About the AMI

The Association of Mountaineering Instructors ( AMI ) is the representative body for professionally qualified Mountaineering Instructors in the UK & Ireland.

AMI was formed in 1990 to represent the interests of the highly experienced mountaineers who have undergone rigorous training and assessment to qualify under the Mountain Leader Training UK (MLTUK) Mountaineering Instructor Scheme.

All full members of the Association are holders of the Mountaineering Instructor Certificate (MIC) or Mountaineering Instructor Award (MIA), more information here.

Trainee membership is open to those who have completed their MIA training course. In this way we aim to help and assist those instructors who are at the beginning of their outdoor career by offering support, workshops and access to the AMI civil liability insurance scheme.

AMI is committed to ensuring the continuing high standards of climbing and mountaineering instruction in the future.

Learn from experience

The main aim of MICs and MIAs is to enable you to become self-reliant climbers and mountaineers.

AMI members will discuss your needs with you and design your day to develop, extend and consolidate existing skills and give you the best possible learning experience. What is more, they will be there to guide that experience, to teach you new techniques and to ensure that your learning takes place in a safe and relaxed setting.

Whatever your age or level of skill, you can benefit from a day out with a member of AMI. If you want a course that gives you experience and technique, as well as challenge and enjoyment, choose an AMI member to take you to the mountains.

Instruction You can Trust

Look for the AMI logo as assurance of high quality instruction.

Use of this logo guarantees that your Instructor is qualified to teach activities within the remit of their MIC and MIA. They will also be working in line with the national guidelines of the MLTUK. If you go into the hills with an AMI member you can be sure that you will be in the very best of hands.

Continuing Professional Development

AMI is committed to helping its member continue their personal and professional development throughout their careers.

This is done via numerous workshops, seminars and conferences throughout the year.

Code of Practice

AMI members work to a Code of Professional Practice which ensures that all maintain the same high standards of operation, click here to download a copy (pdf document 38KB).

Child Protection and Vulnerable Adults Policy

AMI has a rigorous child protection and vulnerable adults policy, click here to download a copy (pdf document 38KB).

Additional Services

In addition to mountaineering instruction members may offer other services such as gorge scrambling, sea level traversing and general adventurous activities.

Many AMI members are also qualified and/or experienced in other outdoor pursuits: caving, canoeing and sailing to name but a few.

These activities can be tailored to groups of different sizes, backgrounds, ages and abilities. More details can be found by contacting AMI members directly.

Consultancy and Training

The Mountain Instructor Scheme is the MLTUK's highest level of qualification.

The MIA and MIC qualifications are recognised by MLTUK as the appropriate qualifications for Technical Advisors in the field of mountaineering. An important part of the remit of award holders is the training and assessment of candidates for the MTB award schemes. MIA and MIC holders also provide technical consultancy and training for a wide range of outdoor activity centres, training schemes and voluntary organisations.