The British Association of International Mountain Leaders
Becoming an IML
In Britain, IML training is governed by MLTUK (Mountain Leader Training UK), the national umbrella organisation responsible for mountaineering and climbing awards in Britain. Training and assessment courses are run by both of the National Mountain Centres, Glenmore Lodge in Scotland and Plas y Brenin in Snowdonia. The UK Mountain Leader Award (Summer) (ML(S))is the minimum entry requirement, and candidates must obtain this award and gain appropriate experience abroad before being considered for the scheme.
An outline of the whole process is given below. Most people would normally be expected to take around 3 years to complete all 7 stages of the IML award after obtaining the ML(S).
To see the full syllabus and guidance notes for the IML award and entry requirements for ML(S), go to the MLTUK website Membership and application forms are also available to download using the links at the bottom of this page.
Prerequisites...
Obtain a Mountain Leader Award (Summer) and gain the following experience:
- 20 summer international quality mountain days
- 20 winter quality mountain days (UK or overseas)
- Identify a suitable referee to endorse the registration application, preferably an International Mountain Leader, Mountaineering Instructor, Guide or ML Centre staff member, but other long-term climbing/walking partner or suitable employer will be considered.
Stage One...
Register with Mountain Leader Training United Kingdom (MLTUK) for the IML scheme. You will receive relevant Logbook pages.
Stage Two...
Attend a five-day IML Summer Training Course and pass the IML Speed Navigation Test. These courses are run in the United Kingdom at one of the National Mountain Centres.
At this stage candidates can choose to either progress to IML Summer Assessment or IML Winter Training
Stage Three...
Gain further experience as required before the IML Summer Assessment.
Stage Four...
Pass the four-day IML Summer Assessment. This course takes place outside the United Kingdom, typically in the European Alps, during the summer season. It is a hut-based course with three nights being spent in appropriate mountain huts.
Stage Five...
- Either: Attend a five-day IML Winter Training Course run in the European Alps.
- Or: Attend a Mountain Leader (Winter) Training Course plus gain specific snowshoe training and experience
Stage Six...
Gain further experience as required before attending the IML Winter Assessment.
Before the final Winter IML assessment, all candidates must have logged, in total, the minimum following experience:
- 30 quality summer mountain days overseas
- 30 quality winter mountain days, including a minimum of 10 overseas.
Stage Seven...
Pass the five-day IML Winter Assessment Course, which takes place outside the United Kingdom, typically in the European Alps during the winter season.
Membership Forms...
