Who I am

Cristiano Gregnanin

I was born in 1986 in Rovigo, in the heart of the Po Valley. Despite my origins, I was lucky enough to have parents who were passionate about the mountains, with them I began my journey by frequenting the Dolomites. There is no precise date when I started going to the mountains, I only know that, from my parents' stories, it was very early.

The best memories of my childhood are linked to the Dolomites, when in the summer we climbed via ferratas until we were exhausted and in the winter we skied until sunset.

In middle school I discovered ski mountaineering, obviously thanks to my father, and in high school, climbing.

Since then I have never stopped going to the mountains, climbing and skiing wherever there is rock and snow.

The mountain has accompanied me throughout my life, living with me from the exuberant times of adolescence until today. It taught me not to cheat and, even through numerous defeats, to be humble first of all with myself. At the same time it has been an indispensable life teacher that has allowed me to explore myself, my limits and my deepest fears.

To date I have climbed more than 300 rock routes throughout the Alpine range, skied on all the most important Dolomite massifs and climbed on cliffs up to grade 8a+ worked and 7c onsight.

The dream of becoming an Alpine Guide has been with me since I was a kid, but after high school I chose to graduate in Computer Engineering. After graduation, which I achieved with honors, I began a career as a computer science teacher and at the same time I attended the course for Aspiring Alpine Guides.

Today, past the age of impetuosity, I live the mountains in a serene and carefree way, helping people realize their dreams, trying to pass on the precious teachings learned so far.

There Alpine Guide – Mountaineering Instructor together with the Medium Mountain Guide are the only two professional figures (required by law and registered in specific registers) recognized internationally and qualified to teach and accompany in the mountains.

To acquire the patent of UIAGM Alpine Guide (International Union of Mountain Guides Associations) requires passing a series of theoretical and practical exams over a course lasting several years which, with its completeness and severity, guarantees a high level of technical and professional preparation.

The UIAGM emblem distinguishes Alpine Guides from other non-professional figures, who do not guarantee the same level of preparation. The Guides registered in the register guarantee their services with professional liability insurance policies required by law, periodic updates and specializations in the various disciplines related to the world of the mountains.

The title of Alpine Guide – Mountaineering Master is recognized in all countries that adhere to the UIAGM: Italy (including Alto Adige and Val d'Aosta), Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Spain, France, Great Britain, Greece, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Austria, Peru, Argentina, Nepal, Poland, Switzerland, Slovenia, Slovakia, USA, Sweden.

The Alpine Guide works with people of all ages, accompanying them everywhere on simple excursions on trails as well as more challenging activities on rock, ice and snow.
In every season the work of the Alpine Guide has the objective of making people appreciate the mountains both for the sports that can be practiced there and for the beauty of the nature in which they take place. Furthermore, those who decide to experience the mountains with a Alpine Guide does not only choose professionalism and competence, but also the enormous wealth of experience that accompanies each professional and that allows you to fully experience each activity through "little pearls" that only those who live so closely with the mountains can offer.

There are no CAI guides , not even forest guides or who knows what other figure in the world of mountain guiding. The only recognized Alpine Guides are members of the UIAGM/IFMGA. If in doubt, always ask your guide to show you the UIAGM Alpine Guide card, checking that the current year's stamp is present.
See the links below for more information on international, Italian and Veneto Alpine Guides.

UIAGM/IFMGA/IVBV
National College of Italian Alpine Guides
Regional College of Alpine Guides of Veneto