To the mountains with a qualified professional

The mountains are beautiful, but they can be treacherous. One way of making your way through the mountains safely is to be led by a professional. There are many supposed professionals in the mountains, but how do you recognize those who are qualified and authorized to lead clients in the mountain environment?

The law distinguishes situations where groups of friends are in the mountains, and situations where a person is consistently, for profit, in his own name, and on his own responsibility, is guiding clients in a mountainous environment. While the first situation is not regulated, the second situation is regulated in order to protect the safety of clients, and the law requires is that only a person with the competence to perform the activities of a mountain guide or a mountain leader is authorized to lead clients in a mountain environment. The difference between the activities of a mountain guide and a mountain leader can be explained as follows- in terrain where the use of climbing equipment is not necessary for proper procedure, the client can move with a mountain guide. On the contrary, if it is clear in advance that the use of mountaineering techniques, typically the use of a rope by a client will be necessary during the journey, this is the work of a mountain leader. The movement on glaciers is therefore entrusted to mountain leaders.

In the Czech Republic, professional qualifications for being a mountain guide can currently be obtained by passing an examination with the Czech Guides Association. The same organization also organizes training courses and further education for mountain guides, and associates professional mountain guides on a voluntary basis. The list of members can be found here.

The Czech Association of Mountain Leaders is preparing for the acquisition of professional competence for the activities of a mountain leader. Also, on a voluntary basis, it associates professional mountain leaders and organizes their further education. The list of members can be found here.

If you are traveling in a mountain environment as a travel agency client, be aware that it is the travel agency’s responsibility to provide services of a qualified mountain guide or leader.

Unfortunately, in practice, we still encounter situations where clients in the mountains are commercially led by persons without the required professional competence or qualifications. Until recently, there were no rules for organizing preparatory courses, which was rightly criticized by both professional organizations.

Fortunately, safe movement in the mountains is currently one of the government's priorities, and therefore the Ministry for Regional Development is considering adopting legal rules that would not only create detailed uniform conditions for acquiring professional competence, but also allow professional control that has not existed thus far. Any mountain accident reminds us that professionalism and proper control are certainly appropriate requirements of a mountain guide and mountain leader.

If you are interested in how the movement in the mountains in China is regulated, read our older article.

Do you want to know more or are you considering an outdoor activities business? Order a consultation from us.