This is the professional in charge of accompanying and guiding a person or group on trails and through mountain areas which do not entail the technical difficulties typical of climbing or mountaineering . The trails tend to be travelled on foot, although it is possible to use other means of transport (bicycle, horseback, etc.). The guide must know how to guarantee the necessary safety on itineraries and achieve optimal customer satisfaction.

• Organise, explain and provide the necessary guidelines to carry out an activity in a nature environment.
  Select routes and activities considering the conditions, environmental issues and the characteristics of the clients.
  Organise all necessary resources (vehicles, hostels, refreshment points, signs, etc.) to ensure the activity is run successfully.
  Inform the group about the equipment and material (type of clothes and footwear, sun protection, etc.) needed to carry out the activity.
  Take responsibility for preparing and looking after the specific material to be used.
• Guide clients.
  Teach clients basic techniques in order to carry out the activity safely.
  Teach orientation techniques.
  Lead the group and lay out behaviour guidelines to ensure the conservation of the environment.
  Recognise any meteorological or environmental indications of danger and respond to these accordingly.
• Implement safety and support measures.
  Determine the necessary preventive measures and resources for the activity to be run safely.
  Help with rescue tasks and apply first aid in the case of accidents.
  Apply survival strategies in extreme situations.

Regulated training and graduates

• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Activitats Físiques i Esportives: Guia per itineraris de baixa i mitjana muntanya (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Activitats Físiques i Esportives: Guia d'espeleologia (Nivell 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Activitats Físiques i Esportives: Guia per itineraris eqüestres en medi natural (Nivell 2)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Physical Activities and Sport - Intermediate Level: Leading Physical Sports Activities in Nature
• Grau: Ciències de l'activitat física i de l'esport
• Grau: Turisme

Other specific skills

Networking: Level 1

Analytical thought: Level 2

Planning and organisation: Level 2

Leadership: Level 1

Customer orientation: Level 1

Initiative: Level 2

Customer service

Direct and personal interaction with people and relating to the public are highly-motivating activities for individuals who have an interest in the field of customer service. A focus on people and on satisfying customers' needs is key in the occupations included in this field. These jobs entail the need to know suitable techniques for attending to the public and being able to give appropriate service that is tailored to their needs and expectations. Good examples are activities which offer assistance and guidance during functions, trips or at facilities, and those which provide advice in relation to products and services.

Logistics

The planning, organisation, control and carrying out of logistics and administrative tasks are the focus of people who work in the field of logistics. Activities in the field of logistics include the organisation and planning of supply, storage, production and distribution systems, taking inventories, controlling stock and estimating production, as well as the organisation and/or carrying out of the administrative tasks necessary for the implementation of these activities. Knowledge of organisation, control and management techniques is essential for carrying out these activities.

Mountain activity facilitator

Tourist and/or leisure guide

Sustainable Product Analysis and Purchasing Expert

Sports coach

Conference assistant

• Work hours

  These depend on the route and guide service provided. The guide is the person in charge of the group, 24 hours a day in the case of overnight services.

• Salary

  This can vary according to the area, the type of activity, season and designation. Between 15,000 and 20,000 euros (gross) a year. Commissions are sometimes paid on the promotion and sale of tourist products.

• Other features

  Suitable for people with an interest in the natural environment and its preservation.

• Professional category

  Technician

• Human resources and equipment

  Varies significantly depending on the type of activity. For example, hiking requires different specialised equipment (suitable mountain boots, clothing that protects against the cold and rain, a rucksack, basic first aid kit, map of the area, compass, etc.) than cycling. However, some of this equipment can be used in other activities, such as wildlife observation, for which binoculars, a camera and other practical optical instruments are also required.

• Initial investments

  Basic hiking equipment shouldn't cost more than 600 euros. The average cost of a personal computer and access to a phone line should not cost more than 1500 euros and will help you to deal with clients.