Employment Opportunities with IMG  
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We are no longer accepting Mountain Guide applications for the 2026 season. Please check back later for more information about hiring for the 2027 season.

For over 30 years, International Mountain Guides (IMG) has been a leader in the mountain guiding industry, with a proud legacy spanning all seven continents. At the heart of our success is a dedicated team of professionals whose expertise, commitment, and passion make every IMG trip possible. From the earliest stages of trip planning to delivering safe and enjoyable experiences in the mountains, every team member plays an essential role in our mountain excellence.

Joining the IMG team is an opportunity to share the mountains we love with a community of ambitious, like-minded climbers. It’s a chance to mentor emerging climbers, deepen your own climbing and leadership skills, and continue growing professionally—all while fueling your passion for the outdoors. IMG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.

Mountain Guide Position

Mountain guiding is an incredibly rewarding yet highly demanding profession that requires significant physical and psychological stamina, refined communication and interpersonal skills, masterful technical climbing prowess, sound decision-making ability, and a commitment for sharing the mountains with others.

IMG guides are recognized throughout the industry for crafting unforgettable mountain experiences. We seek to hire individuals with robust personal climbing and guiding backgrounds who demonstrate technical expertise alongside the qualities that define great guides: patience, professionalism, enthusiasm, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning. IMG guides take pride not only in their mountain skills, but in building meaningful, positive connections—with our IMG climbers and guides, other guides, and climbing rangers.

Experienced Guide Applicants

Guides with 2+ years of significant mountain guiding experience are encouraged to send a professional mountain guiding resume, a complete employment resume, and a letter of interest to office@mountainguides.com. Experienced guides will be interviewed and hired based on need and availability!

Entry-Level Mountain Guide Applicants

Entry-level mountain guides begin their career at IMG guiding in Washington State on Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker, and other peaks in the PNW. After their initial season, guides become eligible for Alaska and international programs.

We will be accepting applications for Entry-Level Mountain Guides on September 1, 2025 for the 2026 Washington guiding season. Applications will be reviewed and positions filled on a rolling basis.

Requirements for Entry-Level Mountain Guide Positions:

  1. Be 18 years old or older at the time of application
  2. Significant mountaineering/alpine climbing experience
  3. A valid Wilderness First Responder and CPR certification prior to the start of the season
  4. A completed Avalanche Rec 1 course prior to the start of the season

New Entry-Level Guide Expectations:

  • New Entry-Level Guides must successfully complete our mandatory New Guide Training on Mt. Rainier in April 2026. This paid training will serve as an orientation to IMG’s guiding philosophy and techniques. On-mountain breakfast and dinners will be provided.
  • Once New Entry-Level Guides successfully complete all mandatory New Guide Training sessions, the new hire is in a position to begin working as an Apprentice Guide. Exact start dates will be dictated by staffing needs.
  • New Entry-Level Guides are expected to commit their time for the full Washington summer (late April-early September, conditions dependent).
  • New Entry-Level Guides are expected to demonstrate advancement from Apprentice Guide to Assistant Guide in approximately one month from beginning work as an Apprentice Guide.

New Entry-Level Guide Hiring Process:

All applicants must submit the following electronically at the time of application.

  1. Complete an Outdoor/Climbing Resume, Professional Resume, and Cover Letter.
  2. Please submit your Wilderness First Responder, CPR, and Avalanche Rec Level 1 certifications.
    1. If you do not hold these certifications, please submit your plan to obtain these certifications before your employment (receipts, course confirmation, etc.). WFR, CPR, and Avy Rec 1 are not included in your IMG New Guide Training and are your responsibility to obtain and maintain validity by your first day of employment.
    2. Please note that EMT (Wilderness or NREMT) and OEC are suitable alternatives to WFR. WFA courses are not accepted.
  3. IMG guides are also required to hold Leave No Trace Trainer certifications. IMG will provide guides an opportunity to complete their Leave No Trace certificate during Guide Training. If you cannot take IMG’s LNT course, you must obtain this certification yourself by your first day of employment.
  4. Submit any other certifications you may hold that surpass the minimums outlined above. Examples include:
    1. Completed AMGA Coursework
    2. Avalanche Rec 2, 3, Pro 1, Pro 2 Certifications
    3. Wilderness EMT, NREMT, RN, PA, MD
    4. Avalanche Course Instructor or Course Leader
    5. LNT Master Educator
  5. Please submit your completed application materials to office@mountainguides.com to be considered. Once reviewed, our team will contact you if we’d like to attend an interview.

Guide Compensation & Benefits

  • Guide wages ranging from $270/day-$425/day. Guide wages are determined by guide level and extra certifications guides hold beyond the minimum required.
  • Year-end bonuses
  • Employee housing in Ashford, WA for the duration of the summer season.
  • Breakfast and dinner while on-mountain are provided for guides.
  • Travel stipends for programs in Alaska, the North Cascades, and Olympic National Park.
  • InReach usage stipends.
  • National Park Entrance Passes and Mt. Rainier Climbing Permits for personal climbing trips.
  • Guide uniform items
  • Access to industry pro deals through our partners.
  • Grants for professional development coursework.

 

IMG is an equal opportunity employer. IMG is committed to treating all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, and all other bases protected by law.

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