Guiding in Europe's mountains

Hiring a guide

People hire guides for many reasons; it could be to give them direction in a new mountain region, to guard them from the pitfalls of a new activity such as snowshoeing, or to lead them on the perfect multi-day trek.

Guiding qualifications

When hiring a guide it's crucial to find out what the guide is qualified to do. In many European countries including France and Switzerland there are two recognised qualifications for mountaineering: the UIAGM International Mountain Guide (a 'Guide') and the UIMLA International Mountain Leader (an 'IML' or 'Accompagnateur'). The Guide can take clients on any terrain to do any activity: walking, climbing and skiing. The IML can take clients on walking terrain on mountains of any height, but not on glaciers.

An Alpine Exploratory guide will be an IML and a member of the British Association of International Mountain Leaders (BAIML). This follows our aim of exploring walking and trekking terrain in Europe; climbing, Alpinism and skiing are outside this focus and so we're afraid we don't offer any services at Guide level (UIAGM/IFMGA).

The International Mountain Leader (IML) and other awards - more on the IML qualification

Guided days on self-guided or bespoke holidays

Add one or more guided days to your self-guided or bespoke holiday. Having a guide to help plan a route and to lead you or your party round it can add great interest to your trip.

Self-Guided holidays in the Alps
Self-Guided holidays in the UK
Bespoke Holidays

Our guiding service

				Guiding Fees: 2012
Per day		Group size
Season	Dates	1	2	3	4	5	6
Spring	1 April to 30 June	£250	£285	£315	£340	£360	£375
Summer	1 July to 20 Sept	£280	£320	£355	£385	£410	£430
Autumn	20 Sept to 31 Dec	£250	£285	£315	£340	£360	£375
Winter	1 Jan to 30 March	£270	£310	£345	£375	£400	£420
Notes: 1 Guiding fees include all guide's expenses: transport, accommodation, food and drink. When comparing prices please bear in mind that it is common in the industry for guides' expenses to be extra. We feel that including expenses is a more transparent arrangement and more pleasant for both sides. 2 We might ask you to take a minimum number of days' guiding, depending on availability. 3 If your group is larger than 6 people, please contact us for a price. 4 Your guide is an International Mountain Leader and member of BAIML.

Contact us

Please email info@alpineexploratory.com and tell us your trekking plans. We'll be delighted to discuss the possibilities with you.

Guided and Self-Guided Holidays