Mountain etiquette: how to treat your guide

We show you how to stay civil on your next great adventure There’s a moment in Sherpa, the BAFTA-nominated documentary about Everest’s famous guides, when a western tourist asks “can you not talk to their owners?” in reference to the striking Sherpas. It may have been an innocent plea made in a moment of frustration but in the harsh truth of film, the question exposes an unsettling attitude to the guides that risk their lives to lead others to the summit. The question frames the relationship as owner and possession. It reduces the guide to a position of servitude when, in reality, they are in a position of leadership. On the mountain, it is a guide’s responsibility to constantly balance risk with reward, to push as hard as possible without crossing the edge. Theirs is quite possibly the most important job in mountaineering and deserves a commensurate level of respect. Below, we examine correct mountain etiquette with the help of Guy Cotter, CEO of Adventure Consultants, the pioneers of guiding on Everest and administrators of the Sherpa Future Fund. Trust your guide In 2008, climbers Jimmy Chin, Conrad Anker, and Renan Ozturk attempted a First Ascent of Meru Peak’s Shark’s Fin. Aft...