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| 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.
