Petzl to Host Mountain Guide Conference

Showcasing its state-of-the-art vertical training facility, Petzl will host the American Mountain Guide Association’s (AMGA) annual conference at the new Petzl Technical Institute in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 22-24.

More than a hundred of America’s top guides will converge at the 15,000-square-foot world-class technical training center to discuss training and certification standards. The three-day summit will focus on training methodologies, guiding standards, and rescue techniques for those who work and play in the vertical world, according to sources at Petzl.

“Petzl has always led the way when it comes to innovation for vertical endeavors, and having this kind of facility to host meetings, trainings and tests around equipment and protocol showcases the dedication we have to that mission,” said Jesse Williams, Petzl Technical Institute manager and an AMGA guide.

Petzl developed the Petzl Technical Institute, which opened last year, to promote the proper application of technical skills, allowing for guides with a variety of backgrounds to exchange best practices and work with the gear manufacturer on approved use methods. Ultimately, this convergence of industry experts allows for immediate feedback between the gear manufacturer and the guides who use the gear on a regular basis, says the company. The facility features a 55-foot tall climbing wall with multi-pitch capability, more than 5,000 square feet of exposed structure climbing for tower rescue, and three classrooms capable of accommodating up to 135 people, among other features.

Petzl operates a similar training facility at its worldwide headquarters in France.