

4.1
Great# of trips
2
Type
Global operator
Service level
standard
Travelers age
6 — 65
Trip prices
$2,950 — 3,300
Tour languages
Unknown
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Play the gameInternational Mountain Guides Reviews & Ratings
Unfriendly dictatorial guide
I was very disappointed with the unfriendly and dictatorial chief guide during my experience. When I disclosed that I had started taking Diamox, he humiliated me by ...
Dishonest bait-and-switch rip-off
I signed up for a trip to go up Mt. Rainier in 2022. Long after I paid, the company informed me that it would not be honoring our agreement. If I wanted to join the ...
Much appreciated
I developed a touch of altitude sickness on our way to the summit. We had a 4 man rope team with considerable mountaineering experience and made the decision that I...
Each trip has been wonderful
My husband has taken three trips with IMG - Rainier and Alaska and each trip has been wonderful. The Rainier staff (especially Kim and Mike Haft) is professional, en...
3.5 day Rainier climb - great guides
Guides were the best part of the trip. They were very knowledgeable, personable, and had great stories. We were hit by a blizzard and never made it past the second c...

Editoral Review of International Mountain Guides
Since 1986, International Mountain Guides have conducted mountain expeditions around the globe. They strive to provide the highest quality mountaineering instruction, be confident and educated mountaineers, and to protect and preserve the mountains they travel to.
What Makes International Mountain Guides Stand Out?
- Trekking, climbing, and mountaineering tours
- Top-notch rental gear (ie. tents with proper ventilation)
- Exceptional guides
- Lowest climber to guide ratio in the industry (almost always 1:1)
These aren’t just any regular guides that show you around the mountain - they will train you on proper climbing skills, motivate you, cook for you, and organize the campsites while you relax. Safety is of absolute important, and their professionalism and organization will ensure that you feel safe through the entirety of your trip.
Who Will Enjoy Traveling With International Mountain Guides?
- Very active and outdoorsy travelers
- All mountaineering levels
- Mid-level to higher budget travelers
- Ages 18+

If you thrive in challenging settings, are highly active, and enjoy being in the mountains, International Mountain Guides will be great for you. For some trips, you should have some experience in mountaineering, in order to safely move through rocky terrain, fixed ropes, and such. Even if you are active and have no climbing experience though, they’ll gladly teach you the skills you need to conquer that glacial peak.
Top Destinations
- Himalayas/Asia
- North America
- Latin America
- Europe
- Kilimanjaro, Africa
- Vinson, Antarctica
- Carstensz Pyramid, Indonesia
You’ll be spending all of your time in the mountains (as expected from the name). Some expeditions such as the Mt. Rainier trip are only offered during the summer and fall, when the weather is typically at its best.
International Mountain Guides Travel Style
Each trip is organized personally by one of the three founders of the company. This means you deal directly with the person responsible for the quality of your trip. Typically their trips are close to selling out 6 months in advance, so it’s a good idea to book at the beginning of every year. During the trip, you’ll move at a slow pace because of the huge altitude jump. Helicopters and flights are often used to get to the starting point.
These trips are made for the truly adventurous - if camping in the mountains and using bags as toilets are no problem, then you’ll fit in perfectly! The food will be cooked by the guides, and you’ll always be served real food. You can expect meals like burritos, rice, pasta, pancakes, and bacon. Additionally, everyone eats together as a group in a social and positive environment.
Why Choose a Tour With International Mountain Guides?
Climbing any mountain is no easy feat. If you want to safely conquer any mountain, it’s no doubt that it's safest to go with an expert. With International Mountain Guides, you’ll know that you’re always in good hands. They have over 40 years of experience in these trips, and you’ll never have to second guess if you forgot any supplies with their overly thorough checklist. They are also fully committed to protecting and preserving the mountain environment.
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Solo friendly
Activities
About the company
International Mountain Guides directors Phil Ershler, George Dunn, Eric Simonson and Paul Baugher organize and lead climbing, trekking and mountaineering expeditions around the world, from the classic climbs of the Alps and Andes to the 8,000m peaks of the Himalayas. We continue to be one of the most respected and active guiding companies in the world. Since 1986 we have conducted hundreds of expeditions to destinations around the globe, and the fact that most of our customers climb with us again and again tells us we're doing things right!
Want a tailor-made trip instead?
Your trip, your way, planned by an expert:
- You choose budget, destinations, activities, transport & lodging type
- Expert designs the itinerary for you, and once approved, takes care of logistics
International Mountain Guides Company Ranking by Category
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Awards
David A. Sowles Memorial Award
FAQ
Pre or post trip accommodation available?