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A Guide to the Mountains - Qualifications required by a mountain guide in Europe

Kevin Albin writes for Guide2MidiPyrenees on the subject of mountain guides

In most of the larger towns in the French mountains, there is a shop not found in the UK.  It is the Bureau de Guides, and it is where you go to buy the services of a guide.  There are two recognised qualifications for taking people into the mountains.  You would use an Alpine Guide (UIAGM/IFMGA) if you wanted to go on glacial routes or places where you would be expected to be roped together.

Outside of that, you could use an Accompagnateur en Montagne.  He or she might lead you on trekking routes, ascents to summits, and snowshoeing.  They will have a good knowledge of the area, its flora and fauna, and probably other interesting facts such as its history or geology.  They will guide you on the chosen route, organise accommodation if staying in mountain refuges and in the case of an accident or emergency, organise and conduct the rescue.  The French use them all the time.

Although the UK doesn’t have the Guides Office in towns, it does have the Accompagnateurs.  They are called International Mountain Leaders (IML), and are licensed by the British Association of International Mountain Leaders (BAIML.  They are trained and assessed to the same level as all the countries who form part of a Union (UIMLA), and that includes France.  This is no small task and will take most individuals at least three years to accomplish. 

To start the scheme, there’s a prerequisite that you hold a mountain leader qualification for working in the UK in summer time.  Then the training for the IML is in two parts, summer and winter.  You have to pass the first before tackling the second, and the assessments are held outside of the UK, typically in the European Alps.  You’ll also have to pass a speed navigation test, a written exam paper, have knowledge of a second language, and give four presentations on mountain subjects.  It’s quite a commitment, so you’ll need to be passionate about working in the mountains.

Legally speaking, the two recognised qualifications are the only two, permitted to lead groups in the mountains in France, and there have been cases in the Alps of unqualified ‘guides’ being arrested by the Gendarmes, who incidentally are often Alpine Guides.  If you are booking with a company or an individual, it may be worth checking the qualification held by the person looking after you.  All IMLs hold a carnet and badge of UIMLA, and have liability insurance.  They will all be first aid trained and to a level appropriate to the environment they are working in.  They are all listed on the BAIML website, and will welcome your approach.

Kevin Albin

I spent 25 exciting years in the police service in the UK but have always been active in the outdoors. It was a natural choice to have a second career working as an outdoor instructor, and guiding in the mountains and on expeditions.

 I hold the Summer, Winter, and International Mountain Leader Awards and I am a member of the British Association of International Mountain Leaders (BAIML). This association ensures that its members are qualified and up to date in their knowledge and experience.

I believe that life is about experiences, both those we have and those we impart on others. Travelling in the mountains or other environments is a great way to have new experiences and to encounter new people. I also have a passion for nature, which never ceases to amaze me in its beauty, complexity and balance. So, I'm very much in the ideal job!

Holidays in the Pyrenees Mountains

Kevin runs Let Loose with Adventure, and organises walking and snowshoeing holidays in the spectacular Pyrenees Mountains.  Have a look at the Let Loose with Adventure webpage for more information.

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