Mountain Guide

The Exped Tribe philosophy: the best guides for unique adventures on the mountain

As a specialized mountain school and travel provider, Exped Tribe embodies a clear philosophy: authentic mountain and expedition experiences based on the highest level of professionalism and local expert knowledge. At the heart of everything we do is the conviction that true mountain experiences can only be created through first-class guiding and sound training.

Training and certifications

Our standards are reflected in the careful selection of our mountain guides, hiking guides and climbing instructors. We work exclusively with professionals who are qualified according to recognized international standards such as IFMGA/UIAA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations) or UIMLA (Union of International Mountain Leader Associations) (Union of International Mountain Leader Associations). These standards guarantee comprehensive expertise in all aspects of mountain guiding – from technical skills to safety management and understanding of nature. In Switzerland, we also work with federal climbing instructors where it makes sense for the course content.

Trips abroad and expeditions

A special feature of our philosophy is the deliberate use of local mountain guides on our expedition trips. These experts have generations of knowledge about their home regions – be it in the Himalayas, the Andes or other mountain ranges around the world. Their deep understanding of local conditions, weather patterns, cultural peculiarities and hidden routes enriches every expedition with authenticity and maximum safety. At Exped Tribe, we see mountaineering and expeditions not as mere sporting activities, but as holistic experiences that connect people with nature, foreign cultures and, last but not least, with themselves. Our mountain guides are not just technical guides, but facilitators of these multi-layered experiences. Depending on the country and participants, our mountain guides speak English, German and sometimes also Italian and Spanish. Of course, we also organize trips with mountain guides from the DACH region at the customer’s request or have the trip accompanied by a member of Exped Tribe, who serves as an intermediary and ensures the well-being of the group during the trip.

What do our mountain guides do?

• They plan and lead tours in alpine and high alpine terrain, taking into account weather, snow conditions and risk factors
  
• They are responsible for the safety of the group through continuous risk assessment and situational decisions
  
• Mountain guides are proficient in complex rescue techniques and first aid measures for emergency situations in the mountains
  
• They teach technical skills such as rope and safety techniques for climbing, glacier crossing and alpinism
  
• They share their knowledge of the mountain world, local geology, flora, fauna and cultural features
  
• Mountain guides make key decisions about route selection, pace and necessary adjustments based on group abilities and conditions
  
• They serve as a cultural bridge and translator in foreign regions

Would you like to know more about our core team of mountain guides? Click here!

Would you like to book a trip or tour in the Alps with our mountain guides? You can find our offers here:

The mountain guide training

2. aspirant course

After a successful entrance examination, the aspirant course follows, which lasts around 8-9 weeks and extends over various seasons. On average, prospective aspirants spend 2 to 3 years in this phase. Here, prospective mountain guides deepen their knowledge of:

• Rock climbing and alpine guiding techniques
• Ice climbing and glacier guiding
• Ski touring and avalanche awareness
• First aid and rescue techniques
• Orientation and tour planning

3. Aspirant period

The aspirant period is an essential phase in the training to become a mountain guide. During this approximately one-year period, aspirants must:

• Work at least 30 different alpine tours as support behind a patented mountain guide
• Carry out independent tours to deepen their personal skills
• Gain practical experience in guiding guests under supervision

4. final course and exam

The crowning finale is the final course, which lasts around 3-4 weeks and is followed by an examination. Here, prospective mountain guides must demonstrate their skills in all relevant areas:

• Alpine guiding on rock, ice and combined terrain
• Ski guiding in high alpine terrain
• Emergency management and rescue techniques
• Theoretical knowledge of meteorology, alpine history and legal aspects

The significance of the training

The intensive training to become a mountain guide in Switzerland comprises a total of around 80-100 training days and lasts at least three years. This thorough preparation is essential, as mountain guides take responsibility for the lives and safety of their guests on a daily basis.

The comprehensive training contributes significantly to the fact that our mountain guides are among the most sought-after experts in mountain sports worldwide and are valued for their professional approach.

Continuous training as an ongoing process

The learning process does not end when you obtain your mountain guide license. Our mountain guides are obliged to undergo regular further training in order to keep up to date with the latest techniques, equipment and safety standards. The Swiss Mountain Guide Association offers special training courses for this purpose, which must be completed every three years in order to maintain the validity of the license.

The rigorous and comprehensive mountain guide training in Switzerland guarantees the highest quality and safety for all mountain enthusiasts who entrust themselves to the guidance of these professionals.

A little history of mountain guiding: from local helpers to international professionals

The beginnings in the 18th century

The emergence of mountain guiding is closely linked to the growing fascination with the Alps in the 18th century. Initially, it was scientists who wanted to climb the peaks for research purposes. Later, the European bourgeoisie, especially the nature-loving British, discovered the mountains as a place for adventure and recreation.

However, these early alpinists faced a fundamental problem: they had neither the local knowledge nor the practical knowledge to navigate safely through the high mountains. The solution was found in the local mountain population, who had extensive mountain experience through their daily work as hunters, shepherds, crystal seekers or smugglers.

The local men, who initially acted as simple porters and guides, soon became indispensable companions for the “masters” from the cities. What started out as a casual job developed into an important economic mainstay for many mountain dwellers, supplementing their meagre agricultural income.

Formalization of the mountain guide profession in the 19th century

With the rise of Alpine tourism in the 19th century, the need arose to organize and professionalize the mountain guide trade. The first local mountain guide associations were formed, which set standards for safety and quality.

Examples of this early institutionalization are the Heiligenblut Mountain Guide Association, which was founded in 1870, and the Kals Mountain Guide Association, which was founded a year earlier. These associations served not only to ensure quality, but also to protect local guides from competition from outside the area.

The increasing popularity of alpinism also led to the emergence of alpine associations, which worked closely with the mountain guides and promoted their professionalization. The first mountain guide regulations and tariffs were established, and official mountain guide patents were introduced in some regions.

Internationalization in the 20th century

A decisive milestone in the history of mountain guiding was the founding of the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IVBV/UIAGM/IFMGA) in 1965. The mountain guide associations from Austria, Italy (with Aosta Valley), France and Switzerland joined forces to create common standards and promote international recognition of the profession.

This internationalization reflects the development of mountaineering, which had changed from a regional activity to a global phenomenon. Since then, the IVBV has expanded considerably and now comprises 26 member countries – from New Zealand to Bolivia and Nepal – with over 6,000 mountain guides worldwide.

The central tasks of the IVBV include:

• The definition of uniform, internationally recognized training standards
• Representing mountain guides at a global level and in dealings with authorities
• Lobbying for the free movement of professionals so that mountain guides can carry out their activities without restrictions in different countries

The modern mountain guide profession

Today’s mountain and ski guide is much more than a simple guide. Through extensive and high-quality training, they have developed into experts in all areas of alpinism. The job description includes not only technical skills in rock, ice and ski mountaineering, but also comprehensive knowledge of meteorology, geology, first aid, rescue techniques and risk management.

Modern mountain guide training takes several years and includes intensive practical and theoretical examinations. Only after successfully completing this training are mountain guides officially authorized to guide and accompany people on mountain and ski tours.

Over the centuries, mountain guiding has developed from a secondary activity for the mountain population to a recognized and highly qualified profession whose practitioners play a central role in alpine tourism and alpine safety.

Do you need more information to plan your next mountain tour?

This is where we at Exped Tribe come into play!
Give us a call or send us your wishes via the contact form and we will get in touch with you as soon as possible. We can discuss your wishes and needs immediately. So nothing stands in the way of a safe expedition at high altitude!