touring skis, touring boots and splitboards are available for rent at a competitive price.

Your Donation Supports Revitalizing the AMGA Ski Guide Program

In 2025, the AMGA is undertaking an exciting and ambitious project to revitalize the AMGA Ski Guide Program. The project will update the AMGA Ski Guide training progression to meet the needs of the guided skiing industry and improve educational outcomes for AMGA students.

Your donation will support:

  • Updates to the AMGA Ski Guide Training Progression
  • Enhanced AMGA Instructor Team Training
  • Expanded Ski Guide Program Capacity to Serve More Students

About the AMGA

The American Mountain Guides Association is a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization that provides training and certification for climbing instructors, mountain guides, and backcountry ski guides throughout the United States. Founded in 1979, the AMGA has trained over 13,000 climbing and skiing guides who provide exceptional climbing and skiing experiences for the public. As the American representative to the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA), the AMGA institutes international standards for the mountain guiding profession in the United States. The advocacy arm of the AMGA supports sustainable use of public lands, facilitates stewardship projects, and works in cooperation with guides and land managers to promote best practices and preserve access to areas utilized by the guided public.

The mission of the AMGA is to be the leader in education, standards, and advocacy for professional guides and climbing instructors.

The AMGA is a 501c(3) non-profit organization, Tax ID 84-1213723. Your contribution to the AMGA is tax deductible.