Are you an adrenaline junkie, an adventurous person, or a die-hard fan of mountains? Then it’s time to turn your leisure pastime and passion into a buzzing and lucrative revenue-generating career. Nowadays, it is possible to carve up a career for oneself in practically any area of the world; what it takes is just discovering your career aspirations. Today, we’ll talk about one such unusual way of revenue-generating career that isn’t well-known yet is still thriving. It is one of the most exciting, adventurous, and also exciting careers available worldwide. Yes, you have guessed it right, we are talking about mountaineering.
For all of you looking to pursue a career in mountaineering or trekking, a mountaineering course is strongly recommended. The Himalayas is no more a summer chill destination. There is a whole new definition to it thanks to trekking. Now more people want to get out of luxuries and also live a raw life. After a few treks, we get so intrigued we just want more and dive deeper into the field of mountains.
Before we talk about various career options under mountaineering, let us understand mountaineering as a career path and various mountaineering skills courses to develop this adventurous skill.
Mountaineering As A Career Option
Mountaineering is an adventurous sport that involves climbing mountain peaks. A mountaineer is someone who participates in mountaineering. Previously, due to a variety of reasons, people’s interest in this field was essentially non-existent. However, scientific advancements have changed this industry and made it a viable career option that is both respected and well-paid. Mountaineers live a vibrant and fierce lifestyle, and also a career in this field is a mountain lover’s dream come true.
Various Career Opportunities In Mountaineering
The first thing that springs to mind when we hear about exciting careers like mountaineering is climbers who go all out to reach the top of mountains. Aside from this, it has a wide range of career options. One does not have to seek a career in it solely for ascending the highest peak; they can do so in various ways. Hiking, snow trekking, camping, mountain walking, and also climbing are all examples of mountaineering, and any of these recreational activities can be turned into a full-time career. Let’s look at the different types of career options in this industry.
1. Porter
A porter’s role is to supervise and help those hiking, trekking, or climbing in the mountains by lifting the loads they are carrying. This job does not require any specific qualifications or certifications. Anyone can apply to be a porter if they are physically and mentally strong and have a strong desire to work in the mountains.
2. Trekking Guide
A trekking guide is a person who offers support and guidance to people who want to go trekking in the mountains. The primary goal of such guides is to ensure that their clients are comfortable and secure and that trekkers get the most out of their vacation in whatever way possible. Basic mountaineering training is best suited for this work since it teaches about the landscapes and locations.
3. Liaison Officer
Liaison officers are government-appointed personnel that oversee the appropriate administration of climbing, trekking, and camping activities to assure the safety of people.
4. Mountaineering Agency Owner
This is a well-paid career option that oversees all activities such as hiking, climbing, trekking, mountaineering, and camping services. As a result, one may look forward to becoming the owner of a mountaineering agency where all of these activities can be organized.
5. Mountain Climbing Guide
A climbing guide assists climbers on mountain trips and is primarily responsible for ensuring the climbers’ safety and timely return to the camp. This is a fascinating job because it allows you to meet a wide range of people from all over the world, which significantly improves your communication and networking skills.
Career opportunities in this domain require a diverse set of skills; you can learn essential skills by enrolling in mountaineering skills courses or Indian mountaineering foundation courses.
Mountaineering Skills Courses
To begin with, there are various courses in mountaineering. Most institutes require the completion of the Basic Mountaineering Course (with a certain grade) to register for the Advanced Mountaineering Course. After completing the Advanced Mountaineering Course (with a certain grade), one can apply for the Method of Instruction or/and also the Search and Rescue course.
Depending on the route chosen, the length of the course can range from 20 to 28 days. The candidate must endure several physical challenges during the training phase like hiking, rope climbing, rock craft, rock climbing, etc. One thing for which the individual must be fully prepared is mountain climbing with supplies, as the training requires walking while carrying a 15-20 kg backpack containing essential equipment and supplies. One can opt for any of the following mountaineering skills courses to learn about mountaineering technologies, mountaineering equipment, rescue techniques, etc.
Some of the courses offered in this domain are:
- Indian Mountaineering Foundation Courses
- Basic Mountaineering Courses
- Short-Term Adventure Course
- Rock and Mountain Climbing Course
- Rescue Techniques Course
Mountaineering Training Institutions
There are numerous prestigious institutes in India that provide training to aspiring mountaineers. They’ve been successful for decades, and their commitment to securing the future of mountaineers has had a significant impact on how people view mountaineering as a career today. Institutes like Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling, West Bengal and Nehru Institute Of Mountaineering (NIM), Uttarakhand teach various mountaineering skills courses that provide specific mountaineering instructions to the students by delivering situational adventures and also camping virtues.
Top Colleges in India Offering Courses in Mountaineering
- NIM – 1965- Nehru Institute of Mountaineering, Uttarkashi
- HMI – 1954 – Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling
- JIM – 1983 – Jawahar Institute of Mountaineering, Pahalgam
- ABVIMAS – 1961- Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali
- NIMAS – National Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Dirang-Arunachal Pradesh.
- IISM – Indian Institute of Skiing and Mountaineering, Gulmarg
- SGMI – Sonam Gyatso Mountaineering Institute, Gangtok
- PNSMTI – Pandit Nain Singh Surveyor Mountaineering Training Institute
How to Register for the course
- After you choose your preferred institute, click one of the links mentioned above to enter their website. Click on the “Admissions” or “Courses” tab.
- Select “Basic Mountaineering Course” as the course you want to register for. Usually, the institute mentions the earliest batch available and also the respective batch code.
- After selecting your preferred batch, go through the application procedure. Remember to go through the eligibility criteria carefully.
- Download the application form and also fill it carefully (or fill it online). Check and also recheck for mistakes.
- Post the application form along with the course fee in the form of a DD/Cheque (whichever is mentioned in the application procedure).
The confirmation of your booked seat comes in the form of a post or/and an e-mail or/and a phone call. Most application forms have a helpline number which you can contact in case you don’t receive confirmation.
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Conclusion
It is no doubt one of the most exciting, adventurous, and also exciting careers available worldwide. What it takes to be a mountaineer is just exploring your career aspirations and also strengthening your skills to become a better and also improved version of yourself.
Overall, a career in this domain may be a superb option, as people’s busy lifestyles have significantly changed how they see holidays and vacations. Globalization has made it possible for people to travel to any area of the world, which has sparked a desire to visit the wilderness. As a result, mountaineers are always in high demand. If you plan to explore various careers in mountaineering, you must educate yourself about various mountaineering courses available in India.