The first five days of the exam are conducted on routes chosen by the examiners. During the climbs, participants serve as guides to the examiners as well as other participants. The climbs include complex guiding and route finding situations in alpine rock and glaciated terrain, as well as tests of other peripheral areas of alpine guiding knowledge. Impromptu rescue situations can occur at any time during the exam. Throughout the exam, particular focus is placed on client and guide security.
Examiners grade specific skill areas each day.
Areas of greatest importance, such as client and guide security, are weighed heaviest. Participants receive copies of their daily score cards by mail after the exam. The final day of the exam includes an individual debrief and exam evaluation. The Ice Guiding Seminar is designed for those with a strong ice climbing background who aspire to become professional guides in the winter waterfall environment, and for instructors and guides who are interested in improving their skills and increasing their knowledge. This course addresses the needs of many guides in this country guiding frozen waterfalls and steep snow in demanding winter conditions.