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Work for Paragon

Backcountry guiding can be a dream job for many and a draw to move to the mountains. What does it take to become a guide?  What does backcountry guiding look like with Paragon Guides?

Paragon Guides is always on the lookout for qualified individuals with a passion for sharing the backcountry with our participants. We have a pool of guides that are offered trips and tours based on our bookings and a guide’s personal schedule.  Most guides work for Paragon on a per trip or tour commission basis, some, working just a few days a season, or up to 3-5 days a week for a senior guide.  There are only a few full-time positions, and those are currently filled.  Most of our guides enjoy the very flexible schedule of guiding and work other jobs for their main income. Many of our guides have worked with us for decades.  Please note: housing is not provided.

Training time, knowledge of local trails and the hut system, and an understanding of our programs takes time before a new guide is ready to lead day or multi-day tours. Training time varies with the experience level that you bring to the table. While we run trips and tours year round, our high season times are June-September and December-March.

Paragon’s own training consists of a 3-day, overnight guide training with the whole team in the backcountry, at a hut or camping, at the beginning of each season, accompanied by additional day trainings for specific tours such as Llama Lunches, Rock Climbing or Snowshoeing.  Training will also include shadowing tours, guiding as an assistant with a senior guide, and gaining experience days in the backcountry. Many of our guides become great friends and can be found off on adventures on their none guiding days just for the fun of it.  Guide pay reflects levels of experience with Paragon and our Field Director’s promotion of a guide to the next level based on job performance.  Many of our guides stick to specialties such as just snowshoeing or fly fishing, others do it all. Additional work can be helping with shuttles, cleaning gear, some administration tasks, and working with our llamas (to include corral cleaning!).

Guide Certification Requirements:

• As stipulated by our Special Use Permit with the USFS:
  • Guides are required to have First Aid and CPR
  • Assistant Guides need basic first aid, but Wilderness First Aid is preferred
  • Head Guides need Wilderness First Responder or higher
• Additional certifications such as an Outdoor Education degree, AMGA, NOLS, etc, are appreciated and will accelerate advancement to head guide
• Avalanche Training (Winter guides):
  • Asst. Guides need Level l but Level ll is preferred
  • Head Guides need Level ll or higher
• Additional Training / knowledge and outdoor skills
• Experience in group dynamics, leadership, navigation, survival skills
• Flora/Fauna, Natural History, Ecology, and a passion for learning and sharing
• Advancing to Head Guide requires determined leadership skills, attention to the details of organizing for a trip or tour, working with and communicating to your guide team, and direct communication with our participants to help them prepare for their adventure.