We have no openings at this time
SMG is a small company and we aim to keep a core staff of professional guides as busy as possible. Most of our guides work year round, guiding climbing in the summer and skiing in the winter. We have little turnover and openings for guide positions are uncommon. We do occasionally hire interns and apprentice guides during both the summer and winter seasons.
Below is a brief description of positions that are occasionally available with SMG as well as minimum qualifications.
Internships
Internships are a good way to get a foot in the door and learn what it takes to become a guide.
In the summer, this position is responsible for maintaining equipment, stocking our Canyon Camp, portering, assisting with trip logistics and support, and, depending on experience and qualifications, assisting licensed guides in the field. Applicants should have significant personal outdoor and rock and/or alpine climbing experience. Wilderness medical training is a plus.
In the winter, this position is responsible for maintenance and stocking of the Williams Peak Hut, meeting hut renters to collect paperwork and payment, assisting as a cook on hut trips, portering, and, depending on experience and qualifications, assisting licensed guides in the field. Applicants should have extensive backcountry ski experience and have taken a Level 1 Avalanche Course. Wilderness medical training is a plus.
Internships are semi-paid positions. Intern wages are paid for portering, equipment maintenance, and logistical support, while helping with programs is sometimes unpaid in exchange for the experience gained during the program. While interns occasionally go on to become licensed SMG guides we unfortunately can’t make any guarantees.
Rock, Alpine, and Ski Guides
All SMG guides are licensed according to activity (“Backpacking/Hiking,” “Technical Mountaineering,” and “Level 2 Skiing”) by the Idaho Outfitter and Guides Licensing Board, which sets the minimum standards for climbing and ski guides in the State of Idaho. To obtain an Idaho license an applicant must be affiliated with a guide service, have a valid Wilderness First Responder (WFR) credential, and must be able to document related work and/or intern experience. Alternatively American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) Certified Rock, Alpine or Ski Guides with valid WFR credentials can easily apply for the respective Idaho Guide License. The vast majority of SMG guides are trained for the terrain in which they work by the AMGA. This means, for example, that an SMG ski guide licensed by the State of Idaho has also successfully completed the AMGA Ski Guides Course.