The Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix is a non-profit organisation, which brings together mountain guides who are deeply rooted in their local community. The Compagnie des Guides has always been a main actor in developing and structuring the mountain sector.
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Involved in the region
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In 1874, Ambroise Simond started the first English course for guides, with the goal of improving the hospitality for foreign tourists. In 1930, Alfred Couttet funded the first ski course for local kids. In 1948, Armand Charlet took part to the creation of the organisation that still trains French guides today. In 1972, Gérard Devouassoux funded the “Office de Haute Montagne”, pillar of risk prevention in Chamonix. In 2019, Claude Marin started to work towards the registration of Mountaineering in the UNESCO list of world heritage. In 2022, the Compagnie launched the fund for the environment "FOEHN", contributing to the sustainability and attractiveness of the Mont Blanc region, as well as in making the Mont Blanc region a main actor in the fight against climate change.
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Defending the mountain guide profession
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Its size and history make the Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix a very important actor. The Compagnie is engaged in protecting the mountain guide profession, defined as the subtle art of adapting to nature with responsibility and freedom. In the context of global warming, the Compagnie supports the evolution of the profession in order to guarantee its durability. It also guarantees to its guides a reasonable salary, compatible with the cost of living in the Mont Blanc region.
