UIMLA

The Union of International Mountain Leader Association UIMLA was founded in November 2004 in France. UIMLA is the umbrella organization for 24 national associations of mountain leaders. Mountain leaders differ from mountain guides in that mountain leaders are qualified to lead treks in all mountain environments except glaciated terrain, permanent snowfields, and places where ropes are required. Those environments necessitate the techniques of alpinism that fall under the mountain guiding profession. The UIMLA’s training for certified mountain leaders meets IFMGA standards. The UIMLA and IFMGA are the only acknowledged worldwide umbrella associations that certify mountain leaders and mountain guides internationally.