APPENDIX 6 (D) (adopted 2009)
UIAGM (IFMGA,IVBV) Code of Practice.

1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 This Code of Practice outlines the responsibilities of a mountain guide to clients,
the public and fellow guides. It articulates the exercise of care that the HV is required to provide.
1.2 In this Code, all masculine references include the feminine. All references
to “mountain guide” include both male and female mountain guides/guides and mountain guides –
aspirant(s).

2. ACTIVITIES OF A MOUNTAIN GUIDE
2.1. Guide activities are: mountaineering, mountain hiking, rock climbing, including sport
climbing, use of artificial walls, technical climbing, snow and ice climbing, ski
hiking and ski mountaineering, and freestyle skiing. With additional training in canyoning
and outdoor training activities in mountaineering and may include techniques on rope centres
2.2 The HV teaches the activities listed in 2.1 using the most appropriate methods. It provides its
clients with a suitable environment to enable them to develop their skills safely. It may
decide to let them climb as first-timers or as an independent team, as long as they do not put
themselves in too much danger. The number of course participants must not exceed the capacity for sufficient supervision.
2.3 The mountain guide leads or accompanies the person or group. The degree of leadership is chosen by the
according to : local customs and/or regulations, the abilities of his/her clients difficulty,
danger, length of the hike, weather and mountain conditions.
2.4. The mountain guide can also work as a trainer for all the activities mentioned in point 2.1.
2.5. The HV can act as a technical advisor to its clients for municipalities and other private
and public collectives in the field of their competence , especially regarding the organisation of courses,
expeditions, classes etc.
2.6. The HV’s field of competence covers:
.Activities on mountains (including high mountains), rocks, snow and ice, and adrenaline parks
.All artificial and natural formations that allow the HV to use his technical skills
in activities carried out on formations such as cliffs, boulders, artificial walls
.Snow-covered areas including: skiing (backcountry skiing, ski
hiking, ski mountaineering, extreme skiing) and winter ascents using all types of
equipment.
2..7 A mountain guide is entitled to carry out his/her activities in all countries, but must
respect local customs and rules.
2.8 A mountain guide respects the boundaries of other professional groups and observes current legal regulations2

3. POSITION OF THE MUNICIPAL LEADER
3.1. The HV may work as the head of the mountain school , as an independent leader, or as an employee.
3.2. He/she may also work as an independent worker for the institution. He may retain
autonomy regarding the organisation of his work.
3.3 Independently of his position, the HV is responsible for all his decisions and must
reject proposals which are too risky for him or which may appear unethical.
He should inform the relevant organisation if safety is involved . He may refer to the UIAGM code of honour
and/or local rules and customs
3.4 As an employee, he must respect the instructions of his employer , unless
this is in contravention of point 3.3.

4. MAJOR PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
4.1 All activities require caution, awareness and vigilance in relation
to the assessment of the conditions and abilities of participants. In the field of mountain guide activity,
basic risk is unavoidable. It is impossible for a mountain guide to predict the exact
danger or to guarantee absolute safety to his or her clients.
4.2. The mountain guide must be aware of current conditions and use the
proper means to do so.
4.3. When working, the mountain guide always carries a first aid kit or has immediate access to one. He/she must
also carry the necessary supplies needed to undertake the activity in question in a responsible manner.
4.4. He/she must constantly update his/her knowledge and technical skills, especially in the areas of safety,
rescue and navigation
4.5. He/she must be open to communication with other mountaineers. He should inform his
colleagues and relevant organisations about risks and unusual dangers he has discovered during
the hike.
4.6 In case of an accident, the HV should inform the nearest rescue centre , or ask
someone to do so. He/she should be able to help someone who has had an accident
and do so in a reasonable way without endangering his/her clients.
4.7 The HV should respect the protection of nature.
4.8 Mountain guides should be loyal to each other and helpful to each other. They should
especially avoid “competitive guiding” and mutual escalation of risk
caused by competitive thinking.
4.9. The HV should wear the HV badge (UIAGM) visibly during professional activities. He should also
carry his UIAGM3 card
4.10. Points 4.2. to 4.8. also apply to sport mountaineering activities outside the profession
HV.
4.11.HV shall endeavour to have and maintain good relations with people associated with his/her profession.

5. RELATIONSHIP WITH CLIENTS
5.1. HV is committed to showing its clients care and respect.
5.2. Clients must be made aware of the fact that there is an inherent risk associated
with the activities they undertake with a mountain guide. Individual hazards should be
listed.
5.3. The primary goal of HV should be to offer a valuable experience to its clients.
The main priority of HV is the safety of its clients, the expectations and abilities of the clients must
be balanced with the current conditions .
5.4. The HV must pay special attention to the safety of the weaker clients in the group and be
aware of their different level of development .
5.5. The HV needs to be careful and make sure that there is a clear agreement with the client. This agreement could
include, for example : the aim of the tour, the leader’s fee (including if the tour is changed,
or cancelled), other expenses, etc.
5.6. He should teach his clients to behave responsibly in accordance with the conditions and
develop their capacity for self-awareness and responsibility towards themselves. It verifies the technical
and physical level and equipment of its clients before, during and after the activity.
5.7. The HV is entitled to leave its clients in the mountains if there might be extraordinary
circumstances, for example when assisting or organising a rescue, or if special
guiding techniques are required. A prerequisite for this is a responsible and considered
assessment of the situation
5.8. The decision to cancel or change a tour should be made after a dialogue.
with clients. HV has the right to make the decision independently for security reasons.
Even so, it should explain to its clients the reasons for this decision as soon as possible.