What can AMI members do for me?

The Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) is the representative body for professionally qualified Mountaineering and Climbing Instructors in the UK and Ireland. As AMI members all candidates go through a rigorous 9 day training course followed by a period of consolidation. After this the trained candidate get assessed at their skills on a 5 day continual assessment. If the assessment outcome has been satisfactory and the candidate passes the new AMI member must gain further knowledge through CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and via the members own education and thirst for knowledge and experience.

All members of The Association of Mountaineering Instructors (AMI) are experts in rock climbing and mountaineering and have in depth knowledge of mountain environments in the UK and further afield. AMI members have taken clients to the summit of Everest, climbed the hardest rock climbing and mountaineering routes in the world, covered safety aspects of film shots, work in mountain rescue, deliver Duke of Edinburgh programs, train personnel in Joint Service Adventurous Training (JSAT), keep teams safe in remote and hostile environments, provide technical advice and expertise to the specialist recreational climbing and high ropes course industry - this list goes on….

All fully qualified AMI members (those who have passed the Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor qualification or Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor qualification (see awards for more info) need to comply with the Association’s requirement to undertake CPD. Therefore, you know that by employing an AMI member you are employing a professional. Members also adhere to a code of conduct and there is a Professional Standards Policy. So to ensure a quality day out with a Mountaineering Professional please Look out for the logo. The following gives you an idea of what our members can offer.

Guided Climb, Scramble or Walk

If you have a particular challenge/objective that you wish to fulfill then the associations fully qualified AMI members are the perfect professionals to help you. All are highly experienced and qualified mountain professionals and therefore able to guide you in the mountains. Many are also qualified in other activities as well.

Winter Climbing

The UK and Irish mountains can offer amazing days and adventures in winter. Whether it's climbing your first Munro in snowy conditions, or venturing onto the steep faces and gullies to try winter climbing, an AMI member holding the Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor qualification will share with you all the skills needed to enjoy these activities.

Skills Coaching

Whether learning to lead climb, improving mountain navigation, or practising snow and ice techniques, AMI members are experts in mountain skills and are more than happy to arrange days to help you to improve, or to work on those practical skills that are so difficult to gain simply by reading instructional manuals. Sessions can also be tailored to meet the specific requirements of those who are working towards undertaking the Mountain Training national governing body awards.

National Governing Body Awards

AMI members with enough further training and experience may become providers or directors of the National Governing Body award training and assessment courses managed by Mountain Training UK. These include the Lowland Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader, Mountain Leader Award (Summer and Winter), Climbing Wall Instructor, Rock Climbing Instrcutor and Rock Climbing Development Instructor

Group Activities

Perhaps you have a group of friends or young people who would like to experience mountain activities AMI members can organise individual days or longer periods out on the mountains, moorlands and crags around the country to suit the group’s aims. Many members are broadly qualified holding paddlesport, caving, and sailing qualifications. We are therefore the perfect choice to fulfil your ambitions. As it stands at the moment it is a legal requirement, when working with under 18 year olds, for an activity provider to be inspected by the Adventure Activity Licensing Service. Many members either hold individually, or work for organisations that hold an AALS licence.

Employing an AMI member

Depending on the nature of the course or activity you can expect to pay from £200 per day for the services of a Mountaineering Instructor in both summer and winter conditions. Ratios are generally 1:2 for rock climbing, winter climbing and scrambling but they do vary.


Fees for larger group activity days are likely to be more, ratios for these days are up to the instructor.
If you wish to employ a Mountaineering Instructor as a technical advisor then expect to pay from £300 a day plus expenses.