An International Mountain Leader (IML) is an experienced and trusted mountain professional. They hold the most demanding and respected mountain walking qualification in the world, the UIMLA IML diploma and proudly display the UIMLA badge.
The IML is a certified outdoor professional with thorough knowledge of the mountain environment and who has the pedagogical, technical, and physical capabilities to lead and educate people in the mountains throughout the world. Importantly, the IML also raises awareness and encourages sustainable practices in the fragile environments they lead in.
The primary goal of the IML is to assist people in the discovery and exploration of the natural and
cultural environment of the outdoors, particularly in hill and mountain regions, including education of environmental knowledge and the teaching of technical skills, while maintaining the safety of their group within it. The IML has the diversity of skills and knowledge to operate at any time of the year, on snow-covered terrain, in remote locations, at altitude and in challenging weather conditions and mountain ranges across the world.
The profession of IML is goverened by Union of International Mountain Leader Associations (UIMLA), only licenced members of the 27 current member country associations can use the title of UIMLA International Mountain Leader (or national equivalent) and hold the carnet.