Alpine Guides organize and conduct mountain-climbing expeditions for adventurers or tourists. They arrange for the camping and climbing equipment, the transportation to the selected site of ascent, and for the services of medical or other personnel as needed. Alpine Guides have to know the abilities and experience of their clients before selecting the ascent site. They lead the party and at the same time give advice and instruction to beginning clients on proper methods of climbing. There are times when the tasks of a Guide are demanding and times when they are not.
Guides usually work both indoors and outdoors in all types of weather.
Guides may sit for long periods of time in the vehicle while they inform the tour members of the history, architecture, art and customs of the area. They must be alert at all times to insure the safety of the tourists and see that they are enjoying themselves. Guides have to walk and lead the tour group through various establishments and discuss the points of interest, sometimes using a megaphone. Alpine Guides and Hunting and Fishing Guides spend their working hours outdoors and are subject to all kinds of weather. Their working hours are usually long.