Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School is one of the nation's leader in group climbing and adventure activities. Seeing a need for higher standards for entry level and group climbing instructors, school owner Jon Tierney developed the curiculum for a nationally standardized climbing instructor training course in 1997. This model was based upon the work being done at Acadia Mountain Guides and the curriculum has served as the foundation for nationally recognized instructor courses offered by the PCIA (Professional Climbing Instructors Association) and the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association). As expectations of professionalism increase, more and more land managers and organizations are requiring nationally recognized certification of guides!
Professional Guides: Our guides are excellent climbers who have traveled throughout Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. But claiming to be a good guide based on climbing ability alone is like claiming to be able to fly a plane because you have a lot of frequent flyer miles! All our guides have been through internationally recognized professional training, and 100% are certified by either the PCIA or the AMGA.
Educational Skills: We're not just good guides, we're good teachers too! Our guides have over a hundred years of combined teaching experience.
A perfect highlight to a group experience!
Acadia Mountain Guides offers economical half day, full day, or multi-day programs to organizations that wish to incorporate climbing into their group's activities. All courses provide the basic skills necessary for climbing. Guided by skilled instructors, we encourage participants to experience varied aspects of climbing including movement, belaying, and rappelling as well as teamwork. We provide the safest, most enjoyable learning experience that one can have in the mountains!
LEADERSHIP & SAFETY
Acadia Mountain Guides is committed to providing safe, state-of-the-art instruction and guiding that maximizes the group's experience and minimizes risk and environmental impact. The owners of Acadia Mountain Guides have over fifty years of combined climbing experience and over thirty five years of guiding experience in addition to an extensive education in mountain guiding, outdoor leadership training and wilderness rescue. Beyond an extensive personal climbing resume, senior guide Jon Tierney has been instrumental in helping to set the direction for mountain guiding and wilderness medicine. He is one of a handful of internationally certified guides in the U.S and is a paramedic specializing in backcountry rescue. Jon developed both the PCIA and AMGA entry level climbing instructor training programs that have become recognized standards. We are leaders in the sport who climb and teach year-round whether it be on rock or ice, in the backcountry, or on high alpine peaks.
Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School has been accredited since its inception in 1993 by the American Mountain Guides Association and employs PCIA or AMGA certified instructors and guides. Additionally, all guides have participated in extensive internal and external guide training, wilderness medical and technical rescue training, and peer reviews. All of our guides are at least Wilderness First Responders with many being trained as wilderness EMT's. Finally, our guides must serve an apprenticeship during which they are observed and coached on technical, interpersonal, and group management issues. We believe we can offer your group the best climbing instruction available in Maine and possibly New England. Our specialties are large group rock climbing instruction and small group guided climbs. Choosing to climb with Acadia Mountain Guides allows your group to integrate climbing programs into trips without the liability, training and financial commitment of running your own climbing program.
SETTING UP A COURSE
If you would like to set up a group course please contact us as far in advance as possible to discuss your proposed dates, goals and how we can customize your group's experience.
WHAT'S EXPECTED OF YOU
We typically require that your organization provide transportation to and from the climbing site for group members and have at least one chaperone per six participants. Each participant must also fill out a medical and waiver form prior to participation. Participants under the age of eighteen must have these forms signed in advance by a parent or guardian.
CANCELLATIONS
If there is substantial precipitation the day of your course please call our office. Most days are still climbable. In some circumstances, courses may be cancelled due to wet or rainy conditions at the cliff. If we feel that the weather will disrupt a safe and supportive learning environment then we will cancel the course and attempt to reschedule. If we cannot fit you in during the remainder of your stay then your deposit will be fully refunded. If your organization chooses to cancel a course for any other reason, then the deposit remains non-refundable. No refunds will be made in anticipation of inclement weather.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT
We ask that participants bring hiking shoes or sneakers (we discourage sandals) for the approach and wear comfortable pants or shorts and a shirt that provide freedom of movement. Extra clothes should be available as coastal weather frequently changes. An ample lunch and water should be brought. We can arrange a boxed lunch if you prefer. Sunscreen and insect repellent may be useful. All technical equipment and climbing shoes are provided.
SHOP DISCOUNTS / OTHER SERVICES:
All participants receive a discount coupon for 10% off store purchases following guiding or instruction. Through a cooperative with other outfitters in ME, NH, and VT we provide assistance in setting up multiple activities and can offer you a discount on them.
LOCATIONS AND PERMITS
All instructional climbing activities in Acadia National Park require a permit and fee. Acadia Mountain Guides holds all required permits, land use agreements, and is fully insured for guiding in Acadia as well as the following locations. You can come to us or we can come to one of these locations nearest you.
Save money and time with one stop shopping! Acadia Mountain Guides works for you to arrange other activities and to create adventures that are uniquely yours. Consider a day-long bike, hike and climb or any other number of possibilities.
A History of
Leading the way...
Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School is the preeminent leader in climbing instruction and guiding in Acadia and across Maine. We specialize in designing customized experiences or training for you, your family or your group.
Directed by internationally recognized IFMGA guide Jon Tierney who has been climbing in Acadia since 1982. Jon has over 30 years of local and worldwide experience. The IFMGA requires full AMGA certification as a rock, alpine and ski mountaineering guide.
All AMGCS instructors are certified by either the AMGA or the PCIA and all guides have been trained or certified by the AMGA.
• Since 1994 •
AMGCS is one of 30 AMGA accredited programs in the US and was one of the earliest to achieve accreditation.
AMGCS is the only climbing school in Maine to remain continuously accredited by the AMGA for eighteen years - several years longer than any other local service. We have had one or more full time AMGA certified rock instructors or rock guides on staff each year since 1994 - sixteen years more than any other local school.
• Since 2007 •
AMGCS has the distinction of also being accredited to the highest standards of the Professional Climbing Instructors Association. The PCIA requires all staff to be individually trained and certified.
Experience the difference.
Reach your peak with Acadia Mountain Guides Climbing School.