CULTURE: Tipping In the Outdoor Industry- A Guides Guide

Tipping your guides, whether they are in the resort or heli-ski, is always a yes! Photo: Allie Ace guiding clients through big mountain terrain.

Many people are unsure if or how much they should tip their guide. The answer is YES! This article aims to help you understand why tipping your guides is important, and what is considered appropriate.

Guides often joke that our job isn’t nearly as difficult as bringing you a burger or pouring your favorite beverage, but we too work in the service industry and rely on tips. You wouldn’t think twice about tipping your bartender 10-20% for minimal guest interaction. However, tipping a guide who spends hours planning and preparing for a trip, spends an entire day (or multiple days and nights) serving you, and invests years and thousands of dollars into certifications and training, is sometimes overlooked.

Unfortunately, entry-level guides are often paid the same minimum wage as most unskilled labor, and even experienced guides often face wage increases that don’t match the cost, energy, and effort required to reach that level.

Many people who book outdoor recreation activities assume that since the activity is expensive, the guide must be paid well. However, they may not know the full cost of doing business in the outdoor recreation industry. Permits, insurance, rent, equipment, and overhead costs are all rising, while business margins are shrinking as companies strive to offer competitive and affordable rates. As a result, wages for guides increase slower than inflation.

In the United States, society is also slow to recognize guiding as a legitimate profession. Some may not even consider it a “real job.” For example, most guiding positions do not come with basic benefits like retirement accounts, health insurance, and paid time off. This means that guides often have to work harder to make their careers financially sustainable.

Tipping your instructors after a course, clinic, or day of teaching is always appreciated. Photo: Allie Ace instructing AIARE students in the backcountry

Guides are also responsible for paying for their own training, certification programs, memberships, and annual dues and purchasing their own gear and equipment. This can add up to thousands of dollars every year just to be able to do the job.

Neither companies nor guides like asking guests for tips. However, tips often make up about 50% of a guide’s annual income. To help you know what’s appropriate, here are some suggested tipping rates:

• 10-20% of your total trip cost

• $100 per person per day

• Consider additional gratuities for meals served, overnight trips, travel, and custom trips

Most guides prefer cash but will also accept apps such as Venmo, PayPal, or Zelle. If your guide went above and beyond, exceeded your expectations, or if you simply have the means, they will happily accept more.

Remember, your guide can’t control the weather, conditions, or a number of other factors that might affect your day. However, this shouldn’t influence the tip.

I hope this post helps you better understand why you should tip your guide.

Have questions? Feel free to reach out with any questions. I look forward to seeing you in the mountains!