The International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA-UIAGM-IVBV) will host its annual Spring Technical Meeting in Arco, Italy from May 19-23, 2025. This significant gathering will bring together technical directors and experts from the 28 IFMGA member associations worldwide as well as guests for five days of intensive professional development, knowledge exchange, and international collaboration.

Review the program here

A Premier Venue for Mountain Guiding Excellence

Arco provides an ideal backdrop for this prestigious event. Nestled at the northern tip of Lake Garda in the Sarca Valley, this picturesque Italian town has established itself as one of the world’s premier rock climbing destinations. With over 5,000 routes spread across more than 130 crags on perfect limestone, Arco truly deserves its reputation as the “Mecca of climbing in Italy”.

The Spring Technical Meeting serves as a cornerstone of international mountain guiding standards, providing a crucial platform where technical directors can exchange information and engage in conversations about the evolution of the mountain guides profession. This annual gathering aims to build increasingly higher standards for mountain guide training worldwide.

Comprehensive Technical Program

The meeting features a meticulously planned program addressing current challenges and innovations in mountain guiding. Key topics will include:

• sustainable mountain guiding
• risk management
• technical training approaches
• new equipment evaluation
• and evolving best practices.

Participants will engage in fieldwork, workshops, and technical sessions designed to foster collaboration and raise professional standards.

Beyond Technical Sessions

Participants will experience the renowned climbing opportunities in Arco while networking with colleagues from around the world. Special events include a barbecue at Falesia Dimenticata in San Lorenzo with sport climbing, dinners in downtown Arco, and the second edition of the Guides Olympic Games.

The meeting represents the IFMGA’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest professional standards in mountain guiding while adapting to emerging challenges in the field, including climate change, sustainability, and cross-border mobility.

For more information and registration details, interested participants should email: ifmga.technical.meeting@gmail.com