The alpine guide certificate is delivered in several countries which are affiliate with UIAGM. All countries are not member of UIAGM. Nevertheless a diploma from this association is required to work as a guide in Chamonix and in the Alps.

In the Middle Ages the guiding activity was mainly to help traveler to cross pass. At that time passes were strategic military scene. The guides were very useful for diplomat, pilgrim etc to help them to cross the alps barrier. During the Renaissance trade between north and south became more and more important.

In the XVII and XiX century, the alpine exploration started to have a rapid development especially with Paccard and Balmat who succeed in the Mont Blanc ascent in 1786. The activity growth in Switzerland as well like Grindelwald and Zermatt. The guiding activity had coming to a turning point in the ascent of Matterhorn by E. Whymper and his guides. While he was preparing for this ascent E. Whymper and several of his guides did a lot of first ascent. Finally he will succeed with a guide from Chamonix Michel Croz and Peter Taugwalder father and son.

In 1821, the first company of guide in Chamonix were created and afterwards all around the alps. Since that time the growing demand and the specialization of activities maked that sports appeared like: rocks sports climbing, ice climbing, canyoning, via ferrata etc. Guides in Chamonix are not necessary born in the Valley. Many guides from the Chamonix valley work as guide abroad. They are all within able to manage their client even if they hav never been in the area and moreless with any kind of conditions. In the Chamonix valley, the activities are mainly climbing, Mont Blanc ascent in summer and off piste skiing and ski touring in winter.