The British Association of International Mountain Leaders

The British Association of International Mountain Leaders (BAIML) is a full member of the Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA) and looks after the professional interests of International Mountain Leaders (IMLs) in the UK.

Why UIMLA?
UIMLA was created to encourage the development of common standards for professional mountain leaders throughout Europe and worldwide. It was drawn up in recognition of the growing requirement for tour guides to work in areas where the full alpine climbing and teaching skills of a Mountain Guide are not needed but where skilled mountain leadership is necessary for clients to enjoy journeys through remote mountain areas in safety and confidence. The original agreement set out common standards for training, experience and certification of mountain leaders in EU member countries. This grew and expanded to reflect the role of such mountain leaders worldwide, leading to the establishment of UIMLA as an independent body in 2004. Holders of the UIMLA International Mountain Leader’s qualification and carnet are trained and assessed by member organisations in their own country to a demanding common syllabus.

UIMLA and IFMGA (International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations, represented in the UK by the British Guides Association) are the only internationally recognised mountaineering organisations whose leadership qualifications are accepted outside their country of origin. Mountain professionals wearing the badge and carrying the carnets of these organisations have been trained and assessed to the exacting requirements of the internationally respected qualification these represent.

IMLs operate from the Artic to the Andes, from Africa to Asia. If you are an adventure travel agent or an expedition organiser use these pages to find an exceptionally qualified leader for your mountain journeys.

Should you settle for anything less than the best in a tough and demanding mountain environment