Boulder, Colorado—June 27, 2011—American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) today announced that Rob Hess would be stepping down as AMGA Technical Director (TD), a position he has held since 2005.

In that time, Rob was able to follow through on his vision of ensuring the AMGA training and certification programs were high quality and above all fair to the participant, while meeting and or exceeding the standards expected of an International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) country. Rob successfully restructured the programs all while minimizing the impact on the members.

The TD oversees all technical aspects of the AMGA and is the AMGA technical representative to the IFMGA. The TD must be intimately familiar with all disciplines (alpine, rock, and ski mountaineering), and have a successful track record working with the AMGA Instructor Team, Technical Committee and AMGA Administration. The TD must have a complete understanding of both the AMGA Mountain Guide and Climbing Instructor career tracks and of the programs, curriculum and effective teaching methodology that support all AMGA disciplines.

“Rob Hess joined the AMGA as Technical Director during a critical time. The AMGA was undergoing major infrastructural challenges and Rob worked diligently to define our training and educational priorities and expand collaboration among the AMGA’s Technical Branch. Rob has been a tireless advocate committed to the successful integration of the international mountain guiding standard within the context of the American mountain guiding culture and profession. Much gratitude is owed for his successful efforts,” said Betsy Winter, AMGA’s Executive Director.

Rob will remain involved in the organization in an advisory role and of course as a course instructor and examiner in all disciplines. As well, he will continue his work in the ski discipline as to further some programs already on the table.

The AMGA is currently working to hire a replacement and will announce the new Technical Director at the Annual Meeting this fall in New Paltz, New York.

Contact:

Betsy Winter
betsy@amga.com
303.271.0984

About the AMGA

For 30 years the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) has been the premier source for training, services and credentials for professional mountain guides and climbing instructors in the United States. A national non-profit, the AMGA is committed to enhancing the quality of outdoor services provided to the public, while serving as a resource for access and protecting the natural environment. The AMGA is our nation’s exclusive representative to the International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA), the international governing body responsible for guiding standards and education around the world.

Thanks to Art Mooney for sending this post our way.

Paul from Drexel University came up to NH to spend a couple of days guiding Terry and I around Whitehorse and Cathedral Ledge. Paul is preparing for the 6 day AMGA Rock Instructor Exam scheduled this September in NH. During the two days I picked the popular moderate routes which gave Paul a tour of both cliffs. Our first day we spent on the South Buttress and Central Slabs of Whitehorse and on day two we climbed on Cathedral Ledge.

Paul preparing the ropes for the descent from the top of Whitehorse. Here Paul used a pre rigged rappel for us.

Paul on the mid cliff anchor station. At this station Paul lowered Terry and set me up via a belayed rappel.

It was getting late and we wanted a few more pitches. Here Paul used a two roped simul belay system for speed.

Terry on the clean but slippery slabs of Whitehorse.

Paul on the 5.8 crack called Bombardment.

Good rope management is key for a smooth running system.

Paul leading Terry and I up Retaliation. This route is difficult so Paul chose to belay us one at a time – called Caterpillar Style.