We are happy to inform you that, over the past months, UIMLA Board and Technical Committee members have carried out visits to several countries on their path toward joining UIMLA.
These visits included meetings and field activities in Georgia (October) and Mexico (November)—both Aspirant Member countries—as well as Portugal (December), the most recent country preparing to begin the affiliation process.
Below are a few highlights, with input from our Technical Head, Bill Bailey and VP Marian Anghel.
Georgia
Georgia was elected as an Aspirant Member at the UIMLA AGM in November 2023. Due to political and financial challenges, engagement with the assessment process was delayed until recently.
In October 2025, a successful pre-assessment visit took place. The Georgian Mountain Guide Association (GMGA) is now well established and operates its own mountain centre at 2,700 m, offering lecture facilities, equipment storage, a fully equipped kitchen, and accommodation for up to 30 people.
The location is ideal for IML training and assessment. During the visit, both theoretical and practical sessions were delivered to a high standard by a team of IFMGA instructors.
A summer assessment is planned for June 2026.
Mexico
Mexico was elected as an Aspirant Member at the UIMLA AGM in November 2024.
A pre-assessment visit took place in November 2025, during which our new assessor, Nils Fontenla (Argentina), was introduced to the UIMLA assessment process. The Mexican association has over 1,000 members, many of whom have already completed the UIAA QML summer assessment.
During the visit, UIMLA representatives attended lectures and joined students for a full day of leadership and navigation exercises in the hills.
A summer assessment is scheduled for June 2026. Due to geographical constraints, the winter training and assessment will need to be conducted in another country with more suitable terrain.
Portugal
Portugal is a new country interested in starting the UIMLA affiliation process.
In early December, UIMLA Vice-President Marian Anghel had an informal meeting with Pedro Cuiça, Technical Head, and Maria Roque, Vice-President of the Portuguese Federation of Mountaineering and Camping (FCMP).
FCMP is a UIAA member and is keen to join UIMLA in order to further develop the mountain leader profession in Portugal.
During this productive meeting, the main steps required for Portugal to join UIMLA were outlined. Discussions also focused on the newest professional standards for International Mountain Leaders (IMLs).
FCMP already has solid experience in delivering training across various mountain sports disciplines and has, over the years, organized UIAA trekking leader courses.
Once Portugal defines and aligns its professional training programme with UIMLA standards, we are confident that it will have a smooth and successful path toward affiliation.