Last Updated on November 4, 2025
Climbing mountains has been a big part of my life. From my first failed attempt on Triglav as a 12‑year‑old to reaching the highest peak of every European country years later, I’ve learned that good preparation, experience and the right support are essential for successful summit attempts. For some mountains, going solo or with a friend is perfectly fine. But for many climbs, especially technical or high‑altitude ones, hiring a certified mountain guide can turn a tough (or even dangerous) attempt into a safe, smooth, and unforgettable adventure. In this article, I will explain why it’s a good idea to book a mountain guide and how to select a reliable one for your adventure. As a bonus, you can get a free personal advice from me by filling in the form at the end of this article. If you want to have a safe experience in the mountains and upgrade your mountaineering skills at the same time, I’m here to give you advice.
When is it time to book your first mountain guide?
The required experience level varies a lot when it comes to mountains in Europe and it’s important to learn how to climb mountains step by step. I discourage you from climbing a mountain on your own without the necessary skills. There are enough sad stories during the climbing season with most of them happening due to a lack of experience. Did you know for example that Mont Blanc is the deadliest mountain in the world?
But I didn’t write this article to scare you. I rather want to provide you with tips on how to become a better and safer hiker and/or climber from my own experience. How did I learn? The first steps to the mountains came naturally in my family. I gained my first mountain experience from my parents who hiked my whole childhood with me. But once I became a university student, my passion for mountains became more important and I wanted to learn more. But my parents weren’t climbers. How to learn more?
I learned about the safety in climbing gyms from my cousin and climbing friends. We also did multiple via ferratas together. The problem is that climbing real mountains is a different level. It was time to book my first mountain guide. I was hesitant at first to pay 250 EUR for a climb of the highest peak of Slovakia but the experience blew my mind. I haven’t just climbed the peak but I also learned so much on the way! The most valuable lesson was that I finally learned about how to safely climb on rope in the mountains, but that wasn’t all. I also learned how to evaluate specific situations. What moments require belaying and where can you climb without securing equipment? On top of that, I got tips on how to descend quicker and safer and as a bonus I heard many fascinating stories from the Slovak mountains.
As you can see on my experience, hiring a guide can bring many benefits. When is it time for you to book a guide? It’s very individual. There are many levels where a guide can teach you new skills. By booking a mountain guide, you won’t only climb the mountain of your dreams but you will also get new skills which will help you to develop as a hiker/climber.
Why should you book a mountain guide?
I talked a lot about experiences in the previous paragraph but a mountain guide can offer you much more. Whether you’re learning about hiking in general, stepping onto your first via ferrata or tackling a serious alpine summit, a guide will:
- Keep you safe on technical or exposed terrain
- Simplify logistics like gear, permits, and route choice
- Adapt the plan to weather, conditions, and your abilities
- Help you learn new skills along the way
- Enhance your experience by giving you additional local context, information, and recommendations
Even experienced climbers often hire guides for big mountain goals. When I climbed technical peaks like Gerlachovský Štít, Vorder Grauspitz or Dufourspitze, the guide’s knowledge of the terrain and conditions was extremely valuable and I would never manage to reach the peaks on my own.
Typical scenarios when a guide makes a difference
As I mentioned, you need to learn certain skills to be safe in the mountains. Here are some common situations when hiring a guide might be necessary:
- For your first technical summit (e.g. Triglav, Olympus), or when the difficulty of the route exceeds your current skills and experience
- For your first glacier pass
- To learn about avalanche danger
- When you want to join a small group instead of going solo
- If you want to learn new skills (e.g. crampons, rope systems, ski touring)
- For logistical ease in remote regions like Nepal or the Caucasus
- If you don’t speak the local language
- When having a guide is required for getting a permit for hiking or climbing (Kilimanjaro, Nepal)
Mountain Guide Certifications: all you need to know
One of the most important factors is making sure your guide is properly certified. Certification guarantees formal training in safety, rescue, and technical skills. Here are some of the main certifications to know:
- For Mountain Guides -> IFMGA/UIAGM: The highest international standard for high‑mountain guiding.
- For Hiking Guides/Mountain Leaders -> UIMLA: International Mountain Leader, ideal for trekking and non‑glaciated terrain.
- National certifications, like “Bergführer” in Austria or “Guide de Haute Montagne” in France. In some countries you’ll find activity-specific certifications, under the umbrella of the national guides association. Some examples are JMGA Ski Guides in Japan, or AMGA Rock Climbing Guides in USA.
Check if your guide has proper certification for your desired activity before you book one.
What makes a good guide: my personal checklist
Over the years, I’ve met many guides across Europe and beyond, and I’ve seen what separates a great one from an average one. Here’s what I look for when I hire a guide:
- Certified (IFMGA, UIMLA, or local equivalent)
- Speaks English or a language that I can communicate in
- Keeps group sizes small (when I’m not going private)
- Includes or helps with equipment rental
- Communicates clearly and openly before the trip
- Has positive reviews from past clients
When this combination is right, the entire experience, from planning to summit, goes smoothly. Don’t underestimate the reviews and try to talk with your mountain guide before you meet her/him in the mountains. Check out my summit experience of the highest peak of Slovakia. I met there two guides and I had two completely different experiences.
How much does a mountain guide cost?
The cost depends on the mountain, the route, the group size, and the season. Here’s an idea of typical price ranges in 2025. The approximate prices are per person in a group:
| Destination | Activity | Price per person |
| Triglav (Slovenia) | 2‑day ascent | +/- €300 |
| Mont Blanc (France) | 3‑day climb | +/- €2000 |
| Gerlach (Slovakia) | 1‑day climb | +/- €250 |
| Elbrus (Russia) | 9‑day expedition | +/- €2500 |
| Everest Base Camp (Nepal) | 14‑day trek | +/- €1500 |
| Kebnekaise (Sweden) | 3‑day hike | +/- €1500 |
Tip: joining a small group (when possible) can lower the price significantly while keeping the experience personal and safe. Note also that some guides offer all-in tours, while others offer their guiding services only, you’ll then need to buy/book the other services independently.
How to find the right guide, and how to actually book them?
Finding and booking a good guide used to be complicated. The only way was to look at local mountain clubs/associations. What I didn’t like about booking a mountain guide this way was that you were assigned to one random guide from the club and you met her/him for the first time just before the climb. On one hand, that ensured necessary certifications and qualifications but on the other, you couldn’t find out other qualities of the guide. Would the person be nice and friendly and fit you as a person? That’s an important thing to check! Nowadays it’s much better, more transparent and also easier to book a mountain guide. I recommend Explore-Share. On this platform, you can:
- Access a large pool of local certified guides around the world with verified certifications
- Search by destination or activity
- Filter by group or private options
- See certifications, reviews, and what’s included
- Chat directly with guides before booking to ask questions
Find your guide here
Ethical & Sustainable Guiding
Choosing a local, certified guide isn’t just good for your safety; it’s also good for the mountains and the communities that live there. I personally try to support:
- Guides who operate locally and respect the environment
- Small guiding outfits rather than large mass‑market operators
- Trips with limited group sizes and a real connection to the place
This is also why I chose to collaborate with Explore-Share: they work directly with local certified guides rather than middlemen.
Need help choosing? Get free personal tips!
If you aren’t sure which mountain, tour, or guide is right for you, I can help you out with evaluating what the next step should be. Simply fill out this short form and I will help to point you in the right direction.
Final tips before booking a mountain guide
- Start with booking early, good guides are booked months ahead for summer peaks
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions; good guides will answer clearly
- Read reviews carefully
- Make sure you understand what’s included and what’s not
- Trust your instincts. If it doesn’t feel right, keep looking
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and services of companies I use and the income goes to keeping the website running.
