Our Guiding Principles
These principles define what ethical and sustainable mountaineering means to us.
They are inspired by international frameworks such as the UIAA Ethical Declaration, Leave No Trace, and Mountain Wilderness values.
They remind us that climbing and exploring the mountains is not just about reaching summits — it’s about respect, responsibility, and connection with nature and people.
Every climber, guide, and organization who shares these values can join us
in protecting the spirit of the mountains.
© Photo credit: Valérie Thöni
1. the individual responsibility of each climber, knowing the risks and not endangering the others;
2. the team spirit and companionship of the group, supporting each other;
3. the community belonging, respecting any other mountaineer;
4. the respect and openness to the foreign country visited, to its people and cultures, as well to its natural environment;
5. the wisdom in case of emergencies, being well prepared in advance and accepting to sacrifice an objective to assist others in distress;
6. the modesty, valuing the quality of the experience and enjoying the performance over success, fame and competition;
7. the accountability and high standard (thoroughness) of practice of guides, leaders and expedition organisers and solo climbers;
8. the honesty in reporting any ascension, especially the first ones;
9. the professionality of communications and relations with the sponsors and community;
10. the restraint in using supplemental oxygen and technological gear, considering them first as medical assistance and security means;
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11. Avoid plastic as much as possible;
12. Buy less and Reuse/Recycle;
13. Consume local & Consume sparingly (cf. water, electricity);
14. Dispose your waste appropriately & bring it back whenever possible;
15. Leave No Trace & Leave the place clean (pick up the trash of others);
16. Partner with local businesses;
17. Prefer ends of/low seasons & less popular places;
18. Travel responsibly, privilege low carbon mobility.
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​Would you like to adopt these principles and join our community of ambassadors?
Tell us about your engagements and we’ll proudly feature you on our website.
