Why MGI

The staff of Mountain Guides International places a premium on our guests’ experience. Every trip that we lead draws on the extensive travel experience of countless expeditions in Alaska, South America, Africa and Asia. Our leaders are committed professionals who are exemplary guides and instructors. We are dedicated to insuring our guests an experience that exceeds their expectations!

Our programs strive to exceed individual expectations. We are dedicated to developing competent, confident climbers. Attention to detail and safety, and an emphasis on fun, are all important parts of the Mountain Guides International experience.

We look forward to having you join us.

What makes Mountain Guides International world class…

We know there are many good guide services and climbing schools out there, but we believe that Mountain Guides International Inc. offers exceptional programs. Here’s why:

MOUNTAIN GUIDES AND INSTRUCTORS

We place a premium on our guest’s experience. Every trip that we lead draws on the experience of countless expeditions in Alaska, and more than 22 years of experience guiding on Mt McKinley, Aconcagua, Kilimanjaro, The Volcanoes of Ecuador and Mexico, and in the Himalayas. Our leaders are committed professionals who are exemplary guides and instructors. They are dedicated to insuring our guests an experience that exceeds their expectations. They have a passion for what they do and the places that they do it in!

SEA KAYAK GUIDES AND INSTRUCTORS

Our kayak guides are simply some of the most experienced kayak instructors/ guides in the state. They hold certifications from both the American Canoe Association and the British Canoe Union. Many of them actually teach the courses to certify guides for other companies. Our Sea Kayak team has experience paddling from Maine to Alaska, from Croatia to Baja. These guys and girls know how to paddle and have a great time doing it.

EXPERIENCE

In just the last 24 months MGI has led 15 trips on Aconcagua including the only guided trip on the challenging Polish Glacier Direct, 28 trips to Kilimanjaro, including taking 21 members of the Canadian Heart Association to the top, 8 trips to the Volcanoes of Ecuador, 5 trips to the Volcanoes of Mexico, numerous sea kayaking trips in Baja and Patagonia, trekking in Argentina, climbs in the Cordillera Real of Bolivia, and successful summits to Mt. Elbrus. This experience guarantees that your guides have the skills to safely lead you anywhere, and that our office has the know how to make it happen smoothly.

TRIP SIZE

We believe that group size is one of the most important factors determining the kind of experience our guests will have. Smaller group sizes give us the flexibility to meet individual goals and expectations. Because of this we strive to keep our groups to six guests with a minimum of two guides or instructors. We are happy to work with larger groups by special arrangements.

SAFETY

Mountain Guides International Inc. has a perfect safety record. We have had no major injuries or accidents in more than twenty years of operations. This is not happenstance; your safety is our highest priority. We were the first guide service to carry satellite phones on all of our trips and continue to use them on every trip. We also carry pulse oximeters, stethoscopes, and expedition first aid kits on all treks or climbs that go to altitude. Â All of our lead guides and instructors are certified Wilderness Emergency Technicians (WEMT).

SANITATION

Mountain Guides International Inc. has set the standards of sanitation in many of the areas that we operate. We work closely with Mountain Safety Research and use their MIOX water purification system on most trips needing purified water as well as SteriPens. We also use iodine to treat water and recognize the fact that it takes longer to purify cold water. This is critical on Kilimanjaro, Aconcagua and the volcanoes of Mexico and Ecuador. Use caution with services that use only boiled water on Kilimanjaro. The water rarely gets fully boiled, which means the bugs are alive. Do not trust your adventure to a guide service that does not provide a reliable water treatment system!

RANGE OF PROGRAMS

MGI offers a wide range of programs. We have courses and trips for everyone from beginners, with little or no experience, to those seeking challenging climbing on the world’s highest mountains. We also offer white water rafting trips in Nepal and Ecuador as well as sea kayaking in southern Baja and the fjords of Patagonia.  Our award winning safari programs in East Africa and cultural tours of  Mayan culture offer unique adventures for less active adventurers.  Please contact us if you have any questions regarding your level of ability, or the requirements of a specific course or trip.

INTERNATIONAL TRIPS & EXPEDITIONS:

Mountain Guides International operates all foreign programs. They offer a comprehensive program of international climbing, trekking, and adventure trips. Our international departures go to some of the world’s most remote and fascinating areas. They have diverse trips ranging from trekking in Bhutan, India and Patagonia, to safaris in Africa, and high altitude climbing in South America and the Himalayas.

QUALITY OF SERVICE

Customer Service and attention to detail are what set us apart! The following is a partial list of our satisfied customers: Putney Student Travel, SUNY Plattsburgh, Canadian Military, Princess Cruise Lines, Colorado State University, Adventure Treks, Royal Caribbean Cruise lines, Southern Georgia University, Rowland Hall Academy, Wilderness Ventures, The Boy Scouts of America, Cornerstone Wilderness Therapy, Â Central Michigan University, Ohio University, U.S. Military, Holland America Lines, and Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, Western State College of Colorado, MIT Sloan and Outward Bound International. Â References are available upon request for any of our International programs.

EQUIPMENT

MGI uses only the best outdoor gear available. To this end we have formed corporate partnerships with Black Diamond Equipment, Mountain Hardwear, Sierra Designs and other providers to supply all of our climbing, camping gear, and outdoor apparel. This guarantees that any gear you get from us is of the highest quality.

PRIVATE GUIDING & CUSTOM TRIPS

We are specialists at designing personalized trips and courses that involve climbing, trekking, skiing, rafting, canoeing, and sea kayaking. We have more than fifteen years of experience leading these trips around the world. Often times a private trip can be arranged for nearly the same cost as our regularly scheduled departures. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding custom departures or private guiding.

SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT

Mountain Guides International proudly supports social and environmental projects in the locations where we run our trips. We support porter organizations in Nepal and Tanzania as well as support community service projects through our partner organization, the International Wilderness Leadership School. Â MGI was a founding member of the Kilimanjaro Porter Society and continue to be actively involved with the organization on the mountain. Â All of our programs work closely with local support teams and communities to provide the highest level of experience for our guests. Â Our educational division (IWLS) is actively involved with service projects in many local communities that we visit.