What is UIMLA?
The UIMLA badge.
The International Mountain Leader Award is the professional qualification for individuals who wish to lead trekking parties to all mountain areas except on glaciers, and where the techniques or equipment of alpinism are required.
The International Mountain Leader (IML) (or in France - Accompagnateur/trice en Montagne) can also operate on easy snow-covered terrain, providing it is of a gentle, Nordic type in the “middle” mountains. The Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA) is the international umbrella organisation for all IMLs.
In Alpine countries it is against the law to act in a professional capacity leading groups into the mountains without an IML or other UIMLA recognised qualification. Should your guide, or trek leader not have such a qualification, they will not be insured, your insurance could be invalidated, and they could even be arrested which would not make for a good holiday.
IMLs, as well as taking responsibility for your safety, are alo well versed on the flora, fauna and geographical/geological aspects of the mountans, and can greatly enhance your trekking experience.
In winter, while snowshoeing is easy to grasp, it is essential to engage an IML as their are many additional dangers for the inexperienced, particularly avalanches.