What “certified” means for a mountain guide
IFMGA / UIAGM mountain guide
The highest international award. Covers glaciers, rock and ice climbing, ski touring and high alpine routes. Choose an IFMGA guide for anything with ropes, crampons or glacier travel.
UIMLA International Mountain Leader (IML)
For hiking and trekking in mountain terrain, including snow-covered ground without technical equipment. Recognised across Europe and beyond. Ideal for hut-to-hut treks and multi-day hikes.
National hiking-guide awards
Examples are the French Accompagnateur en Moyenne Montagne (AMM), the Italian Accompagnatore di Media Montagna and the UK Mountain Leader (ML). They qualify a guide to lead walking groups in their country and are often recognised by UIMLA.
How to check a guide’s credentials
Ask which award the guide holds, who issued it and whether it is current. National associations such as the UIMLA member bodies or IFMGA national associations keep lists of qualified members.
On Made to Hike, each guide uploads their certificate during signup. Our team checks the document and the issuing body before the guide can publish a tour, and the verified qualifications are shown on every guide profile.
How hiring a mountain guide works
You can join a scheduled group tour and pay per person, or book a tour privately for your own group when the guide offers it. Group size limits are set by the guide to keep the walk safe.
You pay a deposit when you book and the rest closer to the start date. The guide’s cancellation terms are shown on the tour page before you book, and you can message the guide with questions first.
Choosing the right guide for your trip
Match the qualification to the terrain: a mountain leader for trails, ridges and hut-to-hut routes, an IFMGA guide for glaciers and climbing. Then look at the guide’s region, languages, experience and reviews.
Certified guides you can hire
Corrado Conca — Italy (Guida Ambientale Escursionistica (Italy), Guida Ambientale Escursionistica (Italy))
Agustín Ciriza Urrestarazu — Spain (UIMLA/IML (International Mountain Leader))
Irina Berdonces Bonelo — Spain (UIMLA/IML (International Mountain Leader), Hard Ice 1 (Jökla 1))
Michel Visser — Scotland (ML (Mountain Leader, UK), WFA (Wilderness First Aid))
Clelia Stabile — Italy (Guida Ambientale Escursionistica (Italy))
Cristian Perez — Spain (UIMLA/IML (International Mountain Leader), Técnico Deportivo en Media Montaña (TD2) (Spain))
Frequently asked questions
How do I find a certified hiking guide?
Browse guides by country or region on Made to Hike, open a profile to see their verified qualifications, then book one of their tours or send a request for a custom trip.
How much does it cost to hire a mountain guide?
Prices depend on the region, duration and group size. Scheduled tours are priced per person; private groups pay a group price. Every tour page shows the full price, including the booking fee, before you pay.
What is the difference between IFMGA and IML?
IFMGA mountain guides are qualified for technical terrain such as glaciers and climbing. International Mountain Leaders (IML) lead hikes and treks in mountain terrain without technical equipment.
Are all guides on Made to Hike certified?
Yes. A guide can only publish tours after we have checked their certificate. Some tours are run by trainee guides together with an approved certified co-guide.