The Mountain Guides

What The Mountain Guides does

Die Bergführer is a Bavarian mountain school and event agency headquartered in Ohlstadt, Germany, that sells guided alpine experiences directly to consumers. Founded in 2008, the company offers a catalog of more than 90 tours across summer and winter, with its core specialization in guided ski touring trips and multi-day Alpine crossings. The portfolio spans Bavarian and Tyrolean day tours, multi-day comfort and hut-to-hut Alpine crossings (e.g., Garmisch-Meran, Oberstdorf-Meran, Spitzingsee-Sterzing), international ski touring expeditions to 15+ countries (Norway, Svalbard, Iceland, Greece, Morocco, Iran, Turkey, Japan, Georgia, Pyrenees, Slovakia, Italy), rock and ice climbing, via ferrata, glacier courses, freeride, snowshoe hiking, canyoning, and avalanche training. The company also operates a Verleih & Testcenter for equipment rental and an online gift voucher shop.

The offering is delivered by a small team of state-certified mountain and ski guides holding VDB (Verband Deutscher Berg- und Skiführer) and IVBV/UIAGM credentials, the formal German and international certifications required to commercially lead clients in glaciated and high-alpine terrain. A proprietary LVS training and test center at Kreuzeckhaus with centrally controlled transmitters enables realistic avalanche scenario simulation. The company holds long-standing exclusive access to the Norwegian expedition ship Polargirl for ship-based ski touring in the Lyngen Alps, and runs co-marketing relationships with more than a dozen equipment brands (Dynafit, Leki, Ortovox, Salewa, Suunto, etc.). Its earned-media profile includes ongoing coverage on the Bayerischer Rundfunk TV program 'Bergauf Bergab' since 2008.

Revenue is generated on a direct-to-consumer, per-person basis, with prices ranging from approximately €89 for a one-day LVS course to €1,999 for a six-day Livigno ski touring trip, and around €1,495-€1,589 for multi-day comfort Alpine crossings. Distribution is concentrated on the company's own website (die-bergfuehrer.de) with a Tourfinder search tool, supplemented by telephone/email, a gift voucher e-commerce shop, a downloadable catalog, and organic social channels (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube). Customer segments are individuals and small groups of outdoor enthusiasts (typically 40-70 years old), families with children from age 12, and leisure travelers seeking comfort-format multi-day Alpine crossings.

Name

The Mountain Guides

Legal name

Die Bergführer

Website

https://die-bergfuehrer.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

2008

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Die Bergführer is a Bavarian mountain school and tour operator selling certified-guided ski touring, Alpine crossings, climbing, and avalanche training directly to outdoor enthusiasts, families, and leisure travelers across the Alps and 15+ international destinations.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Outdoor adventure and mountain guiding services

NAICS

Tour Operators (561520)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Winter & Mountain Guides (Ski, Snowshoe, Avalanche, Ice Climbing) (THAAALAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Guided Backcountry & Off-Piste Services (Ski Touring, Splitboarding, Heli/Cat Skiing) (THAAAJAD), Rock Climbing, Mountaineering & Via Ferrata Guides (THAAADAC)

Keywords

• Guided mountain tours
• Ski touring trips
• Alpine crossings
• Mountain guiding school
• Avalanche safety courses

Headquarters

HQ city

Ohlstadt

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Guided Alpine Tours and Courses: Revenue generated from fee-based guided mountain tours, ski touring trips, climbing courses, alpine crossings, and avalanche training courses sold directly to consumers. Pricing varies by tour type, duration, group size, and destination. Additional revenue from equipment rental and gift vouchers.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Die Bergführer sells guided alpine experiences, primarily ski touring trips and multi-day Alpine crossings, delivered by state-certified (VDB/IVBV) mountain guides. Its portfolio spans summer programs (hiking, Alpine crossings, climbing, via ferrata, high alpine tours, glacier courses, canyoning) and winter programs (ski touring, avalanche training, freeride, ice climbing, snowshoe hiking, winter mountaineering), complemented by an equipment rental and test center and an online Tourfinder. Customers book per-person or flat-rate tours directly via the company website, with gift vouchers available through a dedicated online shop.

Product overview

Die Bergführer is a mountain guiding company and tour operator based in Ohlstadt, Bavaria, offering a comprehensive portfolio of guided outdoor tours, courses, and expeditions. The core offering consists of guided ski touring trips (Skitouren & Skitourenreisen) and Alpine crossings (Alpenüberquerungen) as primary specialties, supplemented by hiking programs, rock climbing, via ferrata, high alpine tours with glacier courses, avalanche safety training, freeride instruction, ice climbing, snowshoe hiking, and canyoning. Services include equipment rental through their Verleih & Testcenter and an online Tourfinder tool for browsing and booking. The company operates primarily in the Bavarian Alps (Garmisch, Zugspitze region), the Austrian Alps (Tyrol, Ötztal), Italian Alps (Dolomites, South Tyrol), and international destinations including Norway, Iceland, Spitzbergen, Greece, Morocco, Turkey, Japan, and Georgia. Their ski tour ship-based expeditions in Norway's Lyngen Alps have been a signature offering since 2008.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Skitouren & Skitourenreisen (Guided Ski Touring Trips) Guided ski touring trips and expeditions to international destinations including Norway (Lyngen Alps from ship), Spitzbergen, Iceland, Greece/Crete, Morocco, Italy, Turkey, Japan, Georgia, and Slovakia. A signature offering since 2008, with specialized ship-based tours in Norway's Lyngen Alps. Targeted at fit ski mountaineers seeking professionally guided ascents in remote terrain.
• Alpenüberquerungen (Alpine Crossings) Multi-day hiking tours crossing the Alps on foot, including routes from Garmisch to Meran, Oberstdorf to Meran, Kitzbühel to the Three Peaks, Tegernsee to Sterzing, Spitzingsee to Sterzing, and Zugspitze to Meran. Offered in both comfort (hotel with baggage transport) and hut versions. Targeted at leisure hikers and trekking tourists.
• Wanderprogramm (Hiking Program) Day and multi-day hiking tours including Bayerncross from Lenggries to Zugspitze, König Ludwig Wanderweg, Dolomiten Durchquerung, and Spitzenwanderweg to Zugspitze. Ranges from easy walks to demanding alpine hikes. Targeted at leisure hikers and outdoor enthusiasts in the Bavarian Alps.
• Klettern & Kletterkurse (Rock Climbing Courses) Rock climbing courses and guided climbs including sport climbing basics, alpine climbing, multi-pitch routes, and advanced courses. Locations include Ohlstadt, Garmisch, and famous routes like Jubiläumsgrat, Eisenzeit, and Blassengrat. Targeted at climbers of all levels.
• Klettersteige (Via Ferrata) Guided via ferrata climbs including the Höllental-Klettersteig on Zugspitze, Alpspitze Ferrata, and week-long via ferrata tours in Brenta Dolomites. Courses available for beginners and experienced climbers. Targeted at via ferrata enthusiasts visiting the Bavarian and Italian Alps.
• Hochtouren & Gletscherkurse (High Alpine Tours & Glacier Courses) High alpine tours and glacier courses including Wildspitze expedition and multi-day high alpine routes. Teaches skills for glacier travel, crevasse rescue, and high-altitude techniques. Targeted at experienced alpine mountaineers.
• Lawinenkurse & LVS-Training (Avalanche Courses) Avalanche safety courses including 2-day intensive courses in Garmisch and single-day LVS (avalanche transceiver) training at Kreuzeck. Covers LVS device use, probing, shoveling, avalanche transceiver search, and snow profile analysis. Features a specialized training field with centrally controlled transmitters at Kreuzeckhaus for realistic scenario simulation. Targeted at ski tourers needing avalanche competence.
• Freeride & Tiefschneekurse (Off-Piste Courses) Off-piste and freeride courses including the 'Neue Welt' extreme descent from Zugspitze (2000m vertical, 40° steepness, 60m rappelling), beginner Tiefschnee courses, and advanced freeride guiding. Targeted at off-piste skiers and advanced freeriders.
• Eisklettern (Ice Climbing) Ice climbing courses and guided tours in the Garmisch area during winter season. Teaches techniques for climbing frozen waterfalls and ice formations. Targeted at climbers looking for winter ice climbing instruction.
• Schneeschuhwandern (Snowshoe Hiking) Snowshoe hiking tours including 4-day trips in Karwendel Nature Park with hotel accommodation. Easy winter activity suitable for beginners with panoramic alpine views. Targeted at beginners, families, and leisure winter hikers.
• Canyoning Canyoning adventures in Bavaria (Lenggries area) and Tirol (Reutte). Combines hiking, swimming, rappelling, and cliff jumping through natural canyon waterways. Targeted at adventure seekers and groups.
• Winterbergsteigen (Winter Mountaineering) Winter mountaineering including guided ascents like winter traverse of Jubiläumsgrat and Alpspitze via ferrata in winter conditions. Combines climbing skills with winter alpine techniques. Targeted at experienced mountaineers.
• Verleih & Testcenter (Equipment Rental & Test Center) Equipment rental and test center offering skis, boots, poles, avalanche safety equipment (LVS, probes, shovels), and avalanche backpacks. Partner brands include Dynafit, Leki, Ortovox, Suunto, Salewa, BCA, Hestra, LOWA, ABS, Arva, Pieps, and Revo. Targeted at tour participants needing rental gear.

Quantifiable outcome

• Ski touring travel programs offered to over 15 international destinations including Norway, Svalbard, Iceland, Crete, Morocco, Italy, Turkey, Japan, Georgia, and the Pyrenees

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Bergschule OberallgäuminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint operation of the Oberstdorf–Meran comfort Alpine crossing. The tour is offered 'in Zusammenarbeit mit der Bergschule Oberallgäu', indicating a co-marketing and co-delivery partnership for this specific program.
• Ammergauer Alpen RangersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with the rangers of the Ammergauer Alpen nature park for environmental conservation initiatives, including a fern-clearing action (Farn schwenden) to protect rare orchids and gentians.
• DynafitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEquipment brand partnership. Dynafit logo appears on the website. Dynafit ski equipment available for rental. Also a Dynafit Dealer Camp mentioned in Abruzzo (2022).
• LekiminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEquipment brand whose logo appears on the website. Leki trekking poles recommended in equipment lists for tours.
• OrtovoxminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEquipment brand partnership. Ortovox avalanche safety equipment recommended and featured on the website.
• SalewaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEquipment brand partnership with logos on website. Salewa Alpine Campus program operated in Garmisch. Salewa clothing and equipment recommended in equipment lists.
• SuuntominorGTM or Marketing PartnerEquipment brand whose logo appears on the website. Suunto watches/altitude meters recommended in equipment lists.
• Sporthotel LivignominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner hotel for the 6-day Livigno ski touring trip. A handpicked 4-star hotel with wellness facilities and Italian cuisine selected as the base for ski touring excursions.
• Polargirl (Norwegian Expedition Ship)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-standing exclusive access to the ship Polargirl for ship-based ski touring expeditions in the Lyngen Alps, Norway. Since 2008, the company has conducted ski touring trips from this floating hotel, enabling access to remote fjord ski touring areas not reachable by land. Featured on BR TV 'Bergauf Bergab'.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Alpin Center Munich: Munich-based alpine school offering climbing courses, ski touring, and corporate team events in the Bavarian Alps. Comparable DACH-region positioning and corporate/private customer mix.
• Alpinschule Peak: German alpine school offering ski tours, avalanche courses, and Alpine crossings. Direct overlap with Die Bergführer's beginner-to-advanced course catalog and DACH customer base.
• Chamex (Chamonix Experience): Chamonix-based private guiding operator offering off-piste, ski touring, and mountaineering experiences for international visitors. Comparable premium-priced, small-team guiding model targeting affluent adventure travelers.
• Bergwelten (Bergwelten GmbH): Austrian-Swiss alpine tour operator specializing in hut-to-hut trekking, Alpine crossings, and guided mountaineering. Direct overlap on multi-day Alpine crossing products (e.g., Garmisch–Meran) and customer demographic.
• Compagnie des Guides de Chamonix: Historic Mont Blanc massif guiding cooperative offering certified high mountain, ski touring, and off-piste guiding. Comparable certified-guide business model at higher altitude and on international clientele.
• Bergschule Tegernsee: Bavarian mountain school providing guided ski tours, snowshoe hikes, and alpine courses in the Tegernsee-Schliersee lake district. Overlaps directly with Die Bergführer on Garmisch-area winter tours and beginner-to-advanced skill progression.
• Alpinschule Innsbruck: Tyrolean alpine school offering ski touring, ice climbing, freeride, and high alpine tours with certified guides. Operates in the same Alpine market across the German-Austrian border with comparable course structure and customer segments.
• Bergschule Oberallgäu: Bavarian mountain school offering guided alpine tours, ski touring, and Alpine crossings in the Allgäu region. Already a co-marketing partner with Die Bergführer on the Oberstdorf–Meran comfort crossing, directly comparable in size, geography, and product mix.

Others

• Outdooractive AG: German-DACH outdoor platform providing tour discovery, route planning, and content for alpine activities. Not a direct competitor but an adjacent ecosystem player whose Tourfinder-style tools and marketplace could compete for guided-tour booking traffic.

Broad incumbents

• DAV (Deutscher Alpenverein) Summit Club: The German Alpine Club's commercial tour operator offering high alpine tours, ski touring, and expeditions worldwide. Significantly larger scale, broader geographic reach, and brand authority that overlaps Die Bergführer's expedition products.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/Hydroalpin
• Facebookfacebook.com/die.bergschule
• Instagraminstagram.com/diebergfuehrer

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Mountain Guides