Mountain guide code of ethics
Article 1
Basic provisions
1) The Code of Ethics of a Mountain Guide is a set of rules and principles that govern the professional and moral conduct of mountain guides necessary for the performance of mountain leadership activities with professional care. The Code of Ethics also applies to aspirants in accordance with the statutes of the NAHVSR.
2) The Code of Ethics is a document regulating the performance of mountain guide activities with professional care in accordance with Section 2d, paragraph 3 of Act No. 544/2002 Coll., as amended. The Code of Ethics applies to and is binding on all natural and legal persons performing the activities of a mountain guide in the territory of the Slovak Republic, regardless of the type of membership in the National Association of Mountain Guides of the Slovak Republic (hereinafter referred to as “NAHVR”).
3) Adherence to the Code of Ethics is the foundation of every qualified mountain guide’s work and reputation. Violation of these rules may result in disciplinary action by the NAHVSR.
4) A mountain guide is obliged to comply with this code even outside of mountain guiding activities, if it is visibly marked with the appropriate symbol (NAHVSR, UIAGM,…) or if it addresses the topics of mountain guiding and mountain guiding activities.
5) The NAHVSR appeal body is authorized to interpret disputed applications of the Code of Ethics. Its opinion is binding and final.
Article 2
Safety first
1) Expertise : A mountain guide must have a valid professional qualification according to the relevant Slovak legal standard.
2) Responsibility : The mountain guide bears full responsibility for decision-making and must refuse any activity that he considers too risky.
3) Client safety: The client’s safety always comes first, even at the cost of not completing the climb. The client must be informed in a timely manner of all risks. The decision to interrupt the climb or change the route must be communicated to the client and with his knowledge. However, the mountain guide has the right to make an independent decision for safety reasons.
4) Material: The mountain guide ensures that only certified and safe materials are used in accordance with the guidelines of manufacturers and relevant international institutions.
5) Procedures: A mountain guide carries out his/her activities in accordance with the methodological procedures of the NAHVSR.
Article 3
Respect for mountains and nature
1) Nature Conservation : Mountain guides and their clients must respect local ecosystems and contribute to nature conservation.
2) Minimizing impact : Care must be taken to leave as little footprint as possible in the mountains, whether in terms of litter or other impacts of their activities. They inform clients about these aspects.
Article 4
Professionalism and ethics towards clients and others
1) Respect : Mountain guides must behave with respect towards all people in the mountains, including members of the mountain service, hut managers and other professional public and visitors.
2) Transparency : The leader should communicate openly and truthfully with clients about the progress of the hike, problems, and results achieved.
3) Equal access : Clients must have equal access to information and respect.
Article 5
Approach to clients
1) Information : Clients must be informed that there is a certain risk even in the activities they undertake with a mountain guide.
2) Goal : The primary goal of a mountain guide is the safety and optimal experience of the clients. Therefore, the expectations and skills of the clients must be compatible with the real conditions.
3) Children and special clients : The mountain guide pays particular attention to the safety of children and specific clients in accordance with their level of development, disability or other specification.
4) Commitment : The mountain guide makes sure to have clear agreements with his clients, such as the destination, route, price, additional costs or alternative solutions, etc.
5) Learning : The mountain guide teaches clients responsible behavior according to the conditions so that they can recognize their ability for self-control and responsibility.
6) Pace and technique : The speed of the tour and the technical execution must not be at the expense of safety.
Article 6
Collegiality
1) Solidarity : In an emergency, a leader must be ready to help others, even if it may limit his own plans.
2) Sharing: A mountain guide should share information about climbing routes and current conditions with other mountain guides. At the same time, he can request such information from other guides.
3) Assistance : If a mountain guide has to help a person in need, organize a rescue, or in the case of using special equipment, provided that it is absolutely necessary, he may leave his clients alone for the necessary time. Responsible assessment of the situation is a prerequisite.
4) Acceptance: Mountain leaders avoid competing with each other and shifting the risk scale due to competitive thinking and behavior at the expense of safety.
5) One family: As part of their professional activities, a mountain guide identifies themselves by visibly wearing a badge. They also always carry a mountain guide card.
6) Respect: In controversial situations, a mountain guide avoids confrontation with other mountain guides and their clients. Personal opinions, even if well-founded, are resolved exclusively without the clients being present. This does not apply if there is a risk of immediate and foreseeable misconduct by another mountain guide or aspirant.
Article 7
Unacceptable behavior
1) Use of artificial means : It is unacceptable to use drugs or other artificial means to achieve success in the mountains.
2) Misrepresentation of facts : Leaders must avoid misrepresenting information, especially for promotional purposes.
3) Abuse of position : It is unacceptable to exploit clients’ difficult situations.
4) Intolerant behavior : It is unacceptable to use racist, sexist or other offensive or derogatory terms in communication.
Article 8
Tradition and sustainability
1) Respect : A mountain guide promotes respect for the local culture and community.
2) Traditions : Mountain guides must respect local traditions, ethics and property, seek permission when necessary and maintain good relations with landowners or managers and local authorities.
3) Integrity : A mountain guide acts with respect and integrity while upholding the traditional values of the profession and is a role model for all mountain visitors.
4) Restraint : When restoring the technical security of old roads or building new roads, care is taken to minimize interference with the natural environment, interference with the difficulty of the original route, and visualization of such restoration or construction.
Article 9
Efficiency
The Mountain Guide Code of Ethics enters into force on the date of approval and takes effect on January 1, 2026.
In Starý Smokovec 16.12.2025
Association President