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EUROPE
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CANADA
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Your guide is probably the most crucial
factor to the success of your trip. Some good advice when shopping
for a guide can be found in great detail on the web site of Cosley/Houston
Mountain Guides.
Our trips are organized and led by
Jörg Wilz, owner of OnTop, or fellow
guides, who are all members of their national mountain guide associations.
Every fully certified mountain guide is also a members of the
UIAGM / IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations).
The UIAGM / IFMGA certification is the highest certification
level available worldwide for mountain and ski guides and
requires many years of experience in all mountaineering disciplines
followed by a lengthy training and a series of rigorous exams.
While this certification level is commonplace in Europe, where
mountain guiding has been a regulated and highly regarded profession
for more than a century, it is much harder to find in North America.
There are currently only about 60 UIAGM / IFMGA certified guides
in the US and about 140 in Canada.
Aside from being experienced and highly
qualified professionals our guides are personable and fun loving
individuals!
WHY BOOK WITH US:
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UIAGM / IFMGA Guides Badges
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- Mountain Guide Certification/Licensing:
Jorg and alomst 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 fully certified mountain
guide.
- Mountain Guiding 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 that 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!
- You know your Mountain Guide
Your guide is the single most important
factor for a fun and safe trip. We gladly put you in touch with
your guide / course instructor early on in your trip planning
to discuss trip details and to ensure compatibility. We also encourage
our clients to obtain references from former clients by e-mail
or phone before committing to a trip.
- Direct Communication:
We don't mind the extra effort to e-mail
or talk back and forth to make sure a trip is right for you or
a custom itinerary meets your expectations.
- Local Knowledge/Foreign Languages:
Our mountain 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
dictated a change of plans.
- Insurance:
Our mountain guides hold valid liability
insurance through their professional guides associations.
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