UKC

Hi

I’m considering getting a Mountain Leader certification then moving on to International Mountain Leader certification after that (based in the U.K.)

I was wondering if this is something anyone has any knowledge and/or experience of UIMLA.

My partner and I are considering what it would look like making a move from being lawyers in England, and setting up as self employed Mountain Leaders somewhere in the Alps (Europe). (NB my partner is an EU national so there hopefully be easier for me to be a resident anywhere she resides in the EU) 

This seems like an interesting route to go for me for a couple of reasons and was curious about how profitable something like this could be somewhere around Aosta / Chamonix.

thanks 

Join Mountain Training and get your MLs , and research IML work as you go along while you are still working as lawyers - profitable depends on your expectation - you might have to run part time lawyer alongside IML but that can be successful too. 

Hi, 

I am a IML based around the Écrins. To be honest most of my work is as a Rock climbing instructor/coach and kayak guide but I do some IML work. 

There are probably very few IML's making a full time living off just being an IML. Most seam to have something else or use other awards, or offer the accommodation as well. Obviously that depends on what you need to earn. Do you have a family what size house do you want, what you are coming with to help with the set up.

It will take you some time to work through the awards, so you should have time to look at the options available to you. I would say if you could do part time work as Lawyer, at least to start with could be very helpful. 

I am not sure being a partner of some one with a EU passport is that helpful, you would need to be married or Pac's to get any benefit and even then I don't think its that much help. Also worth think about, if you base your self in say France. You would have to apply for residency which is just for France and wont give you permission to work in other EU states. If you are going to base yourself in one area then it's down to you to generate interest and get clients. This is often the hardest part of the job and having some experience of marketing etc will help. maybe you could add some training on this as well while doing your ML - IML? 

Sorry if this doesn't sound positive but just being honest. It is a great life if you can make it work. 

I am happy to answer any questions if you like drop me an email on ecrinscollective.com or a message through here.

Cheers Rob

The French IMLs I know that seem to do well all have a speciality, eg one has a PhD in geology & specialises in geology themed outings, another offers wildlife walks (he's a zoologist). In both cases they need the equivalent of an ML to lead groups in the mountains but its the other skill that attracts their clients. Both can work in at least two languages.

Thanks for the input

In terms of what else I could offer, this is an interesting point which I have considered.

When I was over in the Alps a few weeks ago I went fly fishing and noted that there were quite a few high altitude lakes and rivers where fishing is permitted- and I did wonder then if doing high altitude fishing tours would be something to add into the mix.

I agree about Marketing.

I think most of the marketing would have to be directed to people in the U.K, but even then I think generally that someone from the U.K. would prefer a native to take them around fishing.

for fishing you might need a different qualification -http://guide-de-peche.com/

the French seam to ask for a carte pro for everything.

Do you need to demonstrate a tolerance for extreme boredom?