Trekking guide qualifications for leading trekking trips in Europe

As a Dive Master for the National Association of Underwater Instructors, I remember my course instructor saying:

'We only certify SCUBA guides if we would trust them with our own children.'

I think that standard could be applied to almost any field involving adventure sports.

However, when it comes to walking in the mountainous regions of the world, dangers of the trail don't seem to be a subject for those involved.

Statistically speaking, there are more rescues involving walkers than there are mountaineers.

Obviously, there are far greater numbers of walkers on the trails in the Alps than climbers, and this relative 'comfort in numbers' theory seems to apply most particularly when 'guided' groups are hiking the classics such as the Tour du Mont Blanc.

At the peak of the summer season, there are literally hundreds of folks circumnavigating the Mont Blanc Massif on any given day.

But are they safe?

Safe from what you may ask?

True, the trail network in Europe is well-marked and almost free of objective hazards.

Yet, every year, the rescue helicopters from the various Alpine countries buzz overhead like a swarm of bees, plucking injured walkers from precarious perches and recovering bodies of victims who took one step too many over the precipice.

How could this happen you may ask? Good question. But one solution to diminish the risk is to hire certified trekking guides and high mountain guides.

'Who needs a guide?'

'I have hiked around Annapurna, done the Muir Trail and regularly hike on long weekends...'

One hears this very often. OK, but:

can you read a map in the event of a sudden summer snow storm causing the trail to disappear under 40 cm of powder?
do you have a cell phone or emergency radio linking you to mountain rescue and how is your CPR?
do you speak the language of the country allowing you to explain what the emergency is and where to locate you?
and do you want to follow the other readers of guidebooks around the same network of trails instead of taking so many of those little-known variations where the mountain goats such as the Ibex rest during the hottest part of the day?

But more importantly than seeing wildlife and being away from the crowds are the notions of safety, liability and rescue.

Certified trekking guides and high mountain guides in member countries throughout Europe are the only ones legally allowed to accompany groups against remuneration. All others are breaking the law and can be prosecuted. By knowingly hiring them, you, as a client, are putting yourself at risk.

So what exactly is a certified trekking guide?

A certified trekking guide has been granted the authority by his or her government to lead walks in summer and winter on non-glaciated terrain.

Certified trekking guides are skilled in both summer and winter travel and have completed courses on avalanche hazard assessment, mountain rescue and first aid, the use of transceivers, weather, flora and fauna, history, physiology of exercise and many other subjects.

Before the candidate is given his or her diploma, a thesis of about 100 pages must be submitted to the committee of assessors who then spend nearly an hour 'grilling' the candidate on his or her subject, motivations for becoming a trekking guide and a large array of questions.

A certified trekking guide in France for example, has to pass a three day entrance exam which includes a very long walk with up to 1700 meters of vertical ascent followed 15 minutes later by a rigorous and technical course over scree slopes, rocky outcrops, steep grass and some down climbing on sections of rock. The next day is the orienteering exam, but is considered more like a race since candidates have very little time to find 5 hanging blazes using various navigation techniques. The third day involves interviews with the various examiners who are mountain guides, trekking guides and government officials from the various ministries.

Once the candidate successfully passes the entrance exam, he or she has three years to complete a series of courses covering the full spectrum of mountain-related topics. At the end of each course, the candidate is given a grade which can eliminate them from the training program, forcing them to re-take the course the following year.

During the last year of training, the candidate must work under the supervision of a fully-qualified trekking guide for a period of several months, enabling the mentor to assess the candidate's ability to lead walks safely in the mountains. Once all requirements have been fulfilled, the newly certified European Mountain Leader may begin to work once he or she has purchased full professional liability insurance provided by the trekking guide syndicate.

A certified trekking guide also has to go to a mandatory refresher course every 6 years, to ensure, update and maintain the quality of the profession.

All this, you may ask, just to go walking.

It may seem superfluous, but Europe has a long tradition of mountaineering and hill walking and many of the first guides' offices were set up in the Alps.

Leading walking trips is for many a full-time occupation, and certification has allowed for fewer accidents and a better understanding of the delicate mountain ecology.

When hiring a trekking guide take advantage of their expertise.

They are well-versed in local lore, traditional practices, flora and fauna and can give you, the paying client a far better understanding of where you are walking.

Prior to signing up for a trip, ask some basic questions. They could save your life.

Ask your tour operator if they hire qualified mountain guides or trekking guides.

Ask for references from other clients that have been on the trip you would like to undertake.

When you meet your guide, ask for proof of certification. In many European countries, trekking guides must carry all documents describing their professional diplomas since there may be spot checks along the way to prevent fraud and illegal trekking guides from endangering clients' lives.

We all work hard during the year, and our well-earned holidays should meet our expectations.

Before sending the final payment to the tour operator that will take you on the 'adventure of your lifetime', ask yourself; would I trust these folks with my children, my partner or with close friends? If the answer is no, keep looking.

Guiding and trekking organizations:

IFMGA/UIAGM: Highest certification for High Mountain guides in the world. This diploma allows guides to take clients climbing, skiing and mountaineering.
www.ivbv.info

AEM: Association National des Accompagnateurs en Montagne. French Trekking Guide Association. In France, trekking guides are certified by the French Ministry of Youth and Sports.
www.lesaem.org

BAEML: British Association of European Mountain Leaders. Member of the UIAA and adheres to European Community Standards for Trekking Guides.
www.baiml.org

Similar associations exist in Switzerland (ASAM), Italy, Spain, Belgium (UPMM); Germany and Austria are to follow.

When hiring a trekking guide, take advantage of their expertise. They are well-versed in local lore, traditional practices, flora and fauna and can give you, the paying client a far better understanding of where you are walking. Ask your tour operator if they hire qualified mountain guides or trekking guides. When you meet your guide, ask for proof of certification.