Mountain Guide

Job Summary

Outdoor sport and recreation guides organize and conduct outdoor activities such as mountain expeditions and climbing, avalanche, rescue, and skiing clinics

Qualifications

To work in national and provincial parks, mountain guides must be certified by the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Certification as a mountain guide requires successful completion of the requirements for Alpine Guide and Ski Guide certificates. To attend the required courses, applicants should:

be at least 19 years of age

meet minimum climbing and skiing experience requirements (at least three years of experience in a variety of conditions)

have completed a Level 1 Avalanche course

have first aid certification

be in good health.

Becoming a certified mountain guide generally takes three to five years. It involves training in guiding techniques, work experience and assessment (including final exams). Most of the curriculum is field-based and involves practical exercises.

Responsibilities

Mountain guides organize and conduct climbing, hiking and skiing expeditions in the mountains. In general, they are responsible for:

planning expeditions and instructional sessions that are appropriate for client skill and ability levels and environmental conditions

assembling the required equipment and supplies

selecting and caring for any animals required (e.g. horses, dogs)

arranging transportation to and from the starting point

leading the group during the expedition

providing information about local vegetation, wildlife and natural history

preparing meals and setting up camp on overnight expeditions

providing first aid services when they are needed.

Mountain guides may also teach skills to skiers, climbers and mountaineers. They may specialize in skiing, rock climbing, alpine climbing, hiking or instructing on climbing structures.

Personal Qualities

at least 18 years of age and in good health

outgoing and enthusiastic

strong leadership and conflict resolution skills

patience, especially when dealing with inexperienced or troublesome clients

the ability to handle emergency situations effectively

commitment to ensuring client safety.

They should enjoy dealing with people, planning and arranging expeditions and handling equipment and supplies.

Advancement Opportunities?

Most mountain guides are self-employed or employed by outfitters.

Many outdoor sport and recreation guides work from May to October and find other employment during the winter months. The growing popularity of helicopter skiing has created new employment opportunities for mountain guides in the winter months. The slack periods for mountain guides are spring and fall.

In large organizations, experienced outdoor sport and recreation guides may move into supervisory positions.

Pay Range

100.00 – 350.00 per day plus gratuities in some cases however there are many “down” days where there is no work available.