Julia Tregaskis-Allen

Julia is a true adventurer at heart, always driven by an insatiable curiosity to discover what lies around the next bend or over the next peak. For more than 20 years, she has channeled this passion into a career that spans personal adventures and professional expertise as a sports coach, personal trainer, International Mountain Leader, and BASI Level 3 ISIA Nordic Ski Teacher. Julia’s guiding journey has taken her across Europe, where she has led adventure holidays and directed courses for aspiring instructors. Her experience extends far beyond Europe’s borders, with expeditions across Africa, South America, and the Greater Ranges. Back home, she has also established a thriving triathlon club, bringing her passion for sport and community together. Her skill set includes certifications in rock climbing, nordic walking, mountain biking, canoeing, and triathlon coaching, enabling her to craft inspiring and inclusive adventures for all levels. Julia’s love for travel, sport, and the outdoors has been the creative force behind many of Tracks and Trails’ most popular offerings, including trail running, cross-country skiing, and family holidays. As a Director of Tracks and Trails, Julia is dedicated not only to guiding but also to overseeing the management of trips. Her commitment ensures that every adventure is run with the highest level of professionalism and care, offering guests unforgettable experiences in the great outdoors.

Lindsay Cannon Pearce

Lindsay is passionate about working in the mountains, and her enthusiasm is infectious. With over two decades of experience exploring the Alps, she has amassed an impressive depth of knowledge about mountain life. Lindsay’s connection to the mountain community is evident as she greets farmers and shepherds along the way, sharing stories and forging bonds that enhance our guest's experience. For her, being part of this community is one of the greatest joys of guiding. Lindsay holds an array of qualifications, including being a fully certified International Mountain Leader, BASI Level 3 ISIA Ski Teacher, Nordic Walking Instructor, Trail Cycle Leader, and Yoga Teacher. Her diverse skill set ensures that she can offer a holistic mountain experience, blending adventure, fitness, and mindfulness. Before dedicating her life to guiding, Lindsay enjoyed a distinguished career with the BBC as a presenter for adventure racing programmes. Her radio and television work reached audiences around the globe, showcasing her talent for storytelling and her love of the outdoors. As a Director of Tracks and Trails, Lindsay spends her spring and autumn scouting and designing new trips, constantly innovating to provide unforgettable adventures. Whether leading you through alpine trails, sharing tales from her broadcasting days, or introducing you to the mountain community she cherishes, Lindsay ensures every journey is as enriching as it is exhilarating.

Cordy Lewis

Cordy brings her passion for travel, outdoor sports, and organisational skills to the Tracks and Trails team as a Programme Manager for our Scheduled Departures. With a background in teaching as a PE instructor and working with young people on the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, she combines her love for the outdoors with planning and setting up our adventures. Cordy’s enthusiasm for exploration began in her school days with expeditions to the Lake District, North Wales, and France. As a young teacher, she organised trips to Borneo and Ghana, experiences that inspired her to earn her Mountain Leadership qualification. Moving to a forward-thinking independent school, she had even more opportunities to share her passion for the outdoors, leading trips to destinations like Ladakh, Rajasthan, Southeast Asia, Morocco, Finland, and the European Alps. Cordy is instrumental in helping us 'green' our trips and promote eco-conscious travel practices. Her commitment to protecting the environment ensures our adventures leave a positive impact on the planet. When she’s not crafting Tracks and Trails holidays, Cordy loves exploring new places in her motorhome with her partner Byron and their dog Teddy. Her energy and dedication to inspiring others make her an invaluable part of our team.

Byron Lewis

Byron keeps our Scheduled Departure trips on track, ensuring every itinerary is meticulously planned and executed. As a Programme Manager, he oversees the preparation and logistics for our adventure holidays. Hailing from the South West of England, Byron’s passion for the outdoors took root during his university years in Wales. This love for adventure has taken him across the globe, and his background includes competing as a sponsored athlete in events like the Salomon Adventure Series, Camel Trophy, Landrover G4 Challenge, and Fulda Arctic Challenges in the Yukon, An experienced International Mountain Leader, Byron has guided iconic treks such as the Tour du Mont Blanc, Pyrenees GR10, and the Chamonix to Zermatt Haute Route. His expertise extends to snowshoeing trips in Finland and the Pyrenees. Beyond Europe, Byron has led expeditions across the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. Byron’s previous career in education focused on planning and delivering UK and international expeditions for school students, equipping him with a wealth of experience in managing complex logistics. His dedication to detail and his vast experience in the field ensure that every trip runs smoothly, offering guests the adventure of a lifetime.

Fran Waes

Born and raised in Belgium, Fran is our Programme Manager for Trail Running, and private trips. She has always had a deep love for the outdoors, which led her to leave her home country to explore the mountains of British Columbia. Her journey began with two years working as a ski instructor in Whistler. Seeking broader horizons, Fran  moved into teaching, starting with a PE role in Egypt, followed by an opportunity to work in Thailand. During this time, she recognised the power of outdoor education, inspiring her to take courses with NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School), including their Rocky Mountain Instructor course. These experiences deepened her understanding of how nature can foster personal growth and resilience in students. With her NOLS qualifications, Fran secured a new role in Switzerland, where she taught PE, skiing, and outdoor education, further combining her love of sports and the outdoors. Eventually, Fran decided to change her career, retraining as a sports masseuse while continuing to pursue her passion for mountain guiding as an aspirant International Mountain Leader. Today, she spends as much time as possible in the French Alps sharing her love of outdoor exploration with others.

Cherie Marais

Cherie joined Tracks and Trails in 2022 as our Finance Manager, and it’s safe to say we’d be lost without her! She is the friendly and efficient point of contact for all matters related to payments and trip fees, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.  Growing up at the foot of the Outeniqua Mountains in South Africa, Cherie developed a lifelong love for the great outdoors. Her early years were spent exploring the South African landscape, sparking a passion for adventure. After earning an LLB from Stellenbosch University, she began her career in taxation. During this time she travelled extensively, venturing into Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Malawi. After moving to the UK and taking a career break to raise her three children, Cherie returned to the workforce with Tracks and Trails, where her organisational skills and keen eye for detail are invaluable. In her downtime, she enjoys family adventures, walking, cycling, playing tennis, and sailing - though she prefers mild winds for her nautical outings! 

Jana Clayton

Jana joined Tracks and Trails in 2026 to look after our social media, sharing the stories, routes and guest moments that make our trips what they are. Born and raised in Slovakia, Jana studied translation, which took her first to Poland and then to the UK, where she spent six years in London. Rather unexpectedly, it was there, far from any mountains, that she discovered trail running, and she went on to lead a local trail running community in the city. The pull of the hills eventually took her to France in 2018, and she settled in the Chamonix valley. With more than a decade of marketing experience, Jana runs her own agency, working with outdoor, adventure travel and hospitality businesses across the Alps and beyond. Her background in translation shows in her love of languages: she speaks Slovak, English, French, Czech, German and Polish, which comes in handy when connecting with guests from all over the world. When she's not creating content for Tracks and Trails, you'll find her out running the trails of the Chamonix valley.

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. 

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 overseas which combine yoga with days out in the mountains, two passions combined into a great mountain experience for her guests.

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.

Sarah Kleinknecht

Setting off on an adventure on the spur of the moment, without a precise plan, walking according to your desires and emotions, pushing on to discover what a summit or ridge reveals. A business lawyer by training, then manager of a large sports shop, biathlete and long-distance runner, it is Sarah's job as a guide that finally allowed her to put a more structured and secure framework around her wanderings. It's with this in mind that she now likes to explore and share the mountains, to give us time to immerse ourselves in the landscapes that change with the passing days and seasons. Sarah is French and from the Alsace region. She grew up in a family of mountaineers and sports enthusiasts. She came to Switzerland 30 years ago, for one ski season, but fell in love with the Alps and settled. She obtained her Swiss Mountain Leader diploma in 2015 and has been an International Mountain Leader since 2019. She now guides mainly in the Swiss, French and Italian Alps, but also takes her winter and summer activities (ski touring, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, rock climbing, biking and of course hiking) as far as Austria, Germany, Spain and Central Asia. 

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.

Dominique Lazanski

Dominique has a true passion for all things Nordic, so much so that she spends as much time as possible in Norway, in Lillehammer, a town which hosted the Winter Olympics. In truth she divides her time between London, in the UK, in the summer and Norway in the winter. Dominique loves to be on her skis, and is a regular on the trails around Sjusjøen which offers over 350km (218 miles) of ski tracks. She is a BASI Level 2 Nordic Ski Instructor and currently holds the prestigious position of Chair of the British Nordic Development Squad, which coaches the Olympic hopefuls of the future. She is a biathlete and ski orienteer and races in Masters competitions. In the summer she is a keen orienteer and is on the Board of the International Biathlon Orienteering Federation. In her spare time, she runs her own cyber policy company and travels widely for cyber related work.

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 'accommpagnateur' 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. 

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.

David Williams

David grew up in south Wales, in the United Kingdom, with the Brecon Beacons and Black Mountains on his doorstep, but it was only when he spent a month on an Outward Bound course in the English Lake District at the age of 16 that he realised all the mountains had to offer. Outward Bound provides young people and adults with experiential and outdoor education programs often leaving a lasting impression on participants such as David. Time spent in the British Army and then running a medical evacuation company has always been balanced by spending as much time trail running, trekking, climbing, mountain biking and skiing as possible. David considers himself extremely lucky to have found a new career as an International Mountain Leader, based in the French Alps, and is never happier than when he is leading running and trekking groups trips on the Haute Route in Switzerland or GR20 in Corsica or exploring new areas for future adventures. He looks forward to sharing time with you on the trails. 

Jen Roberts

After a childhood spent in the city, it is no surprise that Jen wanted to get out and explore the world. After an initial foray into the world of marketing, she had a major career change into the outdoors - her happy place - in 2013. She now spends her time focusing on adventures and helping others to achieve their goals, large and small, in the outdoors. Jen is a fully qualified International Mountain Leader and is currently living la dolce vita in Italy. When not leading treks and expeditions, you can usually find her staring at a map, with a cup of tea in hand, planning her next adventure. Jen believes it is important to say 'yes' to every opportunity - you'll be surprised where it will take you - and she has visited some incredible places across a variety of continents as a result of this belief. No matter where she is, each destination usually fills her with awe, a feeling she hopes to share with her clients!

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. 

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.  

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. 

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.

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. 

Anne Galdeano

Anne was born and raised in the Loire Valley, where she studied arts. She discovered the mountains as a teenager and fell in love with Chamonix, which she now calls home. After having worked in an administrative role, organising mountain holidays in France, Italy and Switzerland, Anne decided to become a mountain leader. These days she works for the National school of skiing and mountaineering, while also keeping the cross country ski tracks safe as a ski patroller. Anne is passionate about hiking, climbing, and skiing, and loves sharing her enthusiasm for nature, local history and geology. She very much looks forward to sharing time with you on the trails. 

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.  

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 six 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. 

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.

Tracey Wright

Tracey is an International Mountain Leader and BASI Nordic and Alpine ski instructor based in the heart of the Swiss Alps, with decades of expedition and high-mountain experience. A former Team GB ski mountaineering athlete with three World Cup appearances, she brings exceptional mountain instinct, hard-earned expertise, and a calm, confidence-inspiring presence to every journey. Fuelled by an unstoppable passion for the outdoors, she thrives on adventure and loves nothing more than sharing that excitement and opening up the mountains to others.

Michka Guillot

Michka is a passionate and experienced outdoor sports guide, with a strong focus on trail running. With years of practice in trail, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and climbing, he brings a rich and dynamic approach to every adventure. As part of our team, Michka will be your trail guide on our Alpine running trips. He has led expeditions in some of the world’s most remote regions – including Spitsbergen, Greenland, and Antarctica – and thrives on sharing his knowledge and love for nature with others. He’s also a seasoned competitor in Spartan Races, some of the world's toughest and most physically challenging events as well as a competitor in multi-day adventure raids, where endurance and mental toughness are key.  He holds a raft of qualifications including Yoga Teacher, Mountain Bike Guide, Climbing Instructor, Sports Coach, as well as Kayak and Sea Kayak Instructor. Whether you’re chasing performance or just the joy of running in wild landscapes, Michka will be there to guide and support you every step of the way. 

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!

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.

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. After twenty winters in the Alps, including seven seasons teaching Telemark and Nordic skiing, she found herself increasingly drawn to the wilder terrain 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.” 

Chris Jackson

Chris Jackson grew up in both the UK and the Canadian Rockies spending a lot of time in the mountains on both skis and two wheels. Whilst studying bio-medicine at the University of Bath in England, Chris specialised in altitude physiology and worked at The Altitude Centre in London helping endless clients achieve their mountaineering goals, whether that’s Kilimanjaro, the summit of Everest or Alpine climbing. During this period Chris was invited to participate in many events including the Everest Marathon. He also got to climb many Alpine summits and trek in different corners of the world. This sparked the realisation that guiding in the mountains is a far better match for Chris’ love of the outdoors than working in an altitude chamber in the centre of London! From this moment, Chris has been working as a mountain leader and mountaineering instructor in the UK and abroad, and he hasn’t looked back.

Ros Brown-Grant

Ros, has been a cross-country since the age of 18 when she was a student in France. She loves all types of free heel skiing: track skiing, telemark skiing both on and off piste, hut to hut touring, backcountry peak bagging and roller skiing. Ros is Chair of the Manchester Cross-Country Ski Club, in the UK, and has been coaching for her club since 2003, both on roller skis and on snow. She is a Snowsport England Level 3 Nordic Instructor and Foundation Tutor - teaching others to become roller ski instructors - as well as a BASI Level 2 Nordic Instructor.  Ros is also currently completing a Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification so she can bring the insights of fitness instruction into her work as a ski coach. For Ros cross-country skiing is the ultimate form of exercise, being whole-body, low-impact and wonderfully aerobic! A lecturer in modern languages for many years, Ros has always had a passion for the outdoors which she is now indulging to the full having retired from the University of Leeds in 2023. She is fluent in French and Italian, and also speaks German.

Tom Clemens

Tom’s Nordic Skiing career now spans over three decades. Joining the British Army in 1994, he was only months into his service when he found himself in Norway and putting on skis for the very first time. Tom fell in love with the sport, especially Biathlon (Cross-Country Skiing combined with Target Shooting) and from faltering beginnings by 1998 he was racing on the World Cup Circuit as part of the GB Senior Team. A consistent performer at World Championships, he finally realised his dream of racing at the Olympics in 2006 at the Turin Winter Games. After retiring from racing he returned to Army life and served all over the world for another 20 years before concluding his service in November 2025 after 32 years of active duty. Tom is a BASI Level 3 Instructor, with a passion for developing skiers techniques to help them achieve their individual aims. He has recently begun racing World Loppet Races in a semi-competitive way, and is a recently qualified Sports Massage Therapist. With an army background in Human Resources, mentoring and leadership, he has all the ski skills and people skills to truly enhance your cross-country ski adventures. 

Marit van Kampen

Marit, who is from the Netherlands, began her love affair with mountains when skiing in Austria and then developed this passion in the United Kingdom while at University. Studying in North Wales was the ideal location for rock climbing and hiking. This led to climbing and hiking trips to the European Alps, the Pyrenees and further afield in the USA, where she has climbed in Yosemite, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah and Nevada. Marit has also explored Nepal, and South Africa, again following her passion for rock climbing. Originally a Computer Science and Outdoor Education teacher, she now lives in France, but also spends time in the English Lake District where her goal is to climb all the mountains known as 'Wainwrights'. Wainwright wrote seven books on walking in the Lake District and the 214 peaks are now known as Wainwrights. Marit speaks five languages and aims to learn the names of alpine flowers in English, French, Dutch, German and Italian! 

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.

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. 

Julien Diot

Julien is one of life's enthusiasts! As well as working as an International Mountain Leader, he is also a professional Mountain Bike Guide. You will find him on the trails either on foot or on two wheels. Julien has a background in engineering, and in 2015, after spending three years on a world tour testing outdoor gear he settled in Chamonix Valley, in the French Alps. His new outdoor mountain office is hard to beat - sparkling glaciers, snowy summits, and rugged peaks. Genuinely curious, he is a font of knowledge about mountains weather conditions, biodiversity and local history. Julien loves chatting to people from around the world, and he will definitely love having you with him in the mountains.

Min Willis

Min started her mountain journey through completing her snowboard instructor (BASI level 1) at 18 years old. Following that she spent many seasons working and exploring the European Alps, moving from snowboarding to ski touring climbing and alpinism. This led to joining the British Antarctic Survey as a field guide supporting science projects on the Antarctic ice sheet. Throughout her adult life, in between mountain adventures, she worked in humanitarian logistics for Medicins Sans Frontiers in some of the most hostile places on earth. So to find a balance between her ongoing humanitarian work and her love of the freedom and tranquility to be found in the mountains as well as the personal challenges they offer, she became an International Mountain Leader. Now living permanently in the French Alps she enjoys mentoring and motivating others to share her passion for nature and to help others reach their potential.

Kristians Lunins

Kristians (Kris) is an International Mountain Leader and a BASI Level 2 Cross-Country Ski Instructor driven by a passion for the mountains, wilderness and physical challenges. After leaving his engineering career in 2017, he has guided and travelled through mountains, deserts, and jungles across Europe, North and South America, the Caucasus, the Middle East, and Africa. Kris has covered more than 25,000 kilometres in mountainous terrain - hiking, running, climbing, and skiing. His personal journey ranges from a solo ascent of Aconcagua (6961m) to thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (4,270 km), to climbing many technical peaks in the Alps, to skiing the Kungsleden and the Arctic Circle Race just to mention a few. Now Kris guides multi-day trekking, running and skiing trips across the Alps, Scandinavia and the Andes. He is a Wilderness First Responder and places strong emphasis on safety, planning, and calm decision-making. He enjoys sharing his knowledge and helping our guests meet their goals in the mountains.

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. 

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!

Amedea Kelly-Taglianini

Amedea is a BASI qualified instructor in both Nordic and Alpine skiing. Being half-Scottish, half-Italian, she was lucky enough to spend a lot of her youth in the mountains and loves nothing more than passing-on her passion for the great outdoors. She particularly enjoys helping those new to cross-country skiing build confidence, drawing on her experience as a qualified swim coach to refine both mindset and technique. When not on skis, Amedea is also a keen cyclist and triathlete who takes advantage of international competitions to explore new parts of the world. As a former corporate lawyer now pursuing postgraduate studies, she is grateful for evermore opportunities to escape into nature.

Hadrien Buret

Originally from Chamonix, in the heart of the Alps, Hadrien first developed a passion for cross country skiing and mountaineering before turning to hiking as a way to share his love for wide-open spaces. Whether on skis or on foot, from the Alps to the poles, Hadrien sees movement as a medium for immersing himself in landscapes and to be in tune with others.

Fern Cates

Fern is from Shropshire, but now lives in Chamonix, France, from where she works as a team GB cross-country ski & para Nordic national performance coach. Basically she coaches skiers to get to Olympic and Paralympic level. Fern spends most of the 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 the 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.

Sanjo Ingles

Sergio San José, or Sango, as he is known is from Aragon in Spain. He has been living in the French Alps in Chamonix Valley since 2018, and has followed his passion for the mountains by joining our guiding team. Sanjo, a qualified International Mountain Leader, describes himself as passionate, cheerful, resilient, and sociable. His intention is to make the most of, growing, and learning from every experience. We like his attitude and hope you will too. He has been skiing and mountaineering since an early age, and after graduating in Tourism, it seemed a natural progression to work in the outdoors introducing others to the incredible environment he lives in. He has skied and climbed Mont Blanc several times, and also completed some serious and impressive alpine mountain climbing routes. In addition, Sanjo, has tackled mountain challenges in the wilderness of Canada where he previously lived. He speaks fluent English, but says his French is even better! His goal is to convey to our guests that it’s possible to explore nature, the mountains, and mountain communities in a respectful, local, and sustainable way, using materials that align with these values. 

Carlo Bulfone

Carlo, who is Italian, lives at the foot of the Julian Alps in northeast Italy. This was where he grew up and where his love of the mountains began. The peaks which he could see from his home inspired him to explore high places by hiking, skiing, cycling, and climbing. In 2022 he became an International Mountain Leader, guiding hikers through the Julian Alps, the Italian Dolomites, and other beautiful locations across the European Alps. Recently, he made working as a hiking guide his full-time career and has never looked back. He especially enjoys discovering hidden trails, quieter spots, and off-the-beaten-path experiences to share with his guests. Carlo believes walking in nature creates special connections - with the landscape, the local culture, and fellow hikers. He speaks fluent English and very much enjoys meeting people from diverse backgrounds and sharing his extensive knowledge of the local flora, fauna, and history.

Simon Conroy

After spending 23 years in the British 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 also a passionate trail runner, and is regularly found trotting around the mountains guiding a team of runners. 

Sandy Miller

Sandy Miller was born in Grimsby, in the UK, and grew up in the flat terrain of North Lincolnshire.  From an early age he enjoyed trips to the more interesting landscapes of the English Peak district, the English Lakes, or going skiing to the European Alps, but it was not until after university that he finally managed to live in the mountains.  Initially he moved to Scotland, but then splitting his time between ski instructing in the Alps during winter and freelance outdoor work in the UK.  During this time he discovered fell running, which was a perfect fit given his love of hiking in the mountains and of running lightweight. Since 2010 he has been based in and around the famous alpine ski resort of Verbier in Switzerland, combining work in winter on skis with running and hiking in the summers. Sandy says he feels very fortunate to have built a career working in such beautiful places, and working with an amazing mix of interesting and wonderful people.  In his free time he runs and skis, and spends time with his wife, their two daughters and their dog, which is a Lagotto Romognolo, an Italian breed.

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! 

Matt Parkes

After being raised in the London area Matt escaped to the mountains at the first opportunity! Starting out in North Wales, he then moved to Scotland - living there for over 20 years. During a cycle tour of the Outer Hebrides Matt realised that juggling a career in engineering with leading overseas expeditions had to end, and he moved to the Swiss Alps where he now works as a trekking guide. Matt is passionate about sharing the mountain environment, he enjoys helping our guests engage with their natural surroundings, from the setting sun painting the mountain peaks, to the stillness of snow-covered forests in winter. He’s always happy to share stories and tales about the animals, plants, history and food of the places we travel through, ensuring you have the best possible adventure! In summer Matt has led a huge variety of hikes from the Tour du Mont Blanc, to the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, Ladakh in the Indian Himalayas, and in Nepal. When winter arrives, he loves to explore on cross-county skis or snowshoes, from hut-to-hut tours above the arctic circle in Scandinavia, to discovering new areas closer to home. Matt is an International Mountain Leader and lives with his family, his dog, and a few cats, in the Gantrisch Nature Park, in Switzerland. 

Mihai Dogaru

Mihai grew up in a small mountain town in the Carpathian Mountains of Romania, where his connection with the mountains began at an early age through hiking with the local alpine club. At 18, he joined the local mountain rescue service as a volunteer. These early experiences shaped his understanding of the mountains and strengthened his desire to build a professional life outdoors. He has always been drawn to long-distance journeys, particularly the challenge of planning and preparing for them, and this has become an important part of his approach to guiding. As a UIMLA International Mountain Leader, Mihai now leads multi-day treks, long-distance routes and trail-running programs across the Alps. He has a particular interest in endurance and long-distance mountain travel, he has competed in a 100 km ultra-distance race and does year-round high-volume training. As a guide, he aims to combine careful preparation, sound mountain judgement and adaptability with a genuine sense of adventure, helping clients discover that they can often go further than they initially thought possible.