About the AMI

The Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) is the representative body for professionally qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors in the UK and Ireland.

AMI was formed in 1990 to represent the interests of the highly experienced mountaineers who have undergone rigorous training and assessment to qualify under the Mountain Training UK (MTUK) Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Scheme.

All full members of the Association are qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors or Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors.
There is more information here.


Trainee membership is open to those who have completed a Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor training course. In this way we aim to help and assist those instructors who are at the beginning of their outdoor career by offering support, workshops and access to the AMI civil liability insurance scheme.

AMI is committed to ensuring the continuing high standards of climbing and mountaineering instruction in the future.

Promoting, Supporting and Developing Mountaineering

A Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor will aim to enable you to become self-reliant climbers and mountaineers.

AMI members will discuss your needs with you and design your day to develop, extend and consolidate existing skills and give you the best possible learning experience. What is more, they will be there to guide that experience, to teach you new techniques and to ensure that your learning takes place in a safe and relaxed setting.

Whatever your age or level of skill, you can benefit from a day out with a member of AMI. If you want a course that gives you experience and technique, as well as challenge and enjoyment, choose an AMI member to take you to the mountains.

Instruction you can trust

Look for the AMI logo as assurance of high quality instruction. The AMI logo is used widely by sole traders and companies who are, or employ, AMI members as a guarantee that those Instructors are qualified to teach climbing and mountaineering activities professionally within the remit of their award(s).

They will also be working in line with the national guidelines of MTUKI. If you go into the hills with an AMI member you can be sure that you will be in the very best of hands.

Continuing Professional Development

AMI is committed to helping its members continue their personal and professional development throughout their careers.

This is done via numerous workshops, seminars and conferences throughout the year.

Code of Conduct

AMI members work to a Code of Professional Practice which ensures that all maintain the same high standards of operation.

Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults policy

AMI has a rigorous child protection and vulnerable adults policy.

Additional Services

In addition to mountaineering and climbing instruction members may offer other services such as gorge scrambling, sea level traversing and general adventurous activities.

Many AMI members are also qualified and/or experienced in other outdoor pursuits: caving, canoeing and sailing to name but a few.

These activities can be tailored to groups of different sizes, backgrounds, ages and abilities. More details can be found by contacting AMI members directly.
For more information please see this page

Consultancy and Training

The Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor Scheme is the MTUKI's highest level of qualification.

The Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor qualifications are recognised by MTUKI as the appropriate qualifications for Technical Advisors in the field of mountaineering and climbing. An important part of the remit of award holders is the training and assessment of candidates for the Mountaineering Training qualifications. Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors also provide technical consultancy and training for a wide range of outdoor activity centres, training schemes and voluntary organisations.