MOUNTAIN GUIDING: 10 VITAL TRUTHS TO UPGRADE SKILLS AND AVOID DEADLY RISKS

COTOPAXI CARA SUR

 1. Stay safe

Be cautious and escape traumas in every possible way. Clients’ safety depends on the mountain guide’s ability to perform his/her job at the highest professional level. Even microtraumas can create unnecessary risks. For this reason, mountain guides need to invest in first class gear, make sure they have extra supplies (e.g. having extra supplies of bottled oxygen is very crucial when summiting Mount Everest with clients), be physically fit and go through medical examination on a regular basis.
 

2. Feedback promotes growth

Talk to the client after the adventure. Mountain guides need feedback from clients to help identify strengths and weaknesses. Make it a rule. Sometimes criticism is the best motivation. The conversation may not always be a pleasant one, but this will help you grow professionally.
 

3. Share your plans

Take time to discuss plans with the group. Briefings every morning will help everyone understand the itinerary and prepare themselves for the route. By sharing plans, you send a message to your clients: you take care of them, appreciate their company and want to help them acquire new experiences.
 

4. No monkey business

Be serious. An expedition is no place for fooling around and showing off. A mountain guide needs to be a coach and treat the clients like own children. Keep your word and stay confident. A client does not want to see you upset, weak or having addictions. As you know, mountaineering is a highly risky activity which depends on team work. And the team needs a leader to follow.
 

5. Share your passion

Sell outdoor activities emotionally. Share your passion with the client. Educate your clients on how to act in the mountains, expose them to the wonders of nature. Mountain guiding is where technical skills meet true passion. Just keep it in mind. It will help to better promote your services and engage new members into the Alpine Community.
 

6. Be a good sport person

Set good examples for your client. This relates to physical strength and ability to endure physical exhaustion. In short, the mountain guide needs to be a good sport, figuratively and otherwise. This is why exercising is essential for mountain guide training. In general, certified mountain guides are required to go through examination and evaluation of their skills and physical condition once in 3-5 years.
 

7. Arrogance is the worst policy

Don’t be arrogant. Your clients won’t like it and will treat you accordingly. Do not pretend to know everything. On the contrary, ask for clients’ opinion. Sometimes people who keep bossing others around fail to see vital things. It may sound strange, but clients may also share some good thoughts and insights on the climb.
 

8. Study your client

Get to know your client in advance. Climbing is no place for unexpected discoveries. Always identify clients’ goals and study his mountain experience before striking a deal. What kind of climbs has your client done? Whose mountain guide service was he using? This is where mountainplanet.com can help you to find a guide your client used before and get feedback. Who knows, you might learn something to make you reconsider leading him.
 

9. No place for argument

Don’t argue with the client. This can be the worst thing to happen. If it happens, find a moment to sit together and sort it out. You need to be confident your client won’t fail you. There could be moments when your life may depend on your client’s performance and willingness to help.
 

10. Clients’ security comes first

The client entrusts you with his life. Clients’ safety is the ultimate priority and there may be no second chance. Every mountain guide should remember that.