About me
My approach to guiding
Whether we’re out for a big alpine climb or a short tour followed by a long lunch, my goal is the same: to create days that are safe, rewarding, and enjoyable. My approach to guiding is relaxed and adaptable. I love helping people push their limits if they want to — but equally, I believe every day in the mountains should be memorable for the right reasons.
Everyone should have the chance to experience the beauty and freedom of these places. Whether we’re reaching for new summits or learning the skills to go on your own adventures, I hope to share a bit of what keeps me here — the joy, the challenge, and the escape of the mountains.
What is a Mountain Guide
Qualifying as an IFMGA guide through the British Mountain Guides (BMG) scheme takes a minimum of three years of training and assessment. Before even applying, potential candidates must complete a demanding list of prerequisites covering technical rock climbing, alpine ascents, ski touring, and off-piste skiing. The training builds progressively over the three years, starting in the craggy hills of Snowdonia, moving to the Scottish Highlands, and culminating in the Alps for the final year and a half. Achieving this qualification was the culmination of nearly a decade of effort, experience, and learning — one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys I have undertaken.
Where did it all start?
I grew up in the North West of England, a stones throw from the hills and crags of the Lake District. I spent much of my childhood walking and scrambling in the fells. Those early experiences instilled a connection with mountains that remains today.
At two years old I was strapped to a pair of skis and pointed down a hill. I was hooked. Most of my early skiing was on the artificial slope in Kendal, where I spent countless weekends learning the fundamentals.
After I outgrew those lessons, I trained as a ski instructor and began teaching. Around the same time I began competing in moguls, giving me a great excuse to skip school in favour of more skiing.
While winters were spent on skis, summers were spent climbing 4000m peaks in the alps, gradually becoming more independent and learning what it takes to move safely in the mountains. In my late teens and into university, I spent more and more time on climbing trips to the Lake District, Wales, and Scotland, slowly building experience and confidence on more serious routes.
After graduating, I moved to Chamonix for “just one ski season.” Ten years later, I’m still here. The valley I now call home, is the best place in the world for anyone who wants to climb hard alpine routes and ski steep descents. After several years accumulating experience, I embarked on the goal of becoming a mountain guide
What else gets me out of bed?
Along the way, I discovered another passion — photography. What started as a hobby turned into six years of professional work as an architectural photographer, shooting chalets and apartments around the Chamonix and the adjacent valleys. It was a creative outlet that complemented my life in the mountains, and I still love capturing images from climbing or skiing trips.