‘Having a grand view of what the day entails’: A qualitative investigation of the non-technical skills utilised by Mountain Guides

Abstract

Mountaineering is a potentially risky activity, encompassing uncertain and dynamic terrains alongside adverse weather conditions. Within this context mountain guides work with client groups to plan activities and enhance safety. Despite the integral nature of mountain guides, and their responsibility for other individuals, to date there has been no research examining the range of non-technical skills (cognitive and social skills such as situation awareness and teamwork) necessary for safe and effective performance within this role. The aim of the current study was to explore perceptions of non-technical skills by mountain guides to better understand the skills that are considered important for maintaining safety during mountaineering activities, as well as explore perception of factors that might impact performance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 British Mountain Guides. Content analysis led to the development of six non-technical skill categories (situation awareness, decision-making, leadership, teamwork & communication, cognitive readiness, task management) with associated elements. Some of the elements, including managing client expectations and adaptive communication have not been previously reported in non-technical skills research and may be unique to mountain guides. Guides perceived there to be a range of factors that might impact safety and performance in this context including client behaviour, factors influencing cognition, environmental conditions and actions of other groups. The results highlight the range of skills that are encapsulated within the mountain guide's role, skills that guides considered vital for both safety and client management. This suggests a need for non-technical skills training going forward for mountain guides. Management implications: Mountain guide activities are a core aspect of adventure tourism across multiple countries. One of the most important elements of the mountain guide role is the protection and enhancement of client safety. Within the current context of commercial growth and regulatory development for adventure activities, the current results highlight the range of skills, both social and cognitive, reported by mountain guides as vital to maintain the safety and performance of themselves and their groups. The current lack of defined training and assessment in these skills for mountain guides is therefore potentially problematic. Moving forward training in these skills, comprising leadership, teamwork and communication, decision-making, situation awareness, task management and cognitive readiness, should be incorporated into mountain guide development to ensure client safety.