Mission
The IFMGA is the exclusive international umbrella federation for all mountain guide associations. It establishes the minimum standard for certification of mountain guides around the world.
The IFMGA governs the profession of mountain guiding internationally by:
- developing and maintaining standards of practice that drive consistency in the mountain guiding profession
- developing and maintaining a model code of professional ethics for mountain guides
- facilitating information exchange and fellowship among national associations and their members
- holding member associations accountable to its mandatory training standards
- promoting reciprocity of access among member associations
- supporting the development of each national mountain guide association
- actively representing the interests of the mountain guides to national and international authorities and media
Responsibilities to Stakeholders
Public
- Setting the standards for training of mountain guides who manage risk for their clients
- Providing a visible and transparent process by which mountain guides are certified
- Providing information on the mountain guiding profession as requested
Member associations
- Coordinating the formation of new national associations
- Facilitating entry of national associations into the IFMGA
- Determining mandatory international training standards
- Facilitating and promoting cooperation and synergies among member associations
Mountain guides
- Setting the standards for the professional practice and behaviour of mountain guides
- Providing services and assistance
- Promoting cooperation and collegiality
Authorities
- Advocating for the mountain guiding profession with government agencies
- Providing mountaineering safety and technique consultation
Media
- Providing information on mountaineering and safety as requested
Competitors
- Protecting the IFMGA brand
- Providing clarity on the training and capability of IFMGA mountain guides
- Cooperating for the benefit of the public
Principles of conduct
- The IFMGA understands and aligns itself with mountain guides and their interests
- The IFMGA maintains the traditional values of the profession
- The IFMGA keeps the profession growing and relevant in a changing world
- The IFMGA represents itself and its profession to all stakeholders with honour and integrity
- The IFMGA places strong emphasis on adherence to its professional standards of practice
