Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3423
Mountain guide
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.
Check yourself in a minute: mountain guide
Rate 5 of the 25 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
provide first aid
select visitor routes
collect visitor fees
read maps
administer tour contract details
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (25)
sightseeing informationsightseeing informationThe sightseeing information of a particular touristic site.local geographylocal geographyThe range of physical and geographical properties and descriptions of a local area, by street names and not only.provide first aidprovide first aidAdminister cardiopulmonary resuscitation or first aid in order to provide help to a sick or injured person until they receive more complete medical treatment.select visitor routesselect visitor routesExamine and select points of interest, travel routes and sites to be visited.collect visitor feescollect visitor feesCollect fees from visitors and group members.read mapsread mapsRead maps effectively.administer tour contract detailsadminister tour contract detailsAdminister tour contract details in order to make sure that tourists receive all services included in the tour package.provide tourism related informationprovide tourism related informationGive customers relevant information about historical and cultural locations and events while conveying this information in an entertaining and informative manner.engage local communities in the management of natural protected areasengage local communities in the management of natural protected areasBuild a relationship with the local community at the destination to minimise conflicts by supporting the economic growth of local tourism businesses and respecting local traditional practices.manage conservation of natural and cultural heritagemanage conservation of natural and cultural heritageUse revenue from tourism activities and donations to fund and preserve natural protected areas and intangible cultural heritage such as crafts, songs and stories of communities.use different communication channelsuse different communication channelsMake use of various types of communication channels such as verbal, handwritten, digital and telephonic communication with the purpose of constructing and sharing ideas or information.welcome tour groupswelcome tour groupsGreet newly arrived groups of tourists at their starting point to announce details of upcoming events and travel arrangements.handle personal identifiable informationhandle personal identifiable informationAdminister sensitive personal information on customers securely and discreetly.animate in the outdoorsanimate in the outdoorsIndependently animate groups in the outdoors, adapting your practice to keep the group animated and motivated.maintain customer servicemaintain customer serviceKeep the highest possible customer service and make sure that the customer service is at all times performed in a professional way. Help customers or participants feel at ease and support special requ...support local tourismsupport local tourismPromote local products and services to visitors and encourage the use of local tourism operators in a destination.educate on sustainable tourismeducate on sustainable tourismDevelop educational programmes and resources for individuals or guided groups, to provide information about sustainable tourism and the impact of human interaction on the environment, local culture an...ensure health and safety of visitorsensure health and safety of visitorsTake the necessary precautions to ensure the physical safety of an audience or people visiting an activity. Prepare actions in case of emergency. Administer first aid and direct emergency evacuations.escort visitors to places of interestescort visitors to places of interestBring tourists to places of interest such as museums, exhibitions, theme parks or art galleries.manage tourist groupsmanage tourist groupsMonitor and guide tourists ensuring positive group dynamics and address areas of conflict and concern where they occur.manage visitor flows in natural protected areasmanage visitor flows in natural protected areasDirect visitor flows in natural protected areas, so as to minimise the long-term impact of visitors and ensure the preservation of local flora and fauna, in line with environmental regulations.register visitorsregister visitorsRegister visitors after greeting them. Distribute any required identification badges or safety devices.follow ethical code of conduct in tourismfollow ethical code of conduct in tourismCarry out touristic services according to accepted principles of right and wrong. This includes fairness, transparency and impartiality.inform visitors at tour sitesinform visitors at tour sitesDistribute booklets, show audio-visual presentations, give guidance and relevant comments at tour site locations. Explain the history and functionality of tour highlights and respond to questions.assemble visitor suppliesassemble visitor suppliesCollect and check all required supplies and equipment before departure.
Optional (24) — show
local area tourism industrylocal area tourism industryThe characteristics of local sights and events, accommodation, bars and restaurants and leisure activities.camping gearcamping gearThe different equipment used for outdoor camping, such as tents, sleeping bags and outside cooking equipment.tourism markettourism marketThe study of the tourism market on a international, regional and local level and considering worldwide tourist destinations.animal speciesanimal speciesThe characteristics of different species and breeds of animals (relevant to the occupation).distribute local information materialsdistribute local information materialsHand out leaflets, maps and tour brochures to visitors with information and tips about local sites, attractions and events.apply first responseapply first responseRespond to medical or trauma emergencies and care for the patient in a manner compliant with health and safety regulations, assessing the legal and ethical issues of the situation, and provide proper ...handle customer complaintshandle customer complaintsAdminister complaints and negative feedback from customers in order to address concerns and where applicable provide a quick service recovery.adapt to different weather conditionsadapt to different weather conditionsCope with regular exposure to extreme weather conditions and hazardous environments.maintain incident reporting recordsmaintain incident reporting recordsKeep a system for recording details of unusual events that occur at the facility, such as job-related injuries.use e-tourism platformsuse e-tourism platformsUse digital platforms to promote and share information and digital content about a hospitality establishment or services. Analyse and manage reviews addressed to the organisation to ensure customer sa...work with different target groupswork with different target groupsWork with a variety of target groups based on age, gender and disability.monitor use of outdoor equipmentmonitor use of outdoor equipmentMonitor the use of equipment. Recognise and remedy inadequate or unsafe use of equipment.measure customer feedbackmeasure customer feedbackEvaluate customer's comments in order to find out whether customers feel satisfied or dissatisfied with the product or service.conduct educational activitiesconduct educational activitiesPlan, perform and supervise educational activities for a variety of audiences, such as for school children, university students, specialist groups, or members of the public.perform clerical dutiesperform clerical dutiesPerform administrative tasks such as filing, typing up reports and maintaining mail correspondence.analyse weather forecastanalyse weather forecastAnalyse weather forecasts and the information provided on meteorological conditions, such as wind forces, atmospheric structures, clouds, and visibility. Constantly monitor weather conditions to maint...advise on nature conservationadvise on nature conservationProvide information and suggested actions relating to the conservation of nature.assist clients with special needsassist clients with special needsAid clients with special needs following relevant guidelines and special standards. Recognise their needs and accurately respond to them if needed.manage outdoor resourcesmanage outdoor resourcesRecognise and relate meteorology to topography; apply the principal of ‘Leave no trace'.adjust sporting equipmentadjust sporting equipmentAlter sporting equipment, e.g. racquet stringing, ski waxing, etc.apply foreign languages in tourismapply foreign languages in tourismUse the mastery of foreign languages orally or written in the tourism sector in order to communicate with collaborators or customers.implement risk management for outdoorsimplement risk management for outdoorsDevise and demonstrate the application of responsible and safe practices for the outdoor sector.instruct in sportinstruct in sportProvide appropriate technical and tactical instruction related to the given sport using varied and sound pedagogical approaches to meet the needs of the participants and achieve the desired objectives...manage emergency care situationsmanage emergency care situationsManage situations in which decision making under time pressure is essential to save lives.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a mountain guide do?
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.
What skills does a mountain guide need?
A mountain guide needs 25 essential skills, including sightseeing information, local geography, provide first aid, select visitor routes, collect visitor fees.
Will AI replace mountain guide jobs?
The AI disruption score for mountain guide is 37/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: perform clerical duties, sightseeing information, collect visitor fees. Most resilient: adapt to different weather conditions, provide first aid, manage emergency care situations.
AI Replacement Risk
37/ 100
Moderate Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills25
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