Mountain guide

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Austrian mountain guides Anselm Klotz (left) and Josef Frey (right), 19th century

This article does not cite any references or sources. (January 2007)
Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

Mountain guides are specially trained and experienced mountaineers and professionals who are generally certified by an association. They are considered experts in mountaineering.

1 Skills
2 Organization
3 See also
4 External links

[edit] Skills

Their skills usually include climbing, skiing and hiking. Their knowledge includes furthermore the topics rocks, snowcraft, weather, navigation, avalanches and health, each practically and theoretically. Most guides work only in certain (familiar) areas. The main issue is guiding through routes and the successful performance of a tour.

Mountain guides are employed by groups or individuals assuring the safety of the climbing party. This professional class of guides arose in the middle of the 19th century when Alpine climbing became recognized as a sport.

[edit] Organization

Mountain guides are commonly organized in national and international associations. The biggest international organization is the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations located in Gstaad, Switzerland.