Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any further questions, please contact us

Wild Paths Guiding has two headquarters: Chamonix, France, and Salt Lake City, Utah.

Wild Paths Guiding operates on five out of the seven continents and continues to offer custom boutique trips worldwide. We primarily focus on the western US, Alaska, and the western Alps encompassing France, Italy, and Switzerland.

  • Novice (1 mountain symbol): these are good options for guests with limited previous climbing or backcountry ski experience. Most of these routes are either shorter day outings, or longer, but technically easier climbs and ski tours. These may require glacier travel, steep snow, rock, or ice that require belays or rappels. Overall, not that difficult, but basic ski ability, mountaineering skills, cramponing, and/or rope experience are preferred pertaining to the activity.
  • Intermediate (2 mountain symbol): we are now entering our technical category with occasional belaying, steeper skiing, rappeling, and/or climbing in steep terrain. These routes are longer, requiring most of the day to climb. Though, if shorter, more technical difficulties will be involved. They require climbers and skiers to be experienced, and if so, this will be a great option to start with.
  • Advanced (3 mountain symbol): these objectives are hard and require a proven experience in technical terrain and abilities. They can be quite long with continuous exposure and challenge. Not a good choice for beginners and even an experienced climber or skier will be put to the test.
  • Elite (4 mountain symbol): the hardest of the categories and reserved only for the very skilled climber and skier. A mountain athlete needs to be in tip top form and able to move quickly and confidently on the ascent or descent, in exposed and difficult terrain. Retreat from these routes is usually quite difficult.

  • Submit a request for availability using this form
  • You will receive a confirmation email that we’ve received your request. To ensure you receive communications, add wildpathsguide@gmail.com to your approved contacts.
  • Wild Paths Guiding will reach out to you within 48-72 hours of receiving your request. If we’re on an expedition, we’ll follow up with you as soon as possible.
  • Our first call will be to answer any questions you may have and finalize the booking.
  • After the initial follow-up call and dates are set for your expedition, Wild Paths Guiding will confirm logistics (dates, gear, and cost), provide a working itinerary, and follow up with the next steps to prepare you for the trip.

All trips require a 50% deposit at the time of booking to reserve the desired dates.

It’s never too soon. We routinely take bookings a year in advance. The sooner you reach out with a plan, the higher the likelihood your desired dates will be available to you.

  • All trips require a 50% deposit at the time of the booking to reserve the desired dates. This deposit will aid in procuring approved ancillary trip services (i.e. lodging, transportation, etc.).
  • Average day rates for mountain guides in the US are between 500-600 USD for a 1:1 ratio. Average day rates in Europe are between 700-800 EUR for a 1:1 ratio.
  • All trips require full payment 60 days before the start date of the trip. Or as soon as the customer receives the invoice, if sent less than 60 days before the trip start date.
  • Invoices will be assessed a 2% late fee for payments received after the due date.
  • In the rare event that an invoice needs to be amended due to reconciliations/rectifications resulting from trip changes or approved adjustments, we will send a communication. If you are sent an invoice post-trip, payment is due within 10 days of receipt.

  • Because mountain conditions are unpredictable and often change without warning, all payments made to Wild Paths Guiding are non-refundable. If weather or conditions prevent us from safely pursuing the original objective, we will make every effort to offer a suitable alternative experience.
  • In exceptional circumstances (e.g., a family emergency), we may offer a credit toward a future trip. These situations are evaluated on a case-by-case basis and are uncommon for itineraries involving travel, as significant guide expenses are often incurred in advance.
  • For any additional services required for your trip, such as hotel or hut reservations, helicopter or plane transfers, lift tickets, and similar arrangements, we will clearly communicate each provider’s cancellation and refund policies.

  • It depends on the trip. Some itineraries are fully turnkey—meaning we handle everything from the moment you arrive to the moment you depart. Once you submit an availability request, we will discuss the trip that you desire and we’ll outline exactly what’s covered for your specific objective.

  • Wild Paths Guiding will work with you to determine your goals and review your skills, fitness level, and the trip type best suited to your objectives.
  • On your initial call, expect questions about your experience, fitness, and willingness to follow guide instructions for safety. Guides provide expertise for a safe, enjoyable climb, often requiring you to meet fitness benchmarks.

  • Most of our trips are physically demanding by societal norms. Your enjoyment of the adventure directly correlates to a positive mindset, along with your health and fitness. Each trip will be more rewarding the more you prepare for it through conditioning well in advance. The best form of training is simulating the activity that you are training for.
  • If you’re interested in working with a specialized coach to prepare for your trip, we partner with Evoke Endurance coaches for customized training programs tailored to mountain activities. Leif Whittaker and Larry Goldie are two exceptional trainers we always recommend, but you’re in good hands with any member of the Evoke staff. Let us know if we can connect you directly with them or reach out to Evoke and tell them we sent you there way!

  • Wild Paths Guiding will send you a detailed, trip-specific gear list and itinerary well before your trip starts. Every objective is unique. Your packing list is tailored to the exact terrain and conditions we’ll be moving through.

  • Yes, trip insurance is strongly recommended. Coverage options vary by destination, but trusted providers include companies like Travel Ex and Travel Guard.

  • Yes, rescue insurance is highly recommended. The right coverage depends on where we’re headed. In Switzerland, we recommend REGA. For many other destinations, providers like Global Rescue offer suitable coverage. We’re happy to point you in the right direction once we know the location of your trip.

  • It depends on the objective, but as a general guideline, we work with guests ages 15 and up. Specific trips may require additional experience or maturity, and we’re always happy to discuss what’s appropriate for your group.