Training Resources
This is a list of books and other resources that the NZMGA feels can be helpful in both training to becoming a guide and for guides to consider as part of their continued learning. This list is not exhaustive and nor are all the techniques suitable for the professional guide. However, they do have a variety of solid information that can contribute, along with specific training and mentoring, to guides knowledge base. As always, the techniques in these resources need practice in a safe environment before trying them for real, and as always, they carry risk even when executed correctly!
Basic Mountain Skills:
(All Pathways)
These three manuals are similar and specific to Aotearoa / New Zealand
Alpine Guides Technical Manual (available in e-pub version), Alpine Guides ltd
Aspiring Guides Technical Manual, Aspiring Guides ltd
A Climbers Guide, Adventure Consultants ltd
Mountain Safety Manual Alpine Skills (out of date but valuable)
Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills, Mountaineers Books
The New Zealand Weather Book, ISBN: 9780908802470, (out of print, borrow it)
Pocket First Aid and Wilderness Medicine, Cicerone
Mountaineering First Aid: A Guide to Accident Response and First Aid Care, Mountaineers Books
YouTube Channels:
Avalanche Skills:
(Climb, Alpine Trekking and Ski Pathways)
NZ Guidelines & Recording Standards for Weather, Snowpack & Avalanche
Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain, 3rd Edition, Mountaineers Books
Avalanche Awareness in the New Zealand Backcountry, NZAC (Aotearoa / New Zealand specific)
The Avalanche Handbook, Mountaineers Books
Climbing Guiding:
Technical Handbook for Professional Mountain Guides, Alpine, Rock, and Ski Guiding Techniques, ACMG (older but still very relevant)
The Mountain Guide Manual: The Comprehensive Reference--From Belaying to Rope Systems and Self-Rescue, Falcon Guides
Ski Guiding:
The Ski Guide Manual: Advanced Techniques for the Backcountry, Falcon Guides
Technical Handbook for Professional Mountain Guides, Alpine, Rock, and Ski Guiding Techniques, ACMG (older but still relevant)
Backcountry Skiing: Skills for Ski Touring and Ski Mountaineering, Mountaineers Books
Alpine Trekking Guiding:
Mountain Skills Handbook, David & Charles
Self-Rescue (HowTo Series), Falcon Guides, Second Edition
Photographic Guide to Alpine Plants of New Zealand, Lawrie Metcalf, 2007
