Working as an IFMGA Mountain Guide Aspirant

There are rules that govern how IFMGA mountain guide aspirants are allowed to work. These rules grant us endless of opportunities to explore the mountains together.

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Working under direct supervision:

• Under direct supervision the mountain guide and the mountain guide aspirant need be together for the majority of the tour.

• I have the right to guide guests for payment on all tours, without restrictions, both winter and summer in Switzerland, France, Norway and Sweden.

 

Working under indirect supervision:

• Under indirect supervision, the mountain guide is not required to be present on site during the activity. The jointly responsible mountain guide clarifies before the tour or course, whether the planned activities are within the permitted scope and whether the terrain, the conditions and the human factor allow the activity to be carried out. 

 

Sweden and Norway

• I have the right to guide guests under indirect supervision for payment on all tours, without restrictions, both winter and summer. 

 

Switzerland

I have the right to guide guests for payment under the following activities for a maximum of three consecutive days in Switzerland:

 

In the summery mountains:

• Mountain/alpine tours terrain of difficulty L (SAC grading scale)

• Alpine hiking with difficulty T1-T4 (SAC grading scale)

• Climbing single or multi-pitch routes and via ferratas, provided that the difficulties of the ascent and descent are within the permitted scope.

In the wintry mountains:

• Ski/snowboard tours with difficulty L and WS (SAC grading scale)

• Off-piste descents in the area of the ski lift facilities with difficulty levels L-S (SAC grading scale)

• Heliskiing without glacier with difficulty L and WS (SAC grading scale)

• Snowshoe tours with difficulty WT1-WT4 (SAC grading scale)

• Ice climbing on artificial ice structures that are inspected regularly by competent persons. 

 

Working independently

I have the right to guide guests for payment in Switzerland under the following activities:

 

In the summery mountains:

• Alpine hiking with difficulty T1-T3 (SAC grading scale)

• Climbing in Climbing gyms

• Rock climbing at single-pitch crags (Klettergarten)

In the wintry mountains:

• Off-piste descents in the area of the ski lift facilities with difficulty levels L (SAC grading scale)

• Snowshoe tours with difficulty WT1-WT2 (SAC grading scale)

 

Examples of activities we can do whilst I work independently or under indirect supervision:

Skiing

• Off-piste skiing next to the ski system

• Beginner to intermediate level (SAC grade WS/PD) ski touring

• Avalanche Course (companion rescue and risk mitigation planning) 

• Crevasse Rescue Course (self-rescue, companion rescue, and snow anchors) 

• Rope techniques for skiers (ropework for glacier travel, belaying, abseiling, and snow/ice/rock anchors)

 

Indoor Climbing

• Coaching (improve your technique and climbing specific strength)

 

Rock climbing (Klettergärten – Single Pitch Climbing)

• Introduction to rock climbing (e.g., tying knots, belaying, abseiling)

• Basic Rock Rescue Course (self-rescue and companion rescue)  

• Coaching (improve your technique and climbing specific strength)

 

Hiking (T1-T3)

• Organised hiking trips

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If you want to be guiding by me, reach out and we will discuss alternatives together and I will make the necessary arrangement to make it possible.​​