Mountain guide
Also known as: outdoor activities centre worker, expedition leader, alpine guide, expedition guide, mountain safety coach, hiking guide
About this occupation
Mountain guides assist visitors, interpret natural heritage and provide information and guidance to tourists on mountain expeditions. They support visitors with activities such as hiking, climbing and skiing in addition to ensuring their safety through monitoring both weather and health conditions.
Essential skills and knowledge
- register visitors
- use different communication channels
- animate in the outdoors
- inform visitors at tour sites
- maintain customer service
- geographical areas relevant to tourism
- read maps
- follow ethical code of conduct in tourism
- ensure health and safety of visitors
- provide tourism related information
- handle tour contract details
- local geography
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Tour Guides and Escorts (O*NET 39-7011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Describe tour points of interest to group members, and respond to questions.
- Escort individuals or groups on cruises, sightseeing tours, or through places of interest, such as industrial establishments, public buildings, or art galleries.
- Monitor visitors' activities to ensure compliance with establishment or tour regulations and safety practices.
- Conduct educational activities for school children.
- Research various topics, including site history, environmental conditions, and clients' skills and abilities to plan appropriate expeditions, instruction, and commentary.
- Provide directions and other pertinent information to visitors.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Social, Enterprising, Artistic
Top skills: Speaking, Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Reading Comprehension, Monitoring
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
- HistoryO*NET: History and ArcheologyVery important (3.6)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Travel Guides
- Park Naturalists
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers
- Travel Agents
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks
- Concierges
- Historians
- Curators
- Recreation Workers
- Self-Enrichment Teachers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.