AGAI
The Italian Alpine Guide became a profession in 1786, when Jacques Balmat concluded his first climb of Monte Bianco. The next year Balmast once again climbed to the peak, accompanied by the scientist, De Saussure, and thereby giving rise to climbing with a guide. This is, naturally, a conventional date; in reality the profession of Alpine Guide originated in the culture and the tradition of mountain people. A history that can be traced for about a millennium up until today.
The history
X century. The "marons": Accompany pilgrims across the major Alpine passes.
1588. The mountaineer, Reverend W.A.B. Coolidge narrates that a man from Villarmont, a nobleman of Breton origins, was assisted during his climb of Rocciamelone by two valley-dwellers (marons) who transported the supplies. According the reverend, the two valley-dwellers were the first true Guides to have conducted a mountaineer to the summit of a mountain.
1850. The "Courmayeur Guide Society" is founded.
1872. The booklet "Observations aux guides des vallées italiennes" illustrates 12 qualities and duties of an Alpine Guide.
1888. The "Consorzio Intersezionale per l'Arruolamento delle Guide e dei Portatori" is founded. The consortium for recruiting Guides and Carriers" works as part of the structure of the CAI (Italian Alpine Club), which had been founded recently.
Early 1900's. Figures that will leave unforgettable impressions in the history of this profession emerge: from Luigi Bonetti from the Valtellina, to Angelo Dibona from Cortina, to Mattia Zurbriggen from Macugnaga. Men with extraordinary technical preparation, experience, courage, and knowledge of the territory. A reference point of the leading mountaineers of the time...
1931. The various Consorzi Intersezionali are reunited in the National Consortium of Guides and Carriers", which is part of the CAI and subdivided into regional and interregional Committees.
1978. The National Consortium gives rise to the "Association of the Italian Alpine Guides", inserted into the Italian Alpine Club as the National Section and associated with the International Association of High Mountain Guides.
Today this historic and cultural link with the Italian Alpine Club continues, and at the same time a national association has organised the 1500 mountain professional present on Italian territory into provincial and regional branches as well.
ACTIVITIES
The Alpine Guides operate in the following activities:
CanyoningDescending rivers inside narrow gorges eroded into the rock. A sport born in 1980 in France and Spain, it has developed internationally over the past two decades.
Hiking
Waking along mountain trails that represent an important network of valley-dwelling culture and traditions.
Via Ferrate
These fixed-aid climbing routes were conceived during the Middle Ages to facilitate access to mountain summits. Trails are marked on a rock wall equipped with cables and steps.
Rock climbing
A sport of Anglo-Saxon origins, a climber must succeed in climbing up an increasingly difficult path on a rock surface with no artificial means except protective accessories.
Ice climbing
The sport of climbing on ice with climbing irons and picks became more popular during the 1950's.
Alpinism
This is the sport where the figure and activity of the Alpine Guide is best known. Modern Alpinism originated during the late 18th century.
Alpine skiing
The practice of this sport consists of reaching the summit - first with skis as far as possible, and then continuing with Alpinism techniques.
Off-piste skiing
With skis along a spacious snowy slope off the beaten track.
Snowshoeing
The perfect equipment for hiking without sinking into the snow.