About Us

Working together is the way to create amazing adventures. At Tracks and Trails it is all about teamwork, and has been since 2006 when Lindsay Cannon and Julia Tregaskis-Allen were living and working in a village in the Swiss Alps. They decided joining forces was the way forward and in that spirit of co-operation Tracks and Trails was created. Today this ethos extends to the way we work with our guests, you talk we listen, with the aim of providing the very best mountain adventures.

As much as we would like to guide absolutely every trip ourselves, we simply can't do it! So, we have a team of some of the best guides and instructors in the Alps. We only work with people who are fully qualified as mountain professionals, and have the appropriate expertise, people skills and enthusiasm. Every one of them shares our passion for adventure, and we know you will be in good hands.

Tracks and Trails Company Directors and Founders

Julia Tregaskis-Allen

Julia adores a journey, always wanting to know what's around the corner or over the next mountain! For over 20 years she has indulged this curiosity first through her own adventures then as a work as a sports coach, personal trainer, International Mountain Leader and BASI Level 3 ISIA Nordic Ski Teacher. During this time she has guided and organised adventure holidays across Europe, directed courses for trainee instructors, led expeditions across Africa, South America and the Greater Ranges and set up a thriving triathlon club. Julia's love of travel, sport and adventure combined with her passion to share this with others has been the inspiration of many of our trips. In particular, the setting up and guiding of our trail running, cross country skiing and family holidays. She holds qualifications in rock climbing, nordic walking, mountain biking, canoeing and as a triathlon coach all of which she works with to create opportunities to inspire all levels of mountain adventure. As a Director of Tracks and Trails Julia is committed to both guiding and overseeing the management of our trips ensuring that they are run efficiently and professionally.

Lindsay Cannon Pearce

Lindsay is one of life's enthusiasts, and it is her passion to introduce our guests to the mountains and all that they offer. She has spent over twenty years exploring the Alps and during that time has collected a huge wealth of knowledge about all aspects of mountain life. Be prepared to stop and chat to farmers and shepherds along the trail as she catches up with her friends! She believes that being part of this wider mountain community is one of the joys of working as a guide. Lindsay is a fully qualified International Mountain Leader, BASI Level 3 ISIA Teacher, Nordic Walking Instructor, Trail Cycle Leader, and Yoga Teacher. In her previous life she worked for the BBC as a Presenter on adventure racing programmes. Her BBC radio and television career has enjoyed a worldwide audience. As a Director of Tracks and Trails her spring and autumn seasons are spent developing the company and scouting exciting new trips for our guests.

The Tracks and Trails team

Cordy Lewis

With a love of travel, outdoor sports and organisation, we are delighted to have Cordy on our Scheduled Departures Programme Manager team. Cordy's background is in teaching; originally a PE teacher and leader of Duke of Edinburgh. Cordy is also helping us to green up our trips and has taken the T&T role as our Sustainability Champion! At the time of leaving education she was an Assistant Head: Pastoral. Her love of travelling started when she was at school taking part in many expeditions in the Lake District, North Wales and France. In her early days of teaching Cordy led trips to Borneo and Ghana which then inspired her to gain her Mountain Leadership qualification. Having moved to a progressive independent school there were more opportunities to develop and share her love of the outdoors and in the past ten years she's planned and led trips to Ladakh, Rajasthan, SE Asia, Morocco, Finland and the European Alps. Cordy continues to travel and explore in her motorhome with Byron and their dog Teddy.

Byron Lewis

Byron keeps us on track when it comes to running our Scheduled Departure trips. As Programme Manager, Byron oversees the preparation and planning of our itineraries. He joins us from a background in education where his role was the planning and provision of UK and overseas expeditions for school students. Whilst originally from the South West of England, his love of the outdoors really started when in University in Wales. He has competed as a sponsored athlete, in races such as the Salomon Adventure Series, Camel Trophy, Landrover G4 Challenge and the Fulda Arctic Challenges. Byron is an International Mountain Leader and has led treks such as the Tour du Mont Blanc, Pyrenees GR10 and Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route, as well as snowshoeing trips to Finland and the Pyrenees. He's travelled extensively, leading expeditions to the Americas, Africa, Asia and Australasia.

Cherie Marais

Cherie joined us in 2022 and handles our Finance, already we know we would be lost without her. She will be the one who will contact you about payment, and trip fees. Growing up at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains in South Africa gave her a love for the great outdoors and she spent much of her early life exploring the beauty that the Garden Route had to offer. Graduating from Stellenbosch University with an LLB her early career was spent working in taxation. Holidays were spent exploring Southern Africa, traveling around Namibia, Zimbabwe and Malawi. After moving to the UK and taking a career break to raise her three children, she now works with Tracks and Trails.  She enjoys spending family time, walking, cycling, playing tennis and  venturing out on a sailing boat, but only in mild winds! 

Ewen Martin

Ewen Martin is one of our most experienced ski instructors and ski guides. He has been a ski instructor since 1985, he has a great sense of humour and it is a real pleasure to share time in the mountains with him. Ewen, who is a Trainer for BASI (British Association of Snowsport Instructors) is one of the highest qualified Nordic Skiers in the UK. He is also a Telemark and Alpine Ski Instructor, and has extensive experience of cross country ski racing. He holds the International Mountain Leader award which means that he has worked as a guide in mountain terrain around the world. In addition he is a Heeresbergfuhrer, the German Army equivalent of a High Mountain Guide. So as you can see he is well qualified to be leading you on your ski trip, and has indeed led many ski tours and expeditions in Norway. Ewen speaks fluent Norwegian, and has lived in Norway for over 15 years. He will be well able to share his knowledge of Norway, its people, and culture.

Paul Spackman

Paul is a highly professional and experienced mountain leader, alpinist, ultra-runner and former British Army Officer who is happiest when climbing, running and leading on mountains. In spring 2022 he summited Everest, the highest mountain in the world at 8,849m (29,024 ft). He has completed the iconic Ultra Trail Mont Blanc  not once but twice, this is a mountain race over 170 km's (106 miles) with 10,000 m (32,800 ft of elevation. Paul was also one of only 40% of starters to finish the inaugural OMAN by UTMB. A run of 137 km (41 miles) across the heights of Jebel Akhdar, and finished in the top ten of the Jurassic Coast Ultra. When guiding he combines enjoyment, safety and progressive learning with a focus on beating client expectations. He’s been to the top of a number of Alpine classics such as the Matterhorn, the Eiger, Mont Blanc and the Dent Du Geant to mention a few.  Further afield he has climbed and guided in Wadi Rum in Jordan, on Kilimanjaro, summited Island Peak and thoroughly explored the Himalayan Khumbu Valley. Paul is passionate about the mountains and truly believes in their power to inspire people’s positive outlook on life. 

Fran Pothecary

Fran is based in Scotland and spends the winters 'down south' in Antarctica working as a kayak guide and cruising around with the penguins and whales. A self-confessed globetrotter with far too many air-miles under her belt, in the summer however, she exchanges a paddle for a pair of walking boots and heads for the Alps where she works with us as a hiking guide. A qualified International Mountain Leader she is passionate about being in the mountains both in summer and winter, particularly ski touring, walking and mountain biking. She is a dedicated 'people' person and her background in outdoor education and ten years working for The Cairngorms National Park gives her a broad knowledge of mountain areas and the issues they face world wide. You probably won't find her competing in an ultra marathon, but you will find her getting excited about mountain flora and fauna.

Christel Langeveld

Christel is from the Netherlands, but now lives in the Swiss Alps. She has a passion for languages and if you join us on a trip you can chat to her in Spanish, German, French, English, Dutch and Basque! She has many years of experience working in the outdoors, and is a fully qualified International Mountain Leader. In the winter months Christel is a BASI Nordic Ski Instructor, and has also qualified to teach cross-country through the Swiss exam system. She also holds the high level ISIA qualification to teach Alpine Skiing, as well as BASI Level 1 to teach Telemark Skiing. She has worked on a range of projects with us and is always a ray of sunshine with her cheek to cheek smile! She also practices aromatherapy, and mindfulness, and loves to explore how nature can help us in many different ways. Christel's view is that "There is always something to learn at the magic grand school of the great outdoors all over the world." She is also a keen rock climber, ski tourer, and mountain biker.

Simon Conroy

After spending 23 years in HM Royal Marines as a physical training instructor, Si has taken to the hills and spends his days passing on his experience and stories to those who are willing to listen! He adores the freedom of the trails in the Alps, and in particular enjoys sharing them with like-minded individuals. Don't worry your trip won't be a boot camp, he's learned to chill out! Each summer he leaves Scotland to head to the Alpine ranges where he works as an International Mountain Leader, and in winter as a Ski Instructor. He is constantly looking for opportunities to enhance his life choices, and this includes sitting on the Board of Directors for the British Association of International Mountain Leaders which overseas our International Mountain Leader qualifications. In this respect we are fortunate to have Si working with our team and able to share his insights into how our 'mother ship' is developing and fine-tuning our certification. He is also a passionate trail runner, and is regularly found trotting around the mountains guiding a team of runners. 

 

Alex Langdon

Alex is a great example of the kind of guide we like to work with. Always a smile, and a fabulous attitude when it comes to encouraging and helping our guests to get the most out of their trip. Like all our guides she is a fully qualified International Mountain Leader with the skills and expertise to make sure that you have an enjoyable, and safe time in the mountains. She is also qualified as a Mountaineering Instructor having spent more than three decades playing in the mountains. She divides her working life between the Alps, the UK and some far flung corners of the world, such as the Himalaya where she regularly leads mountaineering or trekking expeditions. When not working, Alex enjoys summer mountaineering or winter ski-touring in the Alps and dog-walking. She has been known to do some trail running, having completed the full Ultra Trail Mont Blanc in 2006 & 2007. Oh, and she enjoys a good book with a large glass of wine of any colour!

Keith Jenns

When it comes to helping others achieve their aspirations then Keith puts his heart and soul into providing energy and enthusiasm to the job in hand. He built a successful career in the British Military where he was employed as a specialist, delivering mountain leadership skills to the Armed Forces and Special Forces world wide, from Bavaria to Belize. Keith has been a member of the British Nordic Ski Team representing his country at 2 World Championships and 11 World Cups. He currently manages and is a squad member of the British Winter Triathlon team. Needless to say we are more than happy to have him working on our cross country ski trips! He is a BASI Level 3 ISIA Teacher, and an International Mountain Leader, and holds other qualifications too numerous to mention, including a Diploma in Management and Leadership, Sports Science & Therapy. He has climbed all over the world, including 4 expeditions to the Himalayas’ and was a supporting leader on the Military’s 2006 West Ridge of Everest Expedition junior team. He's a great guy and loads of fun to ski with. 

Gary Daines

Gary is the one with the cheeky smile, and an enthusiasm for the mountains that is way beyond the call of duty! He has traveled, climbed and trekked all over the world for work and pleasure including South America, Central Asia, The Himalaya and Africa. He has so many tales to tell of his exploits and adventures that he can entertain you all day long. He has lived in France for the last 10 years mainly in Chamonix, but has recently moved to the French Pyrenees where he is enjoying life by the sea. He travels frequently from his base there as he works worldwide. As well as being an International Mountain Leader he is also a Nordic Walking coach and Instructor, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme accredited expedition assessor up to Gold level and a SPA Climbing Instructor. Gary has an extensive wealth of knowledge and experience leading youth and adult expeditions worldwide. His passion is taking people trekking around beautiful mountain areas in both the summer and winter seasons. In his free time, when he has any, he loves to run the mountain trails.  

Elaine Cave

Elaine has spent her whole life exploring the outdoors, from family holidays to the Alps as a child right up until today when nothing inspires her more than a mountain vista seen from on high. She qualified as an International Mountain Leader in 2004, and since then has guided trips to Africa, Mongolia and the Alps. Each outing brings new pleasures, and she just loves to introduce people to new places and experiences. As well as walking, she is an enthusiastic skier, rock climber and cyclist, enjoying the latter two activities from her home in the English Peak District. Her other passion is yoga, which she began as a counter balance to her outdoor activities, but which has since become much more. Elaine studied to become a Iyengar Yoga Teacher 10 years ago and teaches regular yoga classes near her home in England. She has recently begun to lead trips oversees which combine yoga with days out in the mountains, two passions combined into a great mountain experience for her guests. 

Arno de Jong

Ten years ago Arno decided the flatlands of Holland were simply 'too flat'! He decided he wanted more adventure in his life and ran away to the Alps. He made his home in the lovely Savoyard village of Samoëns where his 'new life' was filmed for a series on Dutch television. However, fame hasn't gone to his head, and he's to be found guiding our Samoens Snowshoe Summits trips, amongst others. Arno trained as an 'accommpagnature' which is the French version of the International Mountain Leader, and also works as a professional Mountain Bike Guide during the summer months. He speaks fluent English, French and, of course, Dutch! As well as working year round in the mountains, like all of us, he also spends every spare moment either hiking, biking or skiing, this guy is an all round mountaineer. 

Tania Noakes

Tania Noakes is an International Mountain Guide (IFMGA) and BASI Level 3 ISIA Teacher.  She is a former member of the GB cross country ski-team having raced for a number of years at National level. In 2015 she led a British Army ski-expedition which completed a journey across the European Alps. A challenging adventure of over 1000km (625 miles), with over 80,000m (262,400ft) of ascent and descent. In winter 2018 she embarked on what she calls "one of her dream journeys" to complete the classic 'Norge på langs' in winter.  A journey from Lindesnes lighthouse at the southern tip of Norway to the most northerly point, Nordkapp on the Arctic coast.  She skied this journey of 2533km (1583 miles) solo and completed it in 82 days. Tania's passion for cross-country skiing shines through her teaching.

Sebastien Gros

Born and bred in Chamonix, France, often described as the mountaineering capital of the world, Sebastien Gros fell in love with the mountains at a young age. Following in his grand-father's footsteps as a 'guide' he started skiing before he could walk and competed in cross-country ski races in his teens. He moved to the south of France to study and has travelled extensively around the world. He has a Masters in Sport, Tourism and Local Development and is qualified as both an 'Accompagnateur en Moyenne Montagne', which is the French version of the International Mountain Leader, and as an Alpine Ski Instructor. He is passionate about trail running as it allows him to explore new places, and he has run the famous GR20 in Corsica, in the Swiss Alps, Mallorca, the South of Spain, and off the beaten track in France. Seb also lectures in 'mountain environment' to those studying to become hiking guides. He is well qualified to enhance your mountain adventure with his knowledge.

Vic Chelton

Vic formed a love of the outdoors at a young age, and from sixteen years old she worked towards a career in the outdoors experiencing Scottish winters walking and climbing, while her summers were spent instructing rock climbing in North Wales. In 2007 she moved to Chamonix, France and has made the valley her home, pursuing her career as an International Mountain Leader. She has recently discovered the joys of trail running and has competed in the Marathon du Mont Blanc, Chamoinx, The Aiguilles Rouge Race, and the CCC which is part of the world famous Ultra Trail Mont Blanc weekend. We know Vic as a 'live wire' always full of enthusiasm for her work, and happy to share her knowledge. She is definitely an 'achiever' and holds the top level of UK Mountaineering Instructional Award (MIC). She has also worked as a trainer and assessor both for the National Governing Body (MLA Scheme) and the British Military. Today her energy is put into her main work as a trekking and expedition leader. 

Al Bignell

Al has spent the past two decades devoted to climbing and running in the mountains, and has a great passion for the outdoors in general. He is a qualified International Mountain Leader, and works on our hiking trips, as well as our Trail Running camps and tours. Having worked as an outdoor educator and facilitator in the UK and on several overseas expeditions, Al brings a great deal of experience in group management to ensure your trip is an enjoyable and safe one. He now spends his time mainly in the European Alps where he has an immense 'playground' on this doorstep. He's also an avid runner, and a racer of distances on road and trail from 5 kms-168 kms, having pushed his limits to achieve a number of top 10 finishes in many mountain races in the Alps. But don’t let his 'fit as a flea' reputation worry you, if you join Al in the mountains either on a hiking or running trip, he will support, encourage and inspire you!

Susanna Walker

As a keen mountaineer, trail runner, road cyclist and all-mountain skier 'Suze' has been in Chamonix, in France for seven years learning as much as she can about her local environment as well as mountainous regions further a field. After organizing a ski mountaineering expedition to Tajikistan in 2014 she qualified as an International Mountain Leader and now enjoys leading both walking, trail running and snowshoeing groups. Suze is also a qualified 'Rolfer' and has a clinic in central Chamonix where she helps people with their postural alignment and movement patterns through the hand-on bodywork practice of Structural Integration. As an avid bird watcher (she can identify most bird call's in the Chamonix valley) and all round nature enthusiast she is just as happy wandering through a magical forest as she is ski-touring and climbing in the steep peaks of the Alps.

 

Stefano Lera

Stefano is from Tuscany, in Italy a landscape famous throughout the world for its beauty and nature, and one which Stefano loves to share with our guests. He was born in the celebrated town of Lucca, birthplace to Puccini, in 1991. He loves local history and is something of an expert on the Garfagnana region which is where he lives and works and for this reason he guides on our "Hiking in Hidden Tuscany' walking weeks. Stefano will explain to you that it is the ruins, ancients legends, and folklore of the region that hold the greatest fascination for him. In 2013 he became a professional Italian hiking guide "Guida Ambientale Escursionistica" and now leads groups through the area including the National Park of Tuscan Emilian Apennines which is a UNESCO Reserve. Since 2019 Stefano is working as a trainer and sharing his expertise with those who are hoping to qualify as hiking guides in Tuscany under the Italian guides programme. Our guests love being with Stefano and learning about Tuscany from a true local.

 

Jason Franks

Jason guides our Nordic 'off-track- trips and is the T&T equivalent of explorer 'Ranulph Fiennes'. His passion is experiencing, exploring and sharing the beauty and remoteness of snowy landscapes while 'breaking' trails in the backcountry. He is a BASI Nordic Instructor, Telemark Instructor, and Winter Mountain Leader. He is a former Royal Marines Commando Officer and developed a passion for snow during winter deployments in Norway. He has skied and ski-toured in the Alps, Europe, Scandinavia, and United States, as well as extensively in Norway, Scotland and the Jura Mountains. He is a Nordic ski tour leader for the UK military, but do not worry your trip with Jason will not be a boot camp! He has a relaxed attitude to guiding. During the summer he is at sea using his various yachting qualifications, as well as in the sea as a PADI diving Instructor; or in the air as a CAA Helicopter Flying Instructor and Commercial Pilot. Jason has a PhD in International Relations and works in academic research, and consultancy. You will be in safe hands with Jason at the helm. 

Stoyan Milkov

Stoyan is from Bulgaria and guides our snowshoe trips in the Balkans. He has an amazing depth and breadth of knowledge of all things Bulgarian and to spend time with him is like being with a walking encyclopaedia! He will enthral you with tales of ancient civilisations, architecture, folklore, plant lore, and provide an insight into the turbulent political past of his country. Stoyan speaks fluent English, Russian, and Spanish and you will be glad to have a local guide who can translate any items in Bulgarian as the alphabet is not the easiest. He has been a qualified guide since 2003, and is a member of UIMLA (Union of International Mountain Leader Associations). He also qualified under the AEB scheme (Association of Excursion Guides in Bulgaria) in 2004. As well as guiding in Bulgaria, Greece, Romania and Turkey, he is an experienced rock climber and mountaineer and has climbed for his own pleasure in Switzerland, Austria, Italy and the Caucasus. He has summited the highest mountain in Western Europe, Mont Blanc not once, but twice. 

Emma Jack

Emma is a hugely experienced guide, a qualified International Mountain Leader, who has been leading expeditions and treks around the world for nearly 20 years. When asked about her favourite locations she lists Nepal, Corsica and the Alps as her top 3 trekking destinations. We are often asked if we ever get bored of a route, and Emma is testament to the answer that it is hard to get too much of stunning mountains views. She has guided the world famous Tour du Mont Blanc over 50 times and still it is one of her favourites. Given that she speaks fluent French, Russian and Spanish, and she loves to chat, you can expect some interesting conversations with other people on the trail. She is also a qualified Trail Cycle Leader, and a BASI Level 2 Nordic Ski Instructor. Her main passion is alpine skiing, and in 2009 she made the first ever ski descent of Manaslu 8163m, in Nepal, the 8th highest mountain in the world. 

Joy O'Flanagan

Joy is passionate about mountain adventure and has over twenty years of personal experience rock climbing, trekking, skiing and mountain running. Pursuing these passions has taken her to North America, the Indian Himalaya and the Karakorum, Pakistan, as well as closer to home in Europe. Originally a Chartered Physiotherapist in the UK, the pull of the mountains was too strong and in 2002 she relocated to Chamonix, in France. Now an experienced International Mountain Leader, she is enthusiastic about sharing her love of the mountains with our guests.  Joy is a BASI Level 2 Nordic Ski Instructor and for the last two winters she has been based in Norway, just north of the Olympic town of Lillehammer in the mountains of the Rondane National Park. From here she often joins us to lead our Norwegian ski journeys, and offers our guests a wonderful insight into what it is like to live and work in Norway. 

Dave Butters

The British Army has a very strong tradition of supporting and encouraging Nordic ski-ing, and that is exactly how Dave go into the sport over 30 years ago! He went on to become a high performance competitor, and a top coach who helped various individuals reach a standard where they were representing their country. We are delighted he brings his expertise to Tracks and Trails. By way of reassurance we would like to stress that he may have been in the military, but your holiday will not be a boot camp! His coaching style is a lovely mix of enthusiasm and patience, combined with a liberal dash of humour. Dave is a BASI Level 2 Nordic Instructor, as well as an NLP Master Practitioner, Personal Trainer, Sports Massage Therapist and Nutritional Adviser.  Triathlon is his other passion and over the years he has represented Great Britain as an age group athlete at World Championship competitions in Canada and Australia.  All in all he has a wealth of experience and many years of coaching and competing which contribute to his vast knowledge of cross country skiing, fitness and wellbeing. 

 

Sergio Cisneros Galea

Sergio is passionate about wild places and the natural world. He is Spanish by birth, but today lives in France in the beautiful Tarentaise Valley in a mountain landscape he adores. He began his guiding career at the very young age of 15 years old in Spain where he was involved in a social project for young people challenged by poverty. The goal was to encourage them to experience nature and the outdoors, as a result his passion for the mountains was born. Today, he is an International Mountain Leader with more than 14 years of experience in leading groups of hikers. Sergio works in mountain ranges across Europe from the Alps, to the Pyrenees, Portugal, Tuscany and Morocco. As a Yoga Teacher, he leads Yoga and mountain retreats where he combines the world of mountains with the sacred wisdom of Yoga and meditation. You can be sure to learn lots from Sergio about the mountain environment. As well as his native Spanish tongue, Sergio also speaks French, English, Catalan and Italian. 

Kathryn Grindrod

Kathy, as we know her, is a hugely experienced mountaineer. She has guided trips ranging from the Scottish Highlands, to the Himalayas where she has climbed the infamous and iconic peak of Ama Dablam. Kathy is from the English Lake District where she was brought up in a remote valley surrounded by mountains. Her holidays as a child were usually camping and sailing trips to the Western Isles in Scotland, or staying in remote holiday cottages where she went walking and exploring. Now, she is based in the winter months in Aviemore, in the Scottish Highlands where she is one of the senior forecasters for the Scottish Avalanche Information Service, a very responsible and challenging mountain profession. Kathy qualified as an International Mountain Leader in 2007 and has been introducing people to the mountains ever since. Formerly a member of Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue team you can be sure Kathy knows her way around the mountains. She has also been known to 'model' for various outdoor clothing companies who respect her judgement on their merchandise!

 

Daniele Bonini

Daniele clearly likes to be out in the mountains studying the flora and especially the fauna! He guides on our 'Hiking in Hidden Tuscany' walking weeks and being a true 'local' he is well placed to share his vast knowledge of the area. Daniele was born in 1983 in the Garfagnana area, a landscape which contains the highest peaks in Tuscany. Since he was a child he is at his happiest when exploring the the mountains. In 2013 he gained a bachelor degree in Sociology from Pisa University which has encourage him to explore the cultural relationship between humans and their environment. This led him, in 2015, to combine his intellectual curiosity with his passion for the outdoors and he began the process to become a professional Italian hiking guide a "Guida Ambientale Escursionistica". Daniele now guides throughout the National Park of the Tuscan Emelian Apennines, and the Regional Park of the Apuane Alps. Tracks and Trails loves working with Daniele who truly has an amazing repertoire of stories and folklore associated with this wonderful part of Tuscany.  As you can see from his photo he also has a good sense of fun!

Richard Etellin

Richard was born and raised in Chamonix, France, a beautiful mountain environment which has fuelled his passion for mountain sports. He qualified as an 'Accompagnateur en Moyenne Montagne' in 2002, which is the French version of the International Mountain Leader, and as a Nordic Ski Instructor in 2001. He works a lot with young people and is a Biathlon Coach at the local Frison-Roche High School for the Biqualification. A passionate mountain biker he qualified as a Mountain Bike Guide in 2003.  When he does get some free time he loves to race and has finished various UTMB trail races and 3 times the Marathon du Mont-Blanc. He has also participated in some of the most famous cross country ski races in France such as La Transjurassiene, la Foulée Blanche, le Marathon International de Bessans, la Run and Skate. Richard, who is French, speaks fluent English. He has to, he's married to a Welsh girl! He has two young boys and has built his own traditional Savoyard Chalet. He is to be found pottering in the garden cultivating his fruit and vegetables, and raising a flock of chickens! 

Cecilia Mariani

Cecilia is Italian and grew up in the north of Italy, not far from the mountains. After spending many years training and working in the UK and Ireland she came back to her home country (and the sunshine!) to guide people through the mountains that she loves. Cecilia is a qualified International Mountain Leader and has been working in the outdoors for many years. If you're on a trip with her, be sure that you'll learn everything about alpine flowers, you'll try all the traditional food and you'll spend more time napping on the grass then ever before. Cecilia loves the mountains in all their shapes and forms. Before starting a career in the outdoors, her former true love was foreign languages, and she is a trained and qualified translator. She also writes articles for various outdoor magazines and blogs. 

Fern Cates

Fern is from Shropshire, but now lives in Chamonix, France, and works with GB Snowsport & Snowsport Scotland as a GB Para Nordic coach, spending most of summer coaching on rollerskis before taking athletes to international competitions in winter. She holds the Level 3 ISIA Nordic Ski Teacher qualification and is a Nordic Ski Trainer for BASI. Growing up, Fern was a competitive open water swimmer and alpine skier before seeing nordic skiing on TV which soon became her dream sport, at eighteen she left the midlands for Sweden where she studied political science as a full time athlete in the British Nordic Ski Team, training alongside Olympic medalists and competing at World Championship level until 2018. She returned to UK for a while and coached the London XC Ski Club before moving to the Alps. In her spare time, Fern loves to ski and hike with her dog and is passionate about the accessibility and holistic benefits of nordic skiing for all abilities and types of skiers.

Martin Romarie

With ski instructors as parents, Martin, who is French, began his impressive ski career at the age of two. He is qualified as an International Mountain Leader and Cross Country Ski Instructor and is passionate about nature, landscapes and cooking. He is a formidable cross country skier with experience in races such as the Trans Jurassienne, Foulée Blanche, Etoile de Saisies, GTJ 200 and Patrouille des Glaciers. He particularly enjoys long distance cross country ski races, having finished three times on the podium of the longest cross country ski race in the world (Grande Traversée du Jura 200km). He now lives in the Jura mountains which are on the frontier between France and Switzerland. He has a great sense of humour and speaks excellent English. Our guests love being out with Martin. 

Emily Geldard

Emily Geldard’s love of the mountains inspired her to move from the West Country of the United Kingdom, to Chamonix, France in her mid-20s and she has been there ever since. Emily is a fully qualified International Mountain Leader, and has led hiking, running and snowshoeing trips throughout the European Alps since 2004. She went on to qualify as a cross-country ski instructor, and has completed the BASI Level 2 Nordic Ski Instructor award. Over the years, Emily has mixed her mountain work with her other career as a Geography and English teacher. Still living in the Chamonix valley, Emily enjoys all the sports the Alps have to offer, and has taken part in several ultra marathons, road cycle sportives, nordic ski races and, more recently, ski-mountaineering competitions. Emily’s work as a trekking guide has taken her around the world from the Himalayas to Kilimanjaro, as have her personal mountaineering expeditions, in wonderful locations such as northern Norway and Mount Denali in Alaska. 

Timo Karinen

Having grown up in Lapland, Finland, Timo lives in Äkäslompolo, next to the Pallas-Ylläs National Park which is where we base our Ski Lapland cross-country ski adventures. He adores the natural world, and is always outdoors hiking, paddling, cycling, or trail running. Having grown up in the Arctic Circle cross-country skiing is not just a sport, but also a way of moving around the landscape. As a boy Timo skied to school, and often took shortcuts through the forest. He broke many skis while attempting to jump across rivers! Now, he works as a Nordic ski instructor having qualified in 1996 as an alpine and telemark instructor. He holds the ISIA Nordic Ski Teacher qualification, was a member of the ski patrol in Ylläs, and ran the local ski school for 10 years. In addition he has worked as a ski guide in the Austrian Alps, and is a qualified Wilderness Guide. Timo takes part in Nordic ski marathons such as the Marcialonga, in Italy, the Engadine in Switzerland, and the Ylläs-Levi in Finland. In the summer months he is a member of the local orienteering club team and competes at national level in Finland. 

Cameron Bevan

Cameron, or Cam as we know him, is a fully qualified International Mountain Leader, and has been looking after people in the European mountains for over a decade. During this time he has led trips and expeditions in summer and winter throughout the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Spanish Picos de Europa and the Italian Dolomites, as well as his home mountains in the United Kingdom. His favourite destinations are the Dolomites, the Picos and the Mont Blanc Massif - mainly for the exquisite scenery, stunning peaks, wildlife and culture of the areas. After a few winters battling the elements and climbing on some of the most famous winter routes in the Scottish Highlands, Cam has more recently based himself in Chamonix, in France. He thinks that Chamonix is one of the best playgrounds in Europe! When he's not leading trips, and entertaining his guests in the mountains, his main interests are climbing, mountaineering and ski touring.
 

 

Mikaela Toczek

After many years exploring Slovenia; hiking, snowshoeing and climbing, Mikaela and her young family moved from South Wales to a small dispersed settlement in Idrija Geopark in 2021.  As an International Mountain Leader, published photographer and qualified teacher, all of Mikaela’s experiences are connected by a passion for the outdoors, and adventure.  Mikaela has walked the entire length of the Pyrenees, cycled across Europe, snowshoed into remote backcountry areas and has a love for long-distance human-powered journeys.  With over 15 years of experience working with groups around the world, including leading expeditions to India, Nicaragua, Java, Morocco and South Africa, and having trained and interviewed prospective leaders, Mikaela brings her enthusiasm, skill and joy for outdoor adventures to every trip. Since moving to Slovenia, Mikaela has established herself as a hiking and snowshoeing guide, immersing herself in Slovene culture, learning the language and sharing her favourite journeys across this small country’s three incredible alpine ranges, alongside championing her local area in the Slovenian pre-alps. 

Ryan Mulligan

Born and raised in Ireland, like many of his countrymen, Ryan has itchy feet and an insatiable appetite to explore new places, try new things and meet new people. Whether it be long distance hiking, cycle-touring, backpacking, adventure motorbiking, ski-touring, bike packing, mountaineering, or living in a van he loves anything that gets him on the move and exploring.  Having studied Physics at university, worked as an engineer in renewable energy, travelled and then changed career to work in a remote mountain retreat, Ryan is now a qualified International Mountain Leader and leading tours in his beloved Austrian Alps which he has called home for the past 5 years.  Full of varied experiences, amusing stories and with an easy-going nature, Ryan will ensure you have a safe, rich and enjoyable experience as you embark on your next adventure! 

Michelle Blore

Michelle works on our cross country ski trips where her experience as a ski instructor combined with her background in sports science is a true asset. She has a real love for the outdoors and she says the best part of her job is being able to help others to also get out and enjoy the mountains as much as she does. After spending some twenty winters in the Alps, including seven seasons teaching Telemark and Nordic skiing, she found herself increasingly drawn to the wilder terrain and adventurous trails of Norway. She is a qualified BASI Level 2 Telemark Instructor and also a Norwegian qualified Nordic Instructor, as well a qualified Mountain Leader. Michelle is also a Sport Therapist and Remedial Massage Therapist with a degree in Physical Education & Sports Science from Loughborough University. All of this means she is well placed to provide the very best learning experience for each individual so that they get the most from their holiday. In particular she has a lot of experience in working with veteran athletes. Remember you are never too old to learn! In the summer she is to be found running on the mountain trails, or trekking in the Alps, Corsica, UK and Himalayas.  To quote Michelle, "What matters to me is that my guests enjoy the whole experience and become skiers for life.” 

Mark Brown

Mark Brown grew up in the north of England and as a teenager would hitch hike to the Lake District to rock climb. Now living between Switzerland and Bavaria he has realised his teenage dream of being in the mountains and sharing the joy of these wild and inspiring landscapes with other people. He is a qualified International Mountain Leader, and BASI Level 2 Nordic Ski Instructor, as well as having a strong professional interest in promoting sustainability in mountain tourism. When not coaching, teaching or guiding Mark spends his time ultra-running, ski mountaineering, rock climbing and biking around the globe. In his guiding work he loves to share an appreciation of the local environment, traditions and culture. He adores wilderness and is most at home in the big open spaces of Scotland, Norway, and British Columbia where winter is his favourite time of year. When not coaching, teaching or guiding Mark spends his time on adventures; competing in the ultra-trail runs such as the Swiss Irontrail, climbing Elbrus in Russia on telemark skis, ski touring in Kashmir and ultra trail running in the high desert of Utah. 

 

Andrea Fusari

Andrea is Italian, guides our Italian Dolomites Snowshoe trips, and lives in Cortina d'Ampezzo. Andrea is a professional High Mountain Guide, and hugely experienced in the mountains of his homeland. He was born in Udine which is on the plains, close to but not actually in the mountains. His natural curiosity lead him to explore the mountains he could see from his home, and so his passion for exploration began. He believes the mountains are a 'place without boundaries' where you can truly be 100 per cent yourself. After graduating in Environmental Science with a specialisation in Snow Science in 2014 he then qualified in 2017, as a IFMGA Mountain Guide. Since then, he has devoted himself to a life in the mountains. Andrea says the most rewarding part of the job is to see the satisfaction and joy in the eyes of those who spend time with him in the mountains. He considers mountaineering in all its forms to be an “excuse” to travel and discover different cultures, near and far, in the deep snow of Greenland or the rocky Berber valleys of the Moroccan Atlas Mountains.

 

 

 

Samantha Armstrong

Sam transitioned into a career as a personal trainer, venturing outdoors to offer invigorating exercise sessions. This marked the beginning of her Nordic Walking business, which steadily gained momentum as she delved deeper into her exploration of fitness and outdoor activities. The picturesque landscapes of the Derbyshire Dales and the majestic Peak District became her playground. Sam's thirst for adventure brought her to organising bespoke walking holidays and since 2009 has collaborated with annual Tracks and Trails in trips both in winter and summer across Europe. Since 2018, she's been at the helm of numerous walking festivals in the Peak District, drawing in participants of over 300 avid walkers each time. Sam is a Summer Mountain Leader, Hill and Moorland Leader, and also holds the National Navigation Tutor Award.

Anne Wilson

Anne Wilson is a BASI qualified instructor in both Nordic and Telemark skiing. When Anne is not working on our cross-country ski trips she is employed at a school in Geneva, Switzerland. She is also an International Mountain Leader, and as such she passes on her skills and enthusiasm to the young people in her care. Anne has spent a season working in Antartica for the British Antarctic Survey which is an organisation leading the the world in polar science and polar operations, in particular with regard to the effect of the climate on our natural world. Anne is also a keen cyclist, and enjoys escaping into nature all months of the year. This passion for wilderness and stunning views is what she loves to share with others, knowing that it can both inspire and at the same time bring a feeling of inner peace. Anne has taught people of all ages to ski, and enjoys sharing her enthusiasm for the sport. 

Dave Barber

Dave Barber, who lives in the Welsh hills, has travelled and worked in Europe, South America, Nepal and Canada. Enjoying expeditions and journeys, by foot, boat, bike and ski. Dave’s first overseas expedition was in 1997 when with two university friends he circumnavigated Lake Titicaca. At 4500m (14,760ft) above sea level, this lake borders Boliva and Peru and together the friends kayaked 350 Nautical miles searching en route for Inca remain. Since then Dave has worked in Outdoor Education as a teacher/coach, university lecturer and freelance instructor.  In 2014 to add to his qualifications in Climbing, Caving and Canoe sport, Dave qualified as an International Mountain Leader.  Recently he has been leading expeditions in Canada by canoe around the Algonquin Lakes, and trekking in Nepal. In winter he might be found guiding our Traverse of the Chablais on snowshoes, or in summer hiking the Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt. 

Nina Kopčavar

Born in Slovenia, Nina Kopčavar, has spent a life in the mountains. She began her career rock climbing and taking part in expeditions in the Alps, the Cordillera Blanca in Peru, and the Indian Himalaya. Around this time she began work as an alpine and sport climbing instructor through the Slovenian Mountain Club and trekked in Nepal, Ladakh and Jordan. In her 30's Nina became a mother of two children and a professional mountain leader (UIAA). She started to share her passion for the mountains by guiding short hikes in the Julian Alps and longer treks in the Pyrenees, Alps, Corsica, Bulgaria, Georgia, Croatia and Italy. She also facilitates mountaineering summer and winter camps for children. Recently, Nina has applied her experience and enthusiasm guiding guests on a range of long distance trails. These include the 700km (437 miles) Alpe Adria Trail from Trieste to the highest mountain of Austria, the Grossglockner; the 800km (500 miles) Via Alpina trail, from Trieste to the highest mountain of Germany, the Zugspitze; and a part of the long distance trail Via Dinarica going through the Dinaric Alps and Croatian Islands. Nina is a lover of nature, cultural wonders and the richness of humanity, with a Degree in Cultural Studies.