British Mountain Guides deliver international 'equivalence' for Mountain Leaders
British Mountain Guide Louise Turner trains International Leaders
British Mountain Guides are often involved in delivering the highest levels of training and assessment for other mountaineering professionals. This winter, in the Alps, members of the BMG have been responsible for the delivery of snow shoe courses for International Mountain Leaders.
It's been a busy winter for British Mountain Guides involved in the training and assessment of the 'International Mountain Leader' scheme. With courses held alongside the French scheme (run by French IFMGA Guides) these British 'accompagnateurs' can be sure that not only have they received the highest levels of training from the BMG - they have direct 'equivalence' with their continental colleagues.
Some 37 candidates came to the 'Grand Bornand' under the Chaine des Aravis for a five day training course at the start of the winter. They were delighted to discover a French course for 'accompaganteurs' being held in the same place at the same time. Under the banner of UIMLA - the International Union of Mountain Leaders Associations - UK IML holders share the same qualification and reciprocal rights as their continental colleagues. There can be no better way to ensure 'equivalence' across the schemes than comparing notes at the end of a day!
Looking after people on snow shoes in the winter environment requires a high level of specific skills from a leader. The courses cover the skills of avalanche risk assessment; develop an understanding of the snow pack; develop the skills required to use a transceiver, shovel and probe in effective avalanche rescue. Snow shelters and emergency ropework also feature in these intensive courses. The skills of route planning; setting a snow shoe track that is a joy to follow; and looking after the group are all covered in depth, as well as the ability to inspire others with a detailed knowledge of the winter mountain environment.
At the end of the winter, 38 of the candidates returned to Sixt for a week of assessment, in order to progress to the next stage before completing the scheme. We wish all the candidates the very best of luck in their work as International Mountain Leaders. For more information about the scheme, and the remit of the award, visit the BAIML website
