The future of the mountain guiding profession
by Nils Faarlund
In this interview Nils presents the development Eco-philosophical thinking (and living), the what, how and why of learning, and how this relates to a reality oriented process within the nordic Friluftsliv traditions. His hope is that the time now has come for the UIAGM to fully integrate the result of our more than fifty years of experience with learning into the future pattern for qualifying mountain guides: To expand 'transparent guiding' into 'dialogue-based guiding' – dialogue with nature, according to eco-philosophy/dialogue with the guests, according to 'tour agreement-based companionship'.
About the speaker
MSc biochemistry/microbiology Norwegian Institute of Technology (NTH), Trondheim (1961). Research in microbiology at NTH etc. (1962 – 1966). Founder of Norwegian School of Mountaineering in Hemsedal (1967). Took friluftsliv to University level at Norwegian School of Sport Science (1968), MA-level (1975). Founding father of Association of Norwegian Mountain Guides (1978). Leader Norwegian Red Cross Alpine Rescue/ICAR delegate 1974 – 2007. Norwegian Red Cross Reward for accident prevention services (1997), Project leader Mountaineering and leadership courses Norwegian Military Academy (1967 – 2019), Honorary Officer Cadet of the Academy (1999), Honorary member of UIAGM (2000) and International Commission for Alpine Rescue (ICAR) (2011). Knight 1st class of The Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav for volunteer and professional services for nature and humanity 2008. Norwegian Friluftsliv Award (2009).