Mountain Guiding in Poland - Evolution of Functions The paper discusses changes in the character of mountain guiding from its beginning in the second half of XIX c. Initially, mountain guides were responsible only for tourists' safety and comfort (e.g. they carried customers' luggage, made tea etc.). After the Second World War, together with social changes and rapid growth of mountain tourism, guides became also educators, while their role as servants declined. Today, educational function of mountain guiding is still very important (esp. regarding school groups) but the author notes also growing demand for technical guiding, guaranteeing safety but also providing customers with exciting experiences.