Howie Schwartz

Howie is an internationally licensed and fully certified mountain guide. He has achieved this through many years of guide training and rigorous examination from the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). This is the highest guiding credential in the profession and is currently held by around 20 American guides. This credential allows Howie to operate legally in any of 16 IFMGA member countries who recognize this certification. Howie has participated as a guide instructor and examiner for the AMGA’s Guide Training and Certification Program. He also serves as an advisor on the AMGA Ski Discipline Subcommittee and is a member of the AMGA Technical Committee. Since A.I.A.R.E’s inception in 1998 Howie has been integral in the development of the Levels 1, 2, & 3 avalanche courses. He is currently one of only a few guides qualified to lead teach A.I.A.R.E. Level 3 avalanche courses, which are required for AMGA Ski and Alpine Guide Certification.