ABOUT US – OnTop Mountainteering
OnTop is owned and operated by Jorg Wilz, an internationally-certified Mountain & Ski Guide (UIAGM / IFMGA), who also guides many of the trips. Jorg’s wife Heather manages office administration and Canada logistics. Jessica Hall is the trip specialist for all Europe-based trips. With almost 25 years in business, OnTop specializes in courses and trips that involve mountaineering, rock & ice climbing, trekking, hiking and backcountry skiing in the mountainous regions of Europe and Canada. Being a small operator, our service is very personalized. Most of our guides have been working for us for many years and if you call our office we usually remember your name.
ABOUT OUR TRIPS
We offer a wide selection of scheduled group trips/courses as well private guiding and customized trips Our range is widespread: from non-technical treks to extreme mountaineering and climbing adventures, from introductory backcountry skiing trips and avalanche courses to technical ski descents and heli-skiing. Our itineraries are designed to sample the highlights of each destination. For lodging, we mainly select family-owned B&Bs, hotels, lodges and huts with local ambiance and home-cooked food.
When you sign up for any of our trips, you will be required to sign our Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk Agreement (the “liability waiver”).
It is mandatory that every guest, including minors, read and sign it. It must be completed at your earliest convenience and is a requirement to join your OnTop Adventure. Upon your confirmation of booking, your OnTop Trip Coordinator will send you the liability waiver via Docusign.
If you’d prefer to complete the liability waiver form manually, our office will send you a pdf copy that you can print, sign, and send back to us.
Here’s a copy for reference: Ontop Mountaineering Liability Waiver.
If you have children under 18 years of age and would prefer to complete the liability waiver form manually, our office will send you a pdf copy that you can print, sign, and send back to us. Here’s a copy for reference: Ontop Mountaineering Liability Waiver for Minors,
ABOUT OUR CLIENTS
Our clients are from around the world – as far as South Africa and as close as our own backyard. Mostly English speaking, with the majority from the USA, Canada, UK, and Australia. With a return rate of over 70%, many of our longtime clients don’t mind being contacted to give a second opinion on trips that you might be interested in or give references for our guides.
WHY BOOK WITH US
Certification/Licensing
Jorg and almost all OnTop guides hold UIAGM / IFMGA certification – the highest certification available internationally for mountain guides. At times, we also use Assistant Guides or “Guide Aspirants” who have passed exams on their way to full UIAGM / IFMGA certification. If so, we adhere to the supervision and terrain guidelines of the Canadian Mountain Guide Association (ACMG) and the UIAGM / IFMGA. For non-technical trips (hiking/backpacking) we also use ACMG hiking or backpacking guides or in Europe non-certified guides if they are under close supervision by a fully certified mountain guide.
Permits/Legality
All European alpine countries as well as Canadian National and Provincial Parks require commercial mountain guides to hold UIAGM / IFMGA certification to ensure public safety. Guides who have not completed their full UIAGM / IFMGA certification must be supervised by a fully certified guide. Many guide services, namely in the US, largely violate the certification requirement outside of the US, which could lead to a rather abrupt end of your trip, if you were out with the wrong guide. Ask your guide for his/her valid UIAGM / IFMGA guide’s card. Our guides have it!
Your Guide
Your guide is the single most important factor for a fun and safe trip. It is important to us that we hire guides that we know, who know the region the guide in, and can connect with their guests. Our guides are local experts, with many years of experience in particular areas. Consequently, they are well familiar with local culture, language and mountain conditions as well as suitable alternatives, if ever the conditions dictate a change of plans. We will gladly put you in touch with your guide/course instructor early on in your trip planning to discuss trip details and to ensure compatibility. For our Europe-based trips, all of our guides are multi- or bilingual, speaking their native language of German, Italian, and/or French in addition to English.
Direct Communication
Your trip is important to us and we will do our best to make sure it meets your expectations. You will work with your trip coordinator from start to finish, ensuring an smooth and consistent process throughout. We don’t mind the extra effort to e-mail or call back and forth to make sure your trip is amazing.
Insurance
Our guides hold valid liability insurance through their professional guides associations.