Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your adventure — tour types, fitness levels, preparation tips, safety and more.
🏔️About BeMyBestGuide & Booking
About BeMyBestGuide & Booking
What is BeMyBestGuide?
This platform connects independent outdoor guides with people seeking authentic mountain or other experiences in the Swiss Alps and beyond.
The outdoor guides lead thoughtfully designed small-group adventures, big teams, private outings, and team-building experiences ranging from scenic panoramic walks and alpine lakes to demanding high-altitude trekking routes.
We believe outdoor experiences are most meaningful in personalised groups where safety, flexibility, and genuine connection with nature remain the focus.
Who are the outdoor guides?
The outdoor guides bring years of practical outdoor experience across a wide range of mountain activities and environments.
They speak multiple languages and are passionate about sharing not only beautiful locations, but also local culture, alpine safety awareness, wildlife, geography, and the deeper experience of exploring nature responsibly.
Each outdoor guide leads tours independently with their own style, knowledge, and personality, creating unique and memorable experiences for participants.
How do I book a tour?
Browse the Events page, choose a tour that suits your level, and complete the registration form. Your outdoor guide reviews the application and confirms your spot by email. Payment is then arranged directly with the outdoor guide by bank transfer, Revolut (QR code), bank debit or credit cards, or Apple Pay using your booking reference.
Do I need an account to book?
No — you can register as a guest. However, creating a free account lets you track all your bookings, accumulate loyalty points, access the community chat, and receive personalised updates.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 2–3 weeks in advance for popular tours, especially those in summer. Some tours have minimum participant requirements, so early booking helps the guide confirm the departure.
Can I book a private tour?
Absolutely. Private and semi-private tours are available on request. Contact your preferred outdoor guide via the About page — they will tailor a programme specifically for your group, dates, and fitness level.
🗺️Tour Types Explained
Tour Types Explained
What is a hiking tour?
Hiking tours range from leisurely valley walks to multi-hour ridge traverses. You follow marked or unmarked trails through forests, alpine meadows, and rocky terrain. No technical climbing equipment is required — just good boots and a sense of adventure. A typical hike covers 10–20 km with 500–1,500 m of elevation gain.
What is a city tour?
City tours explore urban areas with an outdoor guide's perspective — hidden courtyards, rooftop viewpoints, riverside promenades, and the cultural stories that tourists on buses never hear. They are relaxed, often 2–4 hours, and suitable for all fitness levels and ages.
What is a waterfall tour?
Waterfall tours venture to some of the Alps' most dramatic cascades — glacial falls hidden inside mountain rock, roaring gorges, and secret paths that skirt cliff edges. Expect to get a little wet and wear sturdy non-slip footwear. These tours are usually rated easy to moderate.
What is a snowshoe tour?
Snowshoeing is the winter equivalent of hiking — you strap wide frames to your boots and walk across snow that would otherwise be impassable. No ski skills required. Tours typically last 3–5 hours and are a magical way to explore silent winter forests and frozen landscapes.
What is a winter hike?
Winter hikes follow maintained or lightly snow-covered trails and usually do not require snowshoes. Depending on conditions, microspikes (light traction devices) may occasionally be recommended for additional stability.
These tours offer a peaceful alpine atmosphere with snow-covered forests, crisp mountain air, and quieter trails far from the summer crowds. Suitable for participants with moderate fitness and comfortable walking ability.
What is a nature walk?
Nature walks are guided slow explorations focused on the environment — plants, birds, geology, ecosystems, and the stories hidden in the landscape. Often led by scientifically trained outdoor guides, these are ideal for families, curious minds, and anyone who prefers depth over distance.
💪Fitness Levels — What They Really Mean
Fitness Levels — What They Really Mean
Easy — who is it for?
Easy tours are designed for participants looking for a relaxed and enjoyable outdoor experience without technical difficulty.
Routes typically involve 2–5 hours of comfortable walking on relatively gentle terrain with limited elevation gain (usually under 500 m) and shorter daily distances.
These tours are ideal for beginners, families with young children, older participants, casual walkers, or anyone wishing to discover alpine landscapes at a slower pace.
Moderate — what should I expect?
Moderate tours are suitable for participants with a reasonable level of fitness who are comfortable walking for extended periods in mountain environments.
Tours usually involve 5–8 hours of hiking and may include elevation gains exceeding 1000 m, uneven terrain, narrower paths, or steeper sections.
Previous hiking experience is helpful but not always necessary with proper preparation. Good hiking footwear and basic endurance are strongly recommended.
Hard — what is required?
Hard tours are designed for physically active participants seeking longer and more demanding mountain days.
These tours may involve 7+ hours of sustained hiking, significant elevation gain (sometimes approaching 2000 m), may contain high-altitude objectives, or sections of exposed and rocky terrain.
Participants should have prior hiking experience, strong endurance, and confidence moving through alpine environments. Supportive hiking boots, trekking poles, and good physical condition are highly recommended.
Expert — what does that mean?
Expert tours demand excellent physical fitness, prior high altitude experience, and comfort with heights, long endlessly trying tours. These are full-day commitments (8–12+ hours) with significant elevation gain, exhausting hard terrain. Not suitable for beginners — only for challengers.
How do I know my level honestly?
A good test: walk uphill for 30 minutes without stopping. If you can hold a conversation throughout, you are likely at least moderate level. If steep stairs leave you breathless, start with easy and build up. Your outdoor guide will always help you find the right fit — never hesitate to ask honestly.
📋How to Prepare
How to Prepare
How should I prepare for a hiking tour?
Start walking 2–3 times per week in the weeks before your tour, including some uphill routes. Break in your hiking boots at least 2–3 times before the event — blisters on day one ruin everything. Study the tour profile on the booking page (distance, elevation) and practise on similar terrain if possible.
How do I prepare for a snowshoe or winter hike?
Physical preparation is similar to hiking. Additionally, wear moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and a windproof outer shell. Hands and feet get cold fast — bring quality gloves and wool socks. Traction devices (microspikes) and poles are usually helpful. Arrive hydrated; cold air masks thirst.
How do I prepare for a city or nature tour?
These are the most accessible tours. Wear comfortable walking shoes (not flip-flops), dress in layers for changing weather, bring a small water bottle, and come with curiosity. There's no physical preparation required beyond being able to walk comfortably for 2–4 hours.
What about altitude?
Most of our tours take place between 1,000–3,000 m. Mild altitude symptoms (slight headache, reduced appetite) can occur above 2,500 m, especially if you ascend quickly. Stay well hydrated, avoid alcohol the night before, and ascend gradually. Inform your guide of any known susceptibility to altitude sickness.
🎒What to Bring
What to Bring
Essential gear for all tours?
Depending on the tour (type, difficulty, longevity), it is basically recommended to bring some water (usually minimum 1.5L), sun protection (cream + sunglasses + hat), a light rain layer, energy snacks, proper comfortable outfit with footwear, maybe a personal first aid kit, and also recommended starting a day with a fully charged phone with stored emergency numbers. It is always better to tell someone at home your itinerary before departing.
What footwear is recommended?
For hiking, snowshoe, and winter tours: ankle-supporting waterproof hiking boots are essential — not trail runners or gym shoes. For city and nature walks: comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes with a grippy sole are sufficient. Never wear new boots on your first long hike.
Clothing — how should I layer?
Mountains have their own weather. Follow the three-layer rule: (1) moisture-wicking base layer next to skin, (2) insulating mid-layer (fleece or down), (3) waterproof/windproof outer shell. Cotton kills — it stays wet and cold. Merino wool and synthetic fabrics are ideal. Bring a warm hat and gloves even in summer above 2,000 m.
What food should I bring?
Your outdoor guide will indicate if lunch stops are available. Otherwise: high-energy, lightweight food works best — nuts, dried fruit, energy bars, a sandwich. Avoid heavy meals. Eat small amounts regularly to maintain energy. In winter, pack warm food in an insulated flask.
🛡️Safety & Your Guide
Safety & Your Guide
How qualified are the outdoor guides?
the outdoor guides are independent outdoor professionals with practical mountain experience gained through years of hiking, trekking, route planning, and leading outdoor activities in various alpine environments.
Many outdoor guides possess additional experience in areas such as winter hiking, high-altitude trekking, navigation, outdoor safety, or international trekking routes.
Specific qualifications, certifications, language skills, and experience levels may vary between outdoor guides and tours, and are described individually where relevant.
What happens if there is an emergency?
Your outdoor guide may be trained in wilderness first aid and emergency response procedures appropriate to the environment and activity. In alpine regions, emergency assistance and mountain rescue services are available through national rescue organizations, such as REGA in Switzerland, Bergrettung in Austria, PGHM in France, CNSAS in Italy, and other local mountain rescue authorities depending on the country and region.
In the event of an emergency, participants must follow the instructions of the outdoor guide immediately and without delay.
Participants are highly recommended to provide an up-to-date emergency contact during the booking confirmation process and ensure that all emergency contact details remain accurate and accessible throughout the event.
We strongly recommend that all participants carry valid personal accident, medical, and mountain rescue insurance appropriate for the planned activity and destination.
What if I have a medical condition?
Disclose any relevant medical conditions (heart, respiratory, epilepsy, allergies, recent surgery) in your registration form. Your outdoor guide reviews this before confirming your booking. Participants with significant conditions may be asked to provide a doctor's clearance. Your safety is the absolute priority.
Can the outdoor guide turn me away on the day?
Yes — Your outdoor guide has full authority to refuse participation or remove a participant if they judge it unsafe. This protects everyone in the group. There are no refunds in such cases, which is why honest self-assessment at booking time matters.
Is insurance included?
No. Participants are responsible for their own travel and accident insurance. We strongly recommend mountain rescue coverage (REGA membership is a cost-effective option for Swiss residents), personal accident insurance, and travel cancellation cover for international participants.
What should I pay attention to during the tour?
Participants are expected to remain attentive and respectful throughout the tour, both toward nature and fellow group members. In wilderness environments, please avoid unnecessary noise, stay on marked trails whenever possible, and help preserve fragile ecosystems by not picking, damaging, or collecting flowers and plants. All waste must be carried out with you — we recommend bringing a small personal trash bag to help keep natural areas clean and protected.
Respectful group behavior is also essential. Please remain considerate toward your travel companions and follow your outdoor guide's instructions at all times.
For larger groups or groups with mixed hiking experience, special attention should be given when walking on long or narrow trails, especially in reduced visibility conditions such as fog, forest terrain, or bad weather. Participants are encouraged to regularly check the person in front of and behind them. If someone falls behind or is nearly out of sight, please wait or notify the group to slow down.
With shared awareness, teamwork, and respect for the environment, we help create safer, more sustainable, and more enjoyable outdoor experiences for everyone.
What happens if someone gets separated from the group?
For safety and smooth group coordination, participants are asked to stay connected with the group and follow agreed meeting points and timing throughout the tour.
If a participant leaves the group voluntarily and is not considered to be in immediate danger, the outdoor guide may wait for a short period and attempt one contact attempt if possible. If reconnection is unsuccessful, the tour may continue with the remaining participants in the interest of overall group safety, timing, and trail conditions.
If circumstances arise (bad weather, difficult terrain, far from civilization), an emergency may occur, in which case the tour guide will act accordingly.
In the mountains, teamwork and awareness of each other help create a safer and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
☁️Weather, Seasons & Altitude
Weather, Seasons & Altitude
What happens if the weather is bad?
Mountain weather can change rapidly, and participant safety always remains the highest priority.
Outdoor guides continuously monitor forecasts and local conditions before and during each tour. In cases of severe weather such as thunderstorms, strong winds, heavy snowfall, or other potentially unsafe conditions, routes may be adjusted, postponed, or cancelled when necessary.
Participants will be informed as early as reasonably possible regarding significant changes to the itinerary. As weather conditions are outside the outdoor guide's control, refunds are generally not available in weather-related situations.
What is the best season for each activity?
Hiking: June–October at altitude, year-round at valley level. City tours: year-round. Waterfall tours: spring and early summer (melt water at peak). Snowshoe and winter hike: December–March. Nature walks: spring and autumn for wildlife and flora. Your guide will recommend optimal timing during planning.
How does altitude affect me?
Even fit people can feel the effects of altitude above 2,500 m — mild headache, shortness of breath, reduced appetite. It is not a sign of weakness; it is physiology. Ascend gradually, hydrate well, avoid alcohol the night before. Most of our tours are manageable with these precautions.
👨👩👧👦Groups, Families & Private Tours
Groups, Families & Private Tours
Can children and dogs participate?
Yes, children are welcome on easy and selected moderate tours. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or provide written parental consent where applicable. Minimum age recommendations may vary depending on the difficulty and nature of the tour. City walks, panoramic routes, and gentle nature hikes are typically well suited for families. Small children may get discounts.
Some tours may also be dog-friendly. Owners remain fully responsible for their dog's behavior, physical condition, safety, and compliance with local regulations throughout the activity. Please contact the outdoor guide in advance before bringing a dog, as suitability depends on the route, terrain, group size, weather conditions, and the presence of other participants or animals. Animal companions get 50% discounts on these trips.
What is the typical group size?
Most tours are intentionally organised in smaller groups to provide a more personal, flexible, and immersive outdoor experience.
Typical group sizes range from 4–12 participants, especially for longer, more physically demanding, or higher-altitude tours.
Certain panoramic walks, seasonal events, social hikes, or corporate/team-building activities may occasionally accommodate larger groups of up to approximately 30 participants depending on the nature of the route and logistical considerations.
Can I book for a corporate team building?
Absolutely. Outdoor team-building experiences are powerful — shared challenge, fresh air, and no screens. We offer customised half-day and full-day programmes for corporate groups. Contact an outdoor guide directly via the About page to discuss your objectives, group size, and preferred activity.
What about private tours?
Private tours can be arranged for any group from 2 people upward. You choose the date, the outdoor guide shapes the route to your interests and fitness. These are ideal for special occasions — anniversaries, birthdays, bachelor/ette parties, or simply wanting the full outdoor guide's attention for your group.
💳Payment, Cancellation & Refunds
Payment, Cancellation & Refunds
How do I pay?
Payment can be made via bank transfer, Revolut (QR code), bank debit or credit cards, or Apple Pay directly to your outdoor guide once your booking has been confirmed.
Please include your booking reference or event code in the payment description. All payment details will be provided in your confirmation email.
Payment is due within 5 days of booking confirmation.
What is the cancellation policy?
More than 1 month before: full refund. 14+ days before: full refund minus CHF 20 admin fee. 8–14 days: 50% refund. 7 days or fewer: no refund. No-shows: no refund. We recommend travel cancellation insurance for high-value bookings or international travel.
What if the outdoor guide cancels or modifies?
In rare situations, an outdoor guide may need to cancel or modify a tour due to safety concerns, severe weather conditions, illness, transportation disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances.
If this happens, participants will be informed as early as reasonably possible. Depending on the situation, the outdoor guide may offer:
• An alternative date
• A modified itinerary
• Participation in a similar future tour
• Or, where applicable, a refund of any outdoor guide-related payments already made directly to the outdoor guide
The platform and outdoor guides aim to handle cancellations fairly, transparently, and with respect for participants' travel plans and safety.
Participants are strongly encouraged to arrange flexible bookings and appropriate travel insurance for mountain activities.
Can I use a coupon code?
Yes. If you have a coupon code, enter it in the booking form before submitting. Discounts apply to the tour price and the adjusted total is shown before you confirm.
⭐Loyalty Points & Rewards
Loyalty Points & Rewards
How do loyalty points work?
Registered participants earn points on every confirmed booking: 0.2 pts per CHF spent on tours, 0.5 pts per CHF donated to your best outdoor guide. Points are credited when your outdoor guide approves your registration. They accumulate in your dashboard and determine your membership tier.
What are the membership tiers?
Bronze (0–499 pts) → Silver (500–1,499 pts) → Gold (1,500–2,999 pts) → Platinum (3,000+ pts). Higher tiers may unlock exclusive early access to new events and special discounts in future platform updates. It may also provide priority in several cases (shared car, confirmation, waiting list, updates, etc.).
Can I lose my points?
Points earned from completed bookings are permanent and do not expire. If a registration is rejected or cancelled, the corresponding points are not credited.