CULTURE: How To Avoid The Ski Guide Black Market, Skier Beware

The world of guiding requires full out trust; ensure your guide is certified. Photo: Allie guiding clients to fresh tracks

There are many types of guides in the outdoor recreation and adventure industry. However, most people would be surprised to learn that “guiding” is largely unregulated. While many sectors of the industry have professional organizations, such as the American Avalanche Association (A3), the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA), and the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), there is no single governing body that oversees all of them.

You should always check to see if your instructor or guide is certified and up to date. Most of these organizations require annual dues and continuing education to maintain their credentials. Otherwise, you may be putting yourself at significant risk, and even exposing yourself to personal liability. You wouldn’t want an unlicensed surgeon operating on you or an unlicensed lawyer representing you in court. The same standards should apply when hiring a ski instructor or backcountry guide. Uncertified guides may lack the knowledge, training, or skills necessary to provide the service they are advertising.

For example, if you're skiing at a resort with an unlicensed instructor and get involved in a collision with another person—whether or not it’s your fault—you could be personally liable. Similarly, if you’re in the backcountry with an unpermitted guide and an avalanche occurs, you might be held liable. Unlicensed guides may not have the necessary permits or liability insurance, meaning you could also be subject to fines or criminal charges.

The skiing guide black market, skier bewear know before you buy.

BC conditions can be variable. Don't risk your safety or the safety of others. Photo: Allie Ace guiding in white out visibility.

How to Tell If Your Guide May Be Operating Illegally:

• They ask you to pay in cash or through a cash app.

• They ask you to pretend to be someone else (e.g., a friend or family member).

• They ask you to lie about your relationship (e.g., claiming to be your babysitter).

• They are not wearing a logoed uniform. This is required by all resorts and commercial backcountry permit holders.

How to Check If Your Guide Is Certified:

• Ask them directly. A certified guide will be happy to share their credentials. If they’re not certified, they might try to avoid the question, offer excuses, or downplay the importance of certification. Most organizations provide membership numbers and certification cards.

• Ask the person you are booking with. Any reputable employer will be able to provide this information.

• Look it up online. A quick internet search can yield a lot of information. Additionally, some organizations have public directories:

  • AMGA Guide Directory

  • American Avalanche Association Member Directory

Note: Not all guiding businesses are accredited by the AMGA, nor are all ski schools members of PSIA. This means their guides may not be operating under a Scope of Practice designed to protect you. Always verify that the business you are working with is legitimate, too.

Asking someone to perform their profession under the table or off the books is both illegal and unethical. Hiring an underground guide undermines legitimate businesses and makes it harder for professional guides to make a living. Even if it seems like you’re getting a good deal, it could cost you your life. Remember, you get what you pay for. The more certified the guide or instructor is, the better the quality of service they’ll provide.