IFMGA Guides: No Glamour, No Glory
A Mountain Guide is one of those noble professions with glamour attached to the image: pristine alpine environments, physical challenge and ability, the romantic quiet while studying the skies and smoking a hand-rolled cigarette over a smoky scotch. The good life…
The truth is guides are a hard-working bunch and they merit great respect. It is an honored profession, one that requires a great deal of skill and capable decision making.
The International Federation of Mountain Guides Association (IFMGA) began in 1965 to standardize the training and practices of mountain guides, and to establish an international document of identification. Membership in the Federation provides an umbrella of support as well as a community for professionals to exchange ideas and experiences. The IFMGA represents many nations that operate in mountain environments throughout the globe, and as such, the member organizations, and individuals, have a responsibility, as written in the IFMGA code, to care for nature, cultures and peoples.
An annual IFMGA conference is hosted by one of the member groups. The conference provides an opportunity for guides to exchange ideas, discuss general and economic issues that affect the occupation of mountain guides, and offers the ability for all member countries to carry out their activities.
This year's gathering took place November 22- 25, 2012 in Edinburgh, Scotland, hosted by the British Mountain Guides (BMG). Widely respected, the BMG are one of the founding groups in the IFMGA. Guides from 26 different countries presented discussions on best practices, industry issues and for the first time, the participants had some work-related fun with a climbing competition.
Backcountry safety promotes a lifestyle that is at once challenging and rewarding. The work of guides is essential around the globe. This year Arc’teryx was one of the event sponsors who provided support to the BMG hosts and we continue to provide that support through sponsorship of next year’s gathering, scheduled for May 11-18 2013 at Whistler, BC.
Learn More about the Arc'teryx Pro Program and Industry SalesVisit pro.arcteryx.com to find details on industry deals, group purchases and custom uniform programs.
