Full female power ahead!

For a long time, mountain guiding was considered a male profession - but what is the situation today? Currently, only 1.9 percent of all Austrian mountain guides are women. The good news: the number is growing! There are currently six women training as mountain guides - more than ever before. This means that they will at least push the low proportion of women up a little. Sofia and Susi are among these important women in mountain guide training. They spoke to us about being a woman in the profession.

Mountain sports have always been seen as more male territory. However, while it used to be almost impossible for women to adjust the parameters, much has changed in favor of female players. Women are climbing eight-thousanders, making first ascents in alpine regions - not to mention the top female achievements in sport climbing. Women today are braver, more positive and, above all, more emancipated than ever before.

Nevertheless, there are areas in which women are underrepresented. This applies to individual disciplines such as ice climbing or alpine climbing, but also to various areas of work.

Low proportion of women in the Austrian Mountain Guide Association

The phenomenon of a low proportion of women is also prevalent in the Austrian Mountain Guides Association. Out of a total of 1523 mountain guides, only 35 are women. Of this 2.3% share of women, which is in great need of improvement, there are currently six women in training (as of 2021). Without them, the proportion of women drops to 1.9 percent. The good news is that there are currently more women on training courses than ever before. This great development clearly shows that women are increasingly confident enough to take up this very male-dominated profession.

But why is the word "confident" used here?

Ultimately, there are many factors that make it difficult and unattractive for women to become mountain guides.

First and foremost, there are probably the traditional stereotypes associated with the profession as well as the way women and men see their roles. This goes hand in hand with the difficult access for women to some educational disciplines.

Nevertheless, many women throughout the Alpine region have now defied the difficult basic conditions and fulfilled their dream of working in the mountains. They are all helping to reduce the "mountain sports gender gap". Sofia and Susi are no exception. We spoke to them about their lives in this male-dominated profession.

Interview with Sofia Muigg, aspiring mountain guide Why do you want to become a mountain guide?

There is no one reason why I am training to become a mountain guide. I previously trained as a nurse and worked in this job before completing a Bachelor's degree in Health & Competitive Sports, training as a training therapist and training in sport climbing. 
The mountain guide training gives me the opportunity to diversify my previous activities. I see my mountain guiding as a kind of therapeutic and training-scientific mountain guiding.

Have you always wanted to be a mountain guide?

Not at all! I completely lacked access to these sports as a child. It was basically pure coincidence that I started sport climbing during my studies and found my way to the alpinist disciplines.

For a long time, mountain guiding was reserved for men. Do you see it as a man's job?

For me, mountain guiding is clearly a man's job. 
The explanation for this can be found above all in culturally shaped role models. In the past, there were hardly any women in the mountains, and if there were, their achievements were never respected.

Although women have certain disadvantages in the profession, e.g. in terms of absolute strength, they have many advantageous qualities, such as empathy or communication skills. That's my experience on the one hand, but it also sounds a lot like pigeonholing. It's not so easy not to fall into this trap.

At the moment, I see a massive development in the generation after me in terms of "female" alpinism. Women have become much more self-confident, emancipated and self-effective. A lot is happening right now. I'm a bit afraid that it might end up being a competition between men and women at the beginning instead of a togetherness, which could be because women feel they have to prove themselves even more. That would be a shame.

You come from Tyrol and grew up here. What are the advantages of living here as a female mountaineer?

Tirol is great for mountaineers. Everything is close and accessible. Huts, paths and mountains are accessible, so you never have to hike three days with your tent to get to a summit. Tyrol's tourism is gentle and at the same time offers plenty of adventure if that's what you're looking for.

Another big advantage is the community. It is much easier to get into mountain sports because there is the right group for everything. Of course, this also increases the competition. When there are so many (good) people in such a small space, the elbowing becomes much more intense. I also miss the peace and quiet sometimes, depending on where you go, there's a lot going on.

Do you feel that you are treated differently as a woman in your job?

I'm in my first year of training and I already have the feeling that you get a bit more attention as a woman. Maybe it's just your imagination, because as a woman in a male-dominated profession, you are certainly more critical of yourself. You definitely don't want to stand out in a negative way. So far, I've only had positive experiences with my colleagues in training and the trainers.

But how others react to you is definitely a matter of type. An important part of this is the way you communicate and how you react to different situations. At the end of the day, the most important thing is togetherness and this component makes no difference whether you are a woman or a man.

Interview with Susi Süßmeier, aspiring mountain guide Why do so few women work as mountain guides?

I have three reasons for this: 
Firstly, girls often don't have the confidence to do things. The second reason is that there are far fewer women who are ambitious enough in mountaineering to fulfill the requirements for a mountain guide or want to do the training. Not every boy/man who climbs mountains completes the training.
Point three: People often start training between their mid-20s and mid-30s, the years before that are characterized by a lot of mountaineering. At this age, however, family planning also becomes an important issue, especially for women, and so some people are sure to abandon the idea of completing the training.

Is mountain guiding easier for men?

The mountains are the same for everyone! The profession requires the skills that the mountain demands. 
Fortunately, the profession is very diverse, so everyone can find a niche in which they are good and feel comfortable.

Do you see yourself as a role model for other women?

I think it's good that there are many women who set an example. There are great female alpinists, ice climbers and alpine climbers who publish their achievements on social media. This is important because it has become normal for women to be seen in the only male disciplines. This increases motivation to give it their all, because girls are the best role models for other girls.

What advice would you give other women?

Just do it! If you want to lead, go out, get the experience and do the training! Tip: It's best to go out with other women. This will give you a double boost and the question of whether the girl can do it won't even arise. It's such a beautiful profession with so many facets, it's worth pursuing this goal!

Climbers Paradise Tirol

Thanks and respect are due to Sofia and Susi as well as all the other women and girls who lead the way as role models, inspire, break down barriers and ensure that the mountain sports community becomes a little more egalitarian with every new female mountain guide and mountain sportswoman. Full female power ahead!