Chauvin Guides has the only two AMGA certified alpine guides in the Mount Washington Valley who have passed exams in winter guiding skills. It also has the only two guides in the East who have completed all the advanced level training required of both alpine and ski mountaineering guides. Marc Chauvin, owner of CGI, is the only guide in the East who has met all the requirements to become an internationally certified mountain guide. He has passed all the exams in the rock, alpine and ski disciplines.

Headed by Marc Chauvin, CGI is committed to providing you with the highest quality instruction in the latest techniques. Marc has been instrumental in the development of the American Mountain Guides Association Rock Certification Program, which has recently met the approval of the International Federation of Mountain Guides Association. Marc has put the same commitment and dedication into this high level course goes into every aspect of the CGI Programs structure.

Marc has a diverse background in mountaineering. His experience began by hiking the Appalachian Trail in 1975 and soon after he turned to technical climbing. In 1977, Marc completed a number of big walls in Yosemite including an ascent of El Cap. He then began guiding in his native state of NH and became the director of a local climbing school. Marc started guiding high altitude climbs in 1986 including numerous trips to Mount McKinley, Aconcagua, the Himalayas, Ecuador and Peru. Seeing the need for professional standards in mountain guiding, Marc became involved with the American Mountain Guides Association, helping to develop its rock guides program as well as serving as an instructor and examiner. After twenty years of guiding, numerous courses and exams, Marc is the only internationally certified guide east of the Rockies and one of 5 guides in the country to become a member of the UIAGM, the highest level of recognition in guiding. Marc is a Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician, Technician Class Radio Operator and has completed the Level III Avalanche Course.

Guide Jay Philbrick is a retired Air Force jet pilot with 25 plus years of climbing and ski mountaineering experience. He has climbed and ski toured extensively in the Alps, in over 25 states and has guided in South America. As a pilot in the Air Force, Jay saw the benefit of a well structured system of training and examination that ensured he was always ready to successfully complete even the most difficult of missions. He believes that training and certification are as important in fulfilling his responsibilities as a mountain guide. Since changing professions, he has become an AMGA Certified Level I Rock and Certified Alpine Guide. He is the only other guide in the East to have completed AMGA advanced level training in both Ski Mountaineering and Alpine Guiding. Jay is also a Wilderness First Responder, Technician Class Radio Operator and has completed the Level III Avalanche Course.

Why do we at CGI require such high standards for our guides? The intensive training and exams we have gone through allow us to better meet your needs. Because our training focuses first and foremost on safety, we can give you the peace of mind that will allow you to learn and enjoy the mountain environment. Another benefit we offer is the ability to move groups efficiently, allowing time to teach you important skills and still provide you with the most climbing possible in a day. Because we are certified to an international standard, the skills you learn will be the latest techniques and methods from around the world. We choose routes that are best suited for you and that will allow you to broaden and expand your knowledge and achieve your goals. We aim to exceed your expectations and provide you with the best experience possible, whether you're a beginner or learning to lead.

CGI looks forward to sharing our love of the mountains and offering you a rewarding experience. Our guides take pride in providing you with exceptional service.

Beginning with our popular Introduction to Climbing and ending with our Leading Course we have broken down the various technical skills needed by the modern traditional style climber.

Our courses are listed in an order that builds upon itself to help you become self sufficient. Courses such as Setting Up Top Ropes, Rappelling, Leading and Self Rescue come with handouts so you can retain the information presented. Combining these scheduled courses with additional By Arrangement Days, you can personalize a curriculum that will allow you to develop into a confident and competent climber.

Introduction to Climbing 2 Days
This course is for the person who is new to climbing or someone who has climbed in a gym and wants to learn multi-pitch traditional climbing. The first day is spent learning the rope system of traditional climbing, followed by bouldering and a multi-pitch climb. The second day we will be climbing and reinforcing the lessons of the previous day. The bulk of our time on this course is spent climbing. Maximum ratio 3:1

Setting Up Top Ropes 2 Days
This course is for gym climbers or for people who have climbed with either a friend or guide and want to become self-sufficient in setting up their own top ropes. We teach you a systematic approach that will allow you to adapt to new areas using various types of anchors. This efficient system will let you spend more time climbing and less time setting up. We’ll start with nut placement, then move to anchoring. We will also cover belays from both the top and bottom of the cliff. Maximum ratio 6:1

Rappelling 1 Day
Often considered the most dangerous part of climbing, many climbers avoid it. By not having much experience in this technique, climbers can add to the risk. Rappelling is often done under stress such as fatigue or bad weather and that is not the time to perform a seldom practiced technique. This course will teach you how to efficiently transition from climbing to rappelling and how to execute multi-pitch rappels with and without fixed anchors. Maximum ratio 3:1
The goal of this course is to introduce you to the skills necessary to lead traditional climbs. It is designed for people who have experience setting up their own top ropes and who have seconded multi-pitch climbs. We will discuss anchoring and protection placement, systems for belaying leaders and seconds, racking, choosing the right length sling and finish with a mock lead. Although this is a good introduction, we recommend that you continue your education with a series of private or semi-private lessons before you do any leading. Maximum ratio 2:1

Self Rescue 2 Days
Are you often nagged by questions such as “what happens if ….” Or do you wonder how you would get off of a route with even a minor injury? Do these questions affect your climbing when doing longer routes? Often having the knowledge to solve problems can keep you from getting into trouble in the first place. Although self rescue can be complex, we bring you through a progression that builds upon itself to help you solve the problem at hand. Our teaching techniques allow you to retain the information so it will be useable if you ever need it. Maximum ratio 6:1

Guided Climbs and Custom Courses
If you would like a day of climbing or the above courses do not fit your needs or schedule, we can tailor a course and/or a time for you or your group. Whether it is training for an adventure race or a desire to climb a particular route on Cannon, Mount Washington, Cathedral or Whitehorse, training for a personal goal or a hike to a particular summit, let Chauvin Guides International help you learn and grow in the sport of climbing.

Top Rope Instructors Course
Chauvin Guides in conjunction with the AMGA will be offering a Top Rope Instructors Certificate. This four day curriculum has been developed by the AMGA. Clubs, camps and schools should consider enrolling their staff to acquire this credential. What better risk management tool is there than an education from a respected national association that is recognized worldwide as the representative of Americas guides.

Introduction to Ice and Snow
This two day course is for people who have little or no experience with crampons or ice axe. Previous technical climbing experience is not necessary. If you are interested in above treeline winter hiking, skiing the steeps, or climbing volcanoes like those in the Cascades or Mexico, this curriculum will focus on climbing techniques that are often needed for these trips. Ratio 3:1

Introduction to Waterfall Ice
This two day course can be used as a continuation of the Ice and Snow course to form a complete four day ice experience, or can be taken separately. If taken separately, technical climbing experience is a must. This course is for the rock climber or mountaineer who wants the steep ice experience. We will have you on the steeps in no time. Ratio 3:1

Two Day Learn to Lead Ice Course
Not for the faint of heart or the inexperienced. This course should be taken only by climbers who are already competent seconding on both low and high angled ice and snow. It can also be taken multiple times until you feel comfortable striking out on your own. We will cover all aspects of leading in this course and if we both feel you’re ready you will get a chance to lead.

Three Day Mountaineering Course
A three day one night course that combines the Introduction to Ice and Snow Course with a night learning winter camping skills. We start by covering the basics of crampon and ice axe use on the first day. Our second day we travel to either Huntington or Tuckerman Ravine where we will learn more about snow and ice climbing as well as avalanche awareness. The last day we will attempt to summit Mount Washington via a climb of a gully in one of these great ravines. A super way to get started in winter mountaineering. If you have already taken the Intro to Ice and Snow Course you may opt for taking only the last two days of this course. Ratio First day 3:1 Second and Third Day. Ratio 4:1

Two Day Advanced Mountaineering Course
Ultra-light packing techniques along with efficient movement skills, are the key to success. This course combines waterfall ice techniques with a night out to show you how it’s done. Our first morning will be spent food planning and learning minimal packing techniques. In the afternoon we will depart for a climb with a bivouac. The second day we finish the climb and then descend back to the car. Ice climbing experience and a high level of fitness are a must for this course.

Mount Washington Winter Ascent
A one day journey into the arctic is what’s in store on this trip. Our route will take us up toward Tuckerman and Huntington Ravine where we will then climb the wooded ridge of Lion’s Head, breaking out above treeline. 1200 vertical feet later you’ll be standing on top of New England. Although physically demanding, no previous winter climbing experience is necessary. Ratio 4:1
Groups of Three $105 per person ; Groups of Four: $95 per person

Presidential Traverse
A three day expedition across the arctic-like Northern Presidential Range. Often used as training for the larger peaks, this trip is no practice session. What makes this trip so seemingly innocent is its accessibility, convenient it may be, but no less difficult. If you want an adventure packed three day weekend, this trip is for you. Previous winter camping experience and basic use of crampons and ice axe are a must. Ratio 4:1

Private Courses and Guided Climbs
If the dates above do not fit your needs a guided climb could be just what you need. From the classics in Crawford Notch to the wind swept gullies of Huntington Ravine or maybe Lake Willoughby or the Black Dike, we’ll help you fullfill your goals.

Backcountry Alpine Ski Camp
Downhill skiers, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. Using inserts that fit into your alpine ski bindings along with climbing skins, you will use your downhill skis and boots to approach remote ravines on Mount Washington. We will skin up the Gulf of Slides ski trail to our camp and ski the rest of the day away. The second day we may find ourselves accessing another ravine before packing up and skiing back to Pinkham. Skiers should be able to ski most black diamond trails at ski areas. Ratio 5:1

Avalanche Courses
CGI is teaching and sponsoring a complete avalanche curriculum this season. The Level I course is for recreational users and covers interpreting avalanche forecasts, route finding, use of beacons, and rescue procedures. The Level II course is for those who want to delve more into the science of the snowpack. This course develops observer skills and is a must for anyone considering any type of professional outdoor winter work in avalanche terrain. The Level III course is a professional level forecasting and assessment course. Karl Klassen, President of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides will be our guest instructor for Level II and Level III.