Much of the preparation for hiking in the mountains occurs before you leave home. Use local mountaineering organizations to learn skills that you lack, including navigational, safety, and more. When finding maps of your target area, ensure that the depicted routes actually exist on the ground. Test all navigational equipment before doing so in the field, including compasses and electronic aids, like smartphone-based GPS aps. Research mountain rescue teams that patrol your target area, and how to prepare for possible rescue, so you know when it is necessary to call for help.
Even after you gain the required skills, you may desire to hire a mountaineering guide. When searching for one, tell prospective candidates about your aims while mountaineering, because a guide’s level of involvement will vary depending on what you want. A guide who will serve in an instructional role will bear more responsibility and risk, for example. Research candidates’ formal qualifications, like certifications for hiking in the relevant weather conditions, continuing education offered by mountaineering organizations, and the candidates’ insurance policies, so your hike is covered under their policy.