Answers to the most common questions about booking a certified mountain guide: costs, IFMGA and IML certification, group sizes, cancellations, difficulty grades and gear.
How booking works, from picking a date to what happens after you pay.
Pick a tour or a guide, choose an available date, enter the number of hikers and pay the deposit online. The guide is notified immediately and confirms the booking with you directly; you keep a written record of the route, meeting point and group size in your booking confirmation. Browse tours
Book two to three months ahead for summer hut-to-hut trips and popular alpine routes, and two to four weeks for single day hikes. Guides hold a limited number of dates per season, and hut beds in the Dolomites and the Alps are usually gone by early spring for July and August.
You get an instant confirmation with the guide's contact details, and the guide reaches out to agree the meeting point, timing and kit list. Any documents the guide needs from you (fitness, medical notes, emergency contact) are collected through your booking, not by email.
Cancellation terms are set by each guide and shown on the tour page before you pay. The guide handles refunds directly, so read their policy and the weather clause before confirming.
Yes. Many tours run with a minimum number of participants, shown on each date; if you book a date that has not reached its minimum you can still join and the guide will confirm once the group fills, or you can book a private departure at the private rate.
Group size is set per tour and listed on every listing, typically 4 to 8 hikers for trail-based days and smaller for technical terrain. On glacier and roped ground the guide-to-client ratio is fixed by the awarding body, so those tours run with fewer people.
The price always includes the guide's professional fee and their planning time. Huts, meals, lifts, permits, transfers and technical equipment vary by tour and are listed explicitly under "What's included" and "Not included" on every tour page.
Yes, gift cards can be bought for any amount and are redeemed against any tour at checkout. They do not expire within the statutory period and can be used across multiple bookings. Gift cards
MadeToHike offers tours for all fitness levels. Beginner tours require basic fitness and comfort walking 3-5 hours. Intermediate tours involve 5-7 hours hiking with elevation gain. Advanced tours are for experienced hikers comfortable with 7+ hours and technical terrain. Each tour clearly states the required fitness level.
Booking on MadeToHike is simple: 1) Browse tours or search by region/difficulty, 2) Choose a tour and select your dates, 3) Book securely with our payment system. You can also contact guides directly with questions before booking. All payments are protected with our money-back guarantee.
Most MadeToHike tours include: certified mountain guide, detailed itinerary, safety equipment, and emergency support. Multi-day tours typically include accommodation and some meals. Specific inclusions vary by tour - check each tour page for details. Personal gear, travel insurance, and transport to meeting point are usually not included.
To book a mountain leader, browse verified guide profiles on Made to Hike and reserve a trip with an online deposit, held securely until around the time of your trek. Every guide's qualification, whether IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or a national certification, is checked before their profile goes live. Options with certified mountain leaders include day tours such as "Iconic mountains in the Dolomites" and "Basque mountains", or longer routes like the 4-day "Pfunderer Mountains with ascent to Hochfeiler". Each listing shows the guide's certification, difficulty level and price, so you can match the right leader to your route before paying the deposit.
What a guided hike costs, deposits, fees and refunds.
Made to Hike does not currently list guided Alta Via 1 tours, so we cannot quote a specific cost for that route. Guided multi-day treks on the platform are priced individually by each certified guide, reflecting group size, duration and hut logistics, so costs vary considerably from route to route. Booking works the same way across the site: you pay a deposit online, held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip. Use the free trek planner and Hut Map to research the Alta Via 1 itinerary while checking back for guides covering the Dolomites.
Made to Hike doesn't offer mountain leader training courses — it's a marketplace for booking certified mountain guides for guided hikes and treks, not a provider of leadership qualifications. So there isn't a course cost to quote here. If you're after guided hiking experiences instead, prices on the platform vary by trip length and difficulty, from around EUR 50 for a single day out to EUR 400 for multi-day routes such as a four-day ascent in the Zillertal Alps. Booking works via an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance due around the trip date.
Mountain guide costs on MadeToHike vary by region and tour type. Day hikes: €200-400 per group. Multi-day tours: €1,200-€3,500 per person (includes guide, accommodation, some meals). Private guiding: €350-500/day. All guides are IFMGA/IML or locally certified.
Prices for GR20 treks vary by guide, group size and trip length, so Made to Hike does not set a fixed rate — you'll see the exact cost on each guide's listing before booking. Booking works by paying a deposit online, held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip. A 10% hiker service fee applies on top of the guide's quoted price. To compare options, search GR20 guides on the platform and check individual listings for their published rates and cancellation terms.
The cost of guided GR20 trips varies by operator, group size and trek length, so there is no single fixed price. Made to Hike does not currently list a GR20-specific tour, so figures would be speculative rather than grounded in verified listings. When booking through the platform, you pay an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip date, plus a 10% hiker service fee. For an accurate quote, check current listings on Made to Hike or contact a certified guide directly to discuss dates, group size and route sections, since these all affect the final cost.
Made to Hike doesn't currently list a Walkers' Haute Route tour, so we can't quote a specific price for it here. Costs for multi-day guided treks on the platform vary by length, region and group size, with listed multi-day tours starting from EUR 849 per person for a 4-day route. Booking works the same across all tours: you pay a deposit online, held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip date, plus a 10% hiker service fee. If a Haute Route itinerary is added, use the free trek planner and Hut Map to check logistics, and contact guides directly through their profiles for an exact quote once available.
Who our guides are and what their qualifications mean.
An IFMGA mountain guide is qualified for all mountain terrain, including glaciers, roped climbing, via ferrata and ski mountaineering. An IML (UIMLA international mountain leader) is qualified for non-glaciated, non-technical terrain: marked trails, hut-to-hut walking and off-trail hiking outside the snowline. Certifications explained
National awards are valid within their own scope and country. Examples on the platform include Spanish TD1 (waymarked paths) and TD2 Media Montaña (mid-mountain terrain), German and Austrian Bergführer (full alpine, IFMGA-equivalent) and the UK Mountain Training awards such as ML and MTA.
Every guide uploads their certificate and insurance, and we check the awarding body, the certificate number and the validity date before the profile is published. Profiles that pass carry a verified badge; a guide cannot mark themselves verified.
Not legally, but a qualified leader changes the risk profile on long days, in changeable weather and on unfamiliar ground. Guides also carry the local knowledge — hut bookings, water, snow conditions, escape routes — that turns a hard day into a safe one.
Yes, professional liability insurance is a condition of listing on Made to Hike and is checked during verification. Your own travel and mountain rescue insurance is separate and remains your responsibility.
A guided walk on Ben Nevis can be booked through Made to Hike once a certified guide covering that region joins the platform, though no Ben Nevis-specific tours are live yet. Every guide profile on Made to Hike is checked against its awarding body — IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or a national qualification — before it goes live, so you can trust the credentials of whoever leads the walk. Booking works via an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip date. In the meantime, the free Hut Map and trek planner on the site can help you scope out routes and logistics for the mountain.
A via ferrata tour guide on Made to Hike is a certified mountain professional whose qualification (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national) has been verified before their profile goes live. You book directly through the guide's profile, paying a deposit online held in escrow with the balance settled around the trip. Availability for via ferrata routes varies by region and season, so check individual guide profiles for current dates and terrain covered. The free Hut Map and trek planner on the site can also help you scout routes and huts nearby before booking.
Made to Hike connects hikers with certified mountain guides for organised tours, but does not currently offer self-guided Alta Via 2 packages. If you're looking for guided support on this classic Dolomites traverse, you can search the platform for IFMGA or UIMLA-certified guides operating in the Italian Alps and enquire about custom itineraries. For pure self-guided planning, the free Hut Map tool helps you locate refuges along your route.
Made to Hike lists certified mountain guides across France and other regions, each verified against IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualifications before their profile goes live. Via ferrata routes vary by season and location, so the best approach is to browse guide profiles in the French Alps and message them directly about specific routes and conditions. Currently listed French Alps tours include a one-day outing to the Aiguille de la Grande Sassière (moderate, from EUR 70 per person). Booking works through a deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip date, and each guide sets their own cancellation terms.
A via ferrata climbing guide on Made to Hike is a certified mountain professional, verified against bodies like IFMGA or UIMLA, who leads protected climbing routes on secured mountain terrain. While dedicated via ferrata itineraries vary by season and region, related climbing tours such as "Easy alpine Climbing in the Dolomites - Fensterle Tum" show the calibre of routes on offer. Booking works via an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip, and guides set their own cancellation terms. Browse live listings and use the free Hut Map and trek planner to check route access before booking.
Made to Hike does not currently list a via ferrata guide specifically for Chamonix, so we cannot point you to a live profile there. All guides on the platform are verified against their awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualification) before their listing goes live, which is the same standard that would apply to any Chamonix or via ferrata specialist added in future. Booking works via an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip date. In the meantime, you can use the free Hut Map and trek planner to research routes in the Mont Blanc area while checking back for new guide listings.
Made to Hike does not currently list certified guides for the GR20 in Corsica, so we cannot point you to a specific profile for that route today. Every guide on the platform is verified against their awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or a national qualification) before their profile goes live, which is the standard you'd want for a route as demanding as the GR20. Booking works through an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip. If you're exploring alternatives in the meantime, the free trek planner and Hut Map can help with route research while new guide profiles for Corsica come online.
A trekking guide is a certified mountain professional who leads hikers safely over multi-day or single-day routes, sharing route-finding, terrain and safety expertise along the way. On Made to Hike, every guide's qualification is verified against its awarding body, whether IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or a national certification, before their profile goes live. You can book one directly for tours such as the 7-day Lauterbrunnen 72 waterfalls trek in Switzerland or shorter days like Molveno Lake in the Dolomites. Booking works through a deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip.
Made to Hike does not sell or publish a via ferrata guidebook, but you can book certified mountain guides in Switzerland who plan via ferrata routes for you, which is more tailored than a book. Current live Switzerland tours focus on hiking and snowshoeing (such as the Valais snowshoe trip and the Wildhorn Crans-Montana trek), rather than dedicated via ferrata itineraries, so check individual guide profiles for via ferrata experience. If you want route-planning support instead of a guidebook, use the free Hut Map and trek planner tools on the site, then message a guide directly about via ferrata terrain and grading before booking.
Weather, fitness, gear and what to expect on the day.
Made to Hike uses four grades. Easy is well-marked trails with modest ascent; moderate is full days with sustained climbing; challenging adds exposure, scrambling or long days above 2,000 m; expert covers glaciated, roped or technical terrain requiring prior experience.
Every tour lists the daily distance, ascent and expected walking hours so you can judge honestly against your own days out. As a rule, if you can walk the listed ascent comfortably on consecutive days at home, you are ready.
The guide decides, and their decision on safety is final. Most guides offer an alternative route or a rescheduled date; whether a weather cancellation is refunded is set out in the guide's cancellation policy on the tour page.
You bring personal kit: boots, layers, waterproofs, pack, water and food unless stated otherwise. Technical equipment such as harness, helmet, crampons, ice axe and rope is usually supplied by the guide when the route requires it, and each tour page says which. Borrow or lend gear
Yes, 100% of MadeToHike guides hold internationally recognized certifications: IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations), IML (International Mountain Leader) or local certifications. These require 3-5 years of training and testing. We verify all credentials before approval.
Yes, we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance covering mountain activities, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation. Many guides require proof of insurance before the tour. We can recommend suitable insurance providers for mountain hiking activities.
Routes, treks, regions and choosing the right tour.
MadeToHike offers guided hiking tours across the Alps with IFMGA, IML or locally certified mountain guides. Popular tours include the Tour du Mont Blanc (7-10 days), Haute Route (Chamonix to Zermatt, 12 days), and Dolomites Alta Via 1 (8 days). All tours include experienced guides, accommodation, and safety equipment. Prices range from €1,200-€2,800 depending on duration and difficulty.
MadeToHike covers major European hiking destinations including the Alps (France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria), Dolomites (Italy), Pyrenees (Spain/France), Scottish Highlands, Norwegian fjords, and other mountain regions. We are continuously expanding to new regions.
Made to Hike does not currently list a dedicated Walkers' Haute Route guide or tour, so we cannot point you to a specific booking for that trek. Every guide on the platform is still individually verified against IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualifications before their profile goes live, so if a Haute Route itinerary appears in future it will carry the same checks. In the meantime, you can browse live multi-day trips in the Alps and Pyrenees, use the free Hut Map and trek planner to scout the route yourself, and book directly with a certified guide once a matching tour is added. A deposit held in escrow secures any booking, with the balance due around the trip.
The Walker's Haute Route and the Tour du Mont Blanc are both multi-day Alpine treks, but they differ in scale and difficulty: the Haute Route runs Chamonix to Zermatt through higher, more remote terrain, while the TMB loops around Mont Blanc through more frequented valleys and refuges. Made to Hike doesn't currently list either route directly, but the Wildhorn Crans-Montana Trek (Switzerland, Bernese Oberland, 3 days, challenging, from CHF 640) gives a sense of the high-alpine walking style found on the Haute Route. Every guide profile on the platform is checked against its awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualification), and the free trek planner and Hut Map can help you scope out multi-day routes like these regardless of which one you choose.
The best time for Alta Via 2 is typically July through mid-September, when most high-altitude refuges are open and snow has cleared from the passes. July offers longer daylight and wildflowers, whilst August sees the most stable weather but also the busiest huts. September brings fewer hikers and often crisp conditions, though some refuges close after mid-month and afternoon storms become more common. Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who know the Dolomites intimately and can tailor timing to your experience level and preferences.
Made to Hike is a marketplace where you book certified mountain guides directly for trekking tours across Europe's mountain ranges. While the platform doesn't currently list guides specifically for the Walkers' Haute Route, you can browse available multi-day alpine treks and use the free trek planner to design custom routes. Certified IFMGA and UIMLA guides set their own itineraries, prices and dates, so availability varies by season and region.
You can book GR20 guided treks on Made to Hike by finding a certified mountain guide and paying a deposit online, with the balance settled closer to your trip date. The platform verifies every guide's credentials against IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national awarding bodies before they go live. Deposits are held securely in escrow, and guides set their own cancellation policies. You can also use the free Hut Map and trek planner tools to help prepare for your GR20 journey.
Made to Hike is a marketplace for booking certified mountain guides, not a service for reserving GR20 refuges directly. If you're planning the GR20 and want guide support, you can use our free Hut Map tool to research refuges along the route, then book a qualified guide through the platform who can assist with logistics and navigation. Refuge bookings themselves must be arranged separately through the individual huts or the Parc Naturel Régional de Corse.
Made to Hike is a marketplace where you book certified mountain guides directly, not a guidebook publisher. If you're looking for a guide to lead you on the GR20 in Corsica, you can search the platform for IFMGA or UIMLA-certified professionals who offer trekking in that region. For written trail information, you'll need a traditional guidebook from outdoor publishers such as Cicerone or Rother.
The cost of hiking the Alta Via 2 depends on the guide and itinerary you choose, with prices typically varying by trip length, group size and services included. Made to Hike connects you directly with certified mountain guides who set their own rates, so you can compare options and find one that fits your budget. When you book, you pay a deposit online and settle the balance closer to your departure.
You don't book huts directly through Made to Hike, but many guides who lead the Alta Via 2 will arrange hut reservations as part of your guided trip package. When you book a certified mountain guide on the platform, discuss hut accommodation in your initial enquiry. Guides familiar with the Dolomites typically handle refugio bookings themselves or advise you on the booking process, ensuring you secure beds during high season when availability is tight.
Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who can lead the Alta Via 2 trek through the Dolomites. You browse guide profiles, request availability for your preferred dates, and book directly once you've agreed on the itinerary and price. A deposit secures your place, with the balance typically settled closer to departure. Guides on the platform hold IFMGA, UIMLA or national certifications verified against their awarding bodies, so you're booking qualified professionals who know the route and can tailor the experience to your group.
Made to Hike does not currently list UK-based guided hikes; live tours on the platform are concentrated in other regions, such as Italy's Alpi Graie Canavese. Every guide profile, wherever it is based, is checked against its awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or a national qualification) before going live, so if UK guides join the marketplace they will carry the same verification. Bookings work by paying a deposit online, held in escrow until the balance is settled around the trip. You can use the free Hut Map and trek planner to explore routes while you wait for regional coverage to expand.
Made to Hike does not currently list a certified guide specifically for the Mürren via ferrata, as regional coverage there is still building. Every guide on the platform is verified against their awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualification) before their profile goes live, so once Mürren or the Bernese Oberland is covered, you can trust the credentials shown. In the meantime, you can browse live tours across other regions, use the free Hut Map and trek planner to scope routes, and message Made to Hike directly if you would like help finding a suitable guide for a Swiss via ferrata.
Made to Hike does not sell guide books, but you can book a certified via ferrata guide directly instead, which gives route knowledge tailored to your ability and current conditions rather than a static text. Every guide profile is checked against its awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or a national qualification) before it goes live, so you know the person leading your route is properly certified. Booking works by paying a deposit online, held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip. If you want to plan independently first, the free Hut Map and trek planner on the site are useful for scoping terrain before deciding whether to add a guide.
Made to Hike does not sell a via ferrata France guidebook; it is a marketplace for booking certified mountain guides directly, and any guidebook-style route knowledge comes through the guide you hike with rather than a printed publication. For French Alps via ferrata terrain, "Aiguille de la Grand Sassière" is a live one-day, moderate-graded tour on the platform, from EUR 70 per person, led by a checked guide. Every guide profile is verified against its awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualification) before it goes live. Booking works via an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip date, and you can plan further using the free Hut Map and trek planner.
Made to Hike does not currently list via ferrata guides in Austria, so there is no specific guidebook to point to on the platform. Our live listings focus on other regions, such as an easy one-day guided walk with tasting in the Alpi Graie, Canavese, Italy, from EUR 69 per person. Every guide on the platform is verified against IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national certification before their profile goes live, so if Austrian via ferrata tours are added, they will come with checked credentials. In the meantime, the free Hut Map and trek planner can help with route research while you look elsewhere for an Austria-specific via ferrata guidebook.
You can book a via ferrata day directly with a certified guide on Made to Hike instead of relying on a guidebook alone. The Santner Pass Klettersteig (Rosengarten, moderate, from EUR 179) is a live route-specific tour, alongside "Easy alpine Climbing in the Dolomites - Fensterle Tum" for expert climbers (from EUR 500). Each guide profile is verified against IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national certification before it goes live. Booking takes a deposit held in escrow, with the balance due around the trip, and the free trek planner and Hut Map help you scope routes beforehand.
Made to Hike does not currently list guided tours specifically for Ben Nevis, though the platform is built for exactly this kind of booking: hikers connect directly with IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or nationally certified guides for mountain routes worldwide. Every guide profile is verified against its awarding body before going live, so you can check qualifications before booking. Booking works by paying a deposit online, held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip. If you're planning a Scottish route, it's worth checking Made to Hike's live listings directly for current availability, or using the free trek planner and Hut Map to research the route in the meantime.
Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who can lead multi-day treks like the Alta Via 2, handling logistics, safety and local knowledge throughout the route. Guides set their own itineraries and prices, so you can compare options that match your pace and budget. Booking requires a deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled closer to departure, and all guides are verified against IFMGA, UIMLA or national registers before they go live on the platform.
The Alta Via 2 is typically hiked over 10–14 days, with many trekkers highlighting the central stages through the Parco Naturale Fanes-Sennes-Braies and the approach to Rifugio Puez as the most dramatic. Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who can tailor your itinerary to your pace and preferences, helping you focus on the stages that match your interests—whether alpine scenery, via ferrata sections, or quieter valleys. You pay a deposit online, with the balance settled closer to departure, and guides set their own policies on flexibility.
Made to Hike does not sell a via ferrata guidebook, but you can book certified guides in Spain who lead ridge and mountain routes with via ferrata sections. Rather than a printed guide, you get a local expert planning the route, safety and logistics for you. Relevant live tours include the Mujer Muerta Ridge day trip between Madrid and Segovia and the multi-day 5 days Anillo Picos de Europa, both in mountain terrain suited to scrambling and exposed sections. Each listing shows duration, difficulty and price upfront, and booking only requires a deposit, with the balance settled around the trip. Use the trek planner or Hut Map on the site to check terrain and huts before choosing a route.
You can book a trekking guide for Alta Via 2 in the Dolomites through Made to Hike by searching the platform for certified mountain guides who operate in that region. The marketplace connects you directly with IFMGA, UIMLA/IML and nationally certified guides who set their own itineraries and prices. You pay a deposit online, with the balance settled closer to your trek, and all bookings are protected by escrow until your trip is complete.
Made to Hike does not currently list guided treks on Ben Nevis, as the platform's live tours are concentrated in the Alps and Pyrenees, in Switzerland, Italy and Spain. All guides on the site are verified against their awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or a national qualification) before appearing live, so if Scottish trips are added they will carry the same checks. In the meantime, tours such as the Wildhorn Crans-Montana Trek or the Aigüestortes snowshoe trek offer similar challenging, guided mountain experiences. Booking works via an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip.
Made to Hike does not currently list guided group walks on Ben Nevis; our live tours are based in Italy's Alpi Graie Canavese region, not Scotland. Every guide on the platform is still verified against IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national certification before their profile goes live, so if Scottish routes are added later, the same vetting standard will apply. For now, you can browse the current tours, use the free Hut Map and trek planner, and book with a deposit held in escrow until the trip is settled. Check back or contact Made to Hike directly if you're after Scottish Highlands coverage specifically.
A guided winter walk on Ben Nevis itself is not currently listed on Made to Hike, though the platform does offer certified winter mountaineering in Scotland, such as the 4-day "Torridon Winter Hiking Scotland" tour (expert level, from EUR 300 per person). All guides are verified against their awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualifications) before appearing on the site. Booking works via an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip. Use the trek planner or Hut Map to check current availability across Scottish regions, as new winter tours are added regularly.
A mountain guide tour on Made to Hike is a multi-day or single-day route led by a certified guide, booked directly with a deposit held in escrow. Options range from easy walks like "From Spirit to Earth" in Alpi Graie, Canavese, to challenging climbs such as the 4-day "Pfunderer Mountains with ascent to Hochfeiler" in the Zillertal Alps, and expert routes like Orla Perć to Skrajny Granat in the Tatras. Every guide profile is verified against IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualifications before it goes live. You pay a deposit online, settle the balance around the trip, and can use the free Hut Map and trek planner to prepare.
Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who can lead treks like the Alta Via 2 in the Dolomites. Guides on the platform hold IFMGA, UIMLA or national qualifications verified directly with awarding bodies. You book with a deposit, pay the balance around your trip, and the guide sets cancellation terms. Browse available tours or use the free trek planner to design your route before reaching out to guides in the Italian Alps.
Made to Hike does not currently list a dedicated GR20 tour, but hikers can search the platform for certified guides offering Corsica routes or contact guides directly to arrange one. Every guide profile is verified against its awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualification) before it goes live, so you can check experience and route knowledge before booking. Booking works via an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance due around the trip date, and cancellation windows are set by each guide individually. The free Hut Map and trek planner tools can help you scope out the route and huts while you look for a suitable guide.
Made to Hike is a marketplace where you book certified mountain guides directly for multi-day treks like the Alta Via 2, rather than a pre-packaged tour operator. Every guide on the platform holds verified IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualifications, so you're hiring a qualified professional who tailors the itinerary to your group. You pay a deposit online and settle the balance closer to departure, with transparent fees and escrow protection throughout.
Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who can lead multi-day tours such as the Alta Via 2, a classic Dolomites trek running from Brixen to Feltre through dramatic limestone landscapes. When you book through the platform, you pay a deposit online (held securely in escrow) and settle the balance around your trip. Guides are verified against IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national awarding bodies, and they design itineraries to match your pace and experience level.
Alta Via 2 traverses the Aosta Valley in Italy, while the Tour du Mont Blanc circles the Mont Blanc massif through Italy, France and Switzerland. Alta Via 2 is generally quieter, more remote and more technical in places, with longer stages between refuges. The Tour du Mont Blanc is more popular, better waymarked and passes through more villages, making resupply easier. Both require good fitness and mountain experience. Made to Hike connects you with certified guides who can lead either route or help you choose based on your level and goals.
Hiring a private guide for Ben Nevis works through Made to Hike by booking directly with a certified mountain guide once profiles for that region go live on the platform. Every guide is checked against their awarding body, whether IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or a national qualification, before appearing on site. Booking is a deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip date, and each guide sets their own cancellation terms. We don't currently have live Ben Nevis listings to point you to directly, so it's worth checking the site's search or using the free trek planner and Hut Map to see what's available as new regions and guides come online.
Made to Hike does not currently list a dedicated via ferrata guide for Lauterbrunnen, though the region is covered through related hiking itineraries. One live example is the "Lauterbrunnen 72 waterfalls trekking" tour, a 7-day moderate trek through the Bernese Oberland/Jungfrau region from EUR 1250 per person, which explores the valley on foot rather than via ferrata routes specifically. All guides on the platform are verified against IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualifications before their profile goes live, so if a via ferrata specialist joins for this area, the same checks apply. Booking works via an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance due around the trip.
The best time to do the Alta Via 2 is from late June through September, when most high-altitude refugios are open and snow has cleared from the passes. July and August offer the most stable weather and longest daylight, though trails are busier. September brings quieter paths and autumn colours, but some huts begin closing mid-month and conditions can be more variable. Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who know the Dolomites intimately and can tailor the trek to the season you choose.
The best time to do the Alta Via 2 is typically from late June to mid-September, when the high passes are snow-free and mountain huts are open. July and August offer the most stable weather and warmest temperatures, though huts are busiest then. Early July or September provide quieter trails with cooler conditions, but you may encounter occasional snow patches or afternoon storms. On Made to Hike, you can book certified mountain guides who know the Dolomites intimately and will tailor your Alta Via 2 trek to the season's conditions.
GR20 costs vary by guide, group size and trip length, since Made to Hike guides set their own pricing rather than following a fixed rate. Booking works with a deposit paid online and held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip, plus a 10% hiker service fee. There are currently no GR20-specific tours live on the platform, so exact prices aren't available here. For a general sense of costs, the free trek planner on the site can help you compare guided itineraries once GR20 listings go live.
Made to Hike connects hikers with certified mountain guides for tours in national parks across Europe, though currently no tours are listed specifically for Glacier National Park in the United States. The platform features guided treks in protected areas such as Aigüestortes in the Spanish Pyrenees, Cairngorms in Scotland, and the Swiss National Park, with tours ranging from single-day snowshoe excursions to week-long mountain circuits. All guides hold recognised certifications verified against IFMGA, UIMLA/IML, or national awarding bodies.
Made to Hike specialises in guided hiking and mountaineering trips with certified mountain guides, rather than mountain biking tours. The platform connects you with IFMGA, UIMLA/IML and nationally qualified guides who lead treks across regions including the Dolomites, Alps and Basque mountains. If you're looking for guided walking or trekking experiences near you, browse the available tours to find certified guides in your area.
Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides for supported treks like the Alta Via 2, rather than self-guided options. You'll hike with an IFMGA or UIMLA qualified professional who handles route planning, safety and logistics throughout the Dolomites. This means you focus on the experience while your guide manages hut bookings, navigation and mountain conditions. Browse the platform to find guides offering Alta Via 2 departures that suit your dates and pace.
Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who arrange Alta Via 2 treks, including refugio bookings as part of their service. When you book a guide through the platform, you pay a deposit online and settle the balance closer to your trip. Your guide typically coordinates accommodation reservations along the route, though it's worth confirming what's included when you discuss your itinerary. The platform holds your deposit in escrow until the tour is complete, and charges a 10% service fee.
Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who can lead the Walkers' Haute Route, though you won't need a traditional guidebook when booking through the platform. Your guide provides route knowledge, navigation and safety expertise throughout the trek. If you're planning independently, combining a guidebook with Made to Hike's free Hut Map tool helps you research accommodation along the route before deciding whether to book a guided experience.
Made to Hike connects hikers with certified mountain guides for supported treks, rather than offering self-guided routes on the Walkers' Haute Route. If you're looking for a guided experience on Alpine routes, you can browse the platform's selection of tours across mountain regions in Europe, where qualified IFMGA, UIMLA or nationally certified guides lead treks with full logistical support. For self-guided travel, Made to Hike's free Hut Map helps you plan accommodation independently.
Made to Hike does not handle hut bookings directly — that remains your responsibility or your guide's, depending on what you arrange. When you book a certified mountain guide through Made to Hike for the Alta Via 2, discuss hut reservations during your pre-trip planning; many guides will organise refugio beds as part of their service or advise you on how to secure them yourself. The platform focuses on connecting you with qualified IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or nationally certified guides, and you pay a deposit online with the balance settled closer to departure.
Made to Hike connects you directly with certified mountain guides who lead treks on the Alta Via 2, rather than selling guidebooks. Booking a guide through the platform means you benefit from local expertise, route knowledge and safety support that no printed guide can replicate. You pay a deposit online and settle the balance closer to your trip, with guides setting their own cancellation terms. The platform also offers free tools like the Hut Map and trek planner to help you research the route before booking.
The Walkers' Haute Route is a classic alpine trek linking Chamonix to Zermatt, typically completed over 10–14 days. While Made to Hike does not currently list guides specifically for this route, the platform connects hikers with certified mountain guides across Europe who can lead multi-day alpine treks. You can browse available guides and tours on Made to Hike, contact professionals directly, and book with a deposit held securely until your trip. If you're planning the Walkers' Haute Route independently, the free Hut Map tool helps you locate refuges along your chosen route.
Yes, Made to Hike lists a certified guide-led tour in the Gran Paradiso area: "A refreshing escape into Gran Paradiso: the Roc Valley and Waterfall", an easy 1-day outing in italy-alpigraie-canavese from EUR 20 per person. Every guide profile on the platform is verified against its awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualification) before it goes live. Booking works via an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip date. For other routes into the Gran Paradiso massif, check the Hut Map and trek planner, both free tools on the site, to see what fits your plans.
Alta Via 2 prices vary by guide, group size and trip length, so Made to Hike does not list one fixed figure. You book by paying a deposit online, held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip; a 10% hiker service fee applies on top of the guide's rate. Since no Alta Via 2 tour is currently listed on the platform, the best way to get an exact price is to check guide profiles for this route once available, or use the free Hut Map and trek planner to scope the itinerary and budget accordingly.
Everything else hikers ask us.
Yes, the GR20 is widely regarded as one of Europe's toughest and most rewarding long-distance treks, with dramatic granite ridgelines and demanding daily ascents through Corsica's mountains. Whether it is "worth it" depends on your fitness and appetite for exposed, rocky terrain and basic refuge accommodation. Made to Hike does not sell a single fixed GR20 package, but you can use the free Hut Map and trek planner to research the route and refuge stops, then book a certified guide directly through the platform for support on the sections that concern you most. Guides are checked against their awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualification) before their profile goes live.
Alta Via 2 starts in Bressanone (Brixen) in the South Tyrol and runs south through the Dolomites to Feltre, covering approximately 160 kilometres. The route typically takes 10–14 days to complete. Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who can lead the full traverse or sections of it, helping with navigation, accommodation bookings, and tailoring the itinerary to your experience level.
Alta Via 2 runs through the Italian Dolomites, stretching approximately 180 kilometres from Bressanone in the north to Feltre in the south. The route traverses some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Alps, passing through the Puez-Odles, Sella, Marmolada and Pale di San Martino groups. Made to Hike connects hikers with certified mountain guides who can lead treks along this classic high route, with guides setting their own itineraries and prices based on group size and duration.
Alta Via 2 starts in Bressanone (Brixen) in the north and ends in Feltre in the south, crossing the Dolomites over roughly 180 kilometres. The route typically takes 12–16 days and passes through several mountain groups, including the Puez-Odle, Marmolada and Pale di San Martino. Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who can lead you on multi-day Dolomites treks like Alta Via 2, with straightforward online booking and secure payment.
The Alta Via routes are multi-day high-altitude trails in the Italian Dolomites, with Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2 being the most famous. Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who can lead these and similar hut-to-hut treks across Europe's alpine regions. Guides set their own itineraries and prices, with booking secured by an online deposit and the balance settled closer to your departure date.
Alta Via 1 and Alta Via 2 are both long-distance trails in the Italian Dolomites, but they differ in character and difficulty. Alta Via 1 runs from Lake Braies to Belluno and is generally more accessible, with well-marked paths and frequent rifugios, making it popular with trekkers seeking dramatic scenery without technical climbing. Alta Via 2 follows a higher, more remote route from Brixen to Feltre, requiring more navigation skills and stamina, with longer stages between huts. Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who can lead either route, tailoring the pace and daily distances to your experience level.
Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides who can lead multi-day treks in the Dolomites, including routes like the Alta Via 2. You search by region and activity, then book guides directly through the platform. Guides set their own itineraries, group sizes and prices, so you can compare options and choose one that matches your pace and experience level.
Made to Hike connects hikers with certified mountain guides who offer multi-day walking tours across Europe, including alpine routes. Guides set their own itineraries, dates and prices, so availability for specific routes like the Walkers' Haute Route varies by season and demand. You can search the platform by region or duration, message guides directly to discuss custom departures, and book with a deposit held in escrow. All guides are verified against IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national certifications before their profiles go live.
Made to Hike connects you with certified mountain guides offering guided hikes across various regions, searchable by location on the platform. Guides hold IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualifications, and every profile is verified before going live. Browse available tours by your preferred area, read detailed itineraries, and book directly with the guide—a deposit secures your place, with the balance settled closer to the trek.
Made to Hike doesn't handle refuge bookings directly — it connects you with certified mountain guides who organise GR20 treks, and experienced guides typically arrange hut reservations as part of their service. When you book a guided GR20 trip through the platform, discuss refuge logistics with your guide during planning, as they know which huts to book and when. You pay a deposit online (held securely) and settle the balance closer to departure, with the guide coordinating accommodation details for your crossing.
Via ferrata routes are graded on scales such as the French/Italian system (F to ED) or the Schall scale (A to F), reflecting exposure, ladder and cable difficulty, and physical demands rather than technical climbing skill alone. Made to Hike does not currently list via ferrata-specific grading tours in the data available, so the safest approach is to book a certified guide (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or nationally qualified) who can assess a route's grade against your experience before setting out. Every guide profile on the platform is checked against its awarding body. The free trek planner and Hut Map can also help you scope terrain and huts along a planned via ferrata itinerary.
Made to Hike does not handle GR20 hut bookings directly — you book accommodation separately through the Corsican park authority or private refuges. However, our certified mountain guides organise the logistics and can advise on hut reservations as part of your GR20 trek. When you book a guide through Made to Hike, you pay a deposit online and the balance closer to departure. Our free Hut Map tool also helps you locate refuges along popular long-distance routes.
Via ferrata equipment (harness, via ferrata lanyard set with shock absorber, helmet and gloves) is usually provided or advised on by the certified guide leading your route, since requirements vary by route difficulty and exposure. Made to Hike does not sell gear directly, but every guide profile is checked against its awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualification) before it goes live, so you can message your guide beforehand to confirm what's included and what you need to bring. Booking works with an online deposit held in escrow and the balance settled around the trip. For general trip preparation, the site's free trek planner and Hut Map are also worth checking.
Made to Hike does not currently list guided hikes in Banff, as the platform focuses on European mountain regions where certified IFMGA, UIMLA and nationally qualified guides operate. You can browse available treks and use the free Hut Map and planner to explore tours across the Alps and other European ranges. All guides are independently verified against their awarding bodies before their profiles go live.
For beginners, the safest route into via ferrata is booking a certified guide through Made to Hike, since every profile is verified against its awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualification) before it goes live. A guide will check your harness and kit, teach clipping technique on easier ground, and pace the route to your comfort level. Booking works through a small online deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip. If via ferrata specific tours aren't yet listed for your target region, the trek planner and Hut Map can help you scope a suitable first outing while you message guides directly about your experience level.
A UIMLA (Union of International Mountain Leader Associations) qualification, also called IML or Mountain Leader, certifies guides for non-glaciated terrain, trekking and hiking routes, distinct from the higher IFMGA alpine qualification. On Made to Hike, every guide profile is verified against its awarding body before going live, so you can filter for UIMLA-certified leaders with confidence. Current tours suited to this level include the moderate Iconic Mountains in the Dolomites and Basque Mountains routes, both one day and from EUR 50 per person, alongside more demanding multi-day options like the Pfunderer Mountains trek. Booking uses a secure deposit held in escrow until the trip.
Via ferrata can be attempted without a guide, but the risk of serious falls rises sharply without someone assessing your clipping technique, route conditions and turnaround decisions in real time. A qualified guide reads exposure, weather and fatigue as they happen, which is exactly where solo climbers most often get into trouble. On Made to Hike, every guide profile is verified against its awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national certification) before it goes live, so you can book someone properly trained for via ferrata terrain. Booking works via an online deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip.
Yes, some via ferrata routes can be done without a guide if you have prior experience with exposed terrain, self-belay techniques and rope handling, but many are safer and more enjoyable with a certified guide. A guide reads the route, manages pace and belay systems, and adapts the day to weather and your fitness, which matters most on longer or more exposed ferratas. On Made to Hike, every guide profile is checked against its awarding body (IFMGA, UIMLA/IML or national qualification) before it goes live, so you can compare vetted local guides and book directly. Booking is a deposit held in escrow, with the balance settled around the trip.