Occupationshow to become a Professional Mountain Climbing Guide
A myriad of people dream of climbing high mountains, many of them even spend thousands of dollar to achieve this goal. Thus, they live their dreams whilst their guides do the very same and get paid to do so. Professional mountain climbing guides routinely help clients to scale mountains to enjoy the most picturesque scenery, whilst enjoying all the challenges that mountain climbing entails. Yet professional mountain climbing is not for the fainthearted nor is it a job which one can simply step into without training and experience. Read on to learn how to become a mountain climbing guide.
First and foremost, one needs to go mountain climbing as often as possible to increase their experience. The more experience one garners, the easier it will be to take the necessary guide exams. Yet one can’t simply march up a mountain a few times and deem themselves experts. One also needs to take a mountaineering course. To become a professional mountain climbing guide one needs to be able to read the weather, know the mountains and its many risks.
One also needs to gain experience on an assortment of ranges and varied terrain as well. They must not be afraid of heights and challenges for mountain climbing can be extremely challenging at times. One should also take a first-aid course and be prepared for all the risks that mountain climbing entails. Mountaineering is a test of endurance and perseverance. One truly needs to have a love for the great outdoors. Putting hands and feet on rocks, snow and ice to finally reach a summit is hard work.
Being high above the world of civilization, the climber can pause and admire the raw beauty of their surrounds. Yet one also needs to be able to cope with very high altitudes. Mountaineering is also called alpinism and is not just about climbing high mountains. One needs to be skilled at using crampons, ice axes, ropes and cams. Steep rocky slopes and talus fields (sloping areas of rock rubble) are all par for the course. Cautiously stepping along airy ridges which are studded with spiked pinnacles or isolated spire perched atop a mountain ridge, is par for the course as well.
As one can see, there are many perils involved with mountain climbing and one surely needs to take this into the equation prior to committing themselves to becoming a mountain climbing guides. One also needs to be prepared for the unexpected and not panic buckle under when danger and drama comes into play. Lightning can stab out of the sky at any time and thunderstorms form quickly and can drench one with rain and sleet.
Rock fall and avalanches sweep down mountains at times and one need to have quick reflexes. Assorted difficulties can slow one down and force them to bivouac in the open. People can stumble, slip and slides and have accidents, this can cause a host of complications. You being the mountain climbing guide will need to know emergency tactics and how to carry them out with confidence instead of panic. This is why one needs a great deal of experience and interaction with professional mountain climbing guides.
One can learn a great deal from them in relation to what it takes to be safe whilst in the mountains. Apart from that, they will teach you what equipment is needed for mountain climbing, how to use it correctly, how to climb safely and safety tips. One will also need to learn all about mountain climbing knots, the history of mountain climbing and so much more. The more you learn, the safer you and your future clienst will be so soak up as much knowledge as possible.
A host of mountain climbing courses can be found on the internet. One needs to ensure that the course they choose is a reputable one so do some research first. The American Mountain Guides Association and Alpine Ascent International lead classes. Once certified, seek employment with guide service or set up your own mountain climbing guide business. Some people aren’t too fussed with the restrictions placed on them when working for a guide service. Others aren’t too impressed with the pay at times, particularly when compared to the risks they take to ensure everyone is safe. But whether they go into employ for others or start their own mountain climbing guide business is a personal choice.
Read books on teaching mountaineering and develop some exercise routines which you feel comfortable with. Mountaineering is hard work and one must be in peak condition. Then garner some more knowledge by asking professionals how they evaluate their client’s skills. Last but not least, remember that people from all walks of life shall be clients. One will need to be patient, supportive and friendly and make their clients feel comfortable with them whilst enjoying their climbing expedition.
