IFMGA MOUNTAIN GUIDES

The certified UIAGM- IFMGA Mountain Guides, professionals of the mountains

The mountain guide is a professional qualified to guide groups and individuals in rock climbing and ice climbing ascents, hiking excursions, ski mountaineering expeditions and skiing excursions, teaching them the mountaineering and ski mountaineering techniques, but not the downhill and cross-country skiing techniques.

A mountain guide is a specially trained and experienced professional mountaineer who is certified by mountain guide associations. They are considered to be high level experts in mountaineering and are hired to instruct or lead individuals or small groups who required this advance expertise.

Mountain guides are professionally qualified and technically skilled to carry out a wide range of activities, including rock climbing, mountaineering, ski mountaineering, off piste skiing, icefall climbing, and canyoning. However, there is much more to include: the training for mountain guides also involves theoretical lessons on subjects like environmental knowledge, snow science, self-rescue techniques, risk evaluation and awareness, as well as interpersonal skills. This is the reason why the mountain guides are the only professionals of the mountains recognized on a national and internationals scale.

The mountain guides

• Lead and instruct people in the mountains
• Respect and value the natural environment
• Are internationally recognized professionals
• Wear the UIAGM-IFMGA badge
• Promote a safe approach to the mountains
• Are registered in the mountain guide’s regional professional register
• Are provided with a specific identification card
• Periodically attend refresher courses

Activities

The mountain guides are the only professional qualified to guide mountaineering excursions and teach the mountaineering techniques and the correct use of the necessary equipment. The mountain guides are experts in several different fields: mountaineering. High mountain, ski mountaineering, rock and ice climbing, canyoning, safety training for works at height, off- piste skiing

Refresher courses and specializations

The mountain guides are constantly updating and honing their skills and knowledge. In order to be qualified to practice as mountain guides, they must attend a compulsory refresher course every three years.

Activities

• Rock climbing
• Ice climbing
• High altitude mountaineering
• Ski mountaineering
• Ski tours
• Trekking
• Peak climbing
• City tours

Trainings

• beginners’ rock-climbing course
• intermediate rock-climbing course
• Basic mountain rescue courses
• Ice climbing level 1
• Ski level 1
• Alpine climbing courses
• Glaciers training courses
• Mountaineering courses

Booking and information request