The Team

As a lead guide for Mountain Tracks and alpine mountain guide my aim is to pass on my passion for the mountains and provide a superb experience to match clients’ aspirations at all levels.

Over the last 20 years I have skied and climbed all over the world: from chasing powder in Russia to scaling dry rock in Yosemite and climbing vertical ice in Cogne.

As well as being an IFMGA-qualified international mountain guide, I’m also a member of the British Ski Mountaineering team and compete in the World Championships every year. I have also worked extensively in film and T.V. including stunt work for films such as “Touching the Void”.

I have been fortunate to ski and guide all over the world for over 30 seasons, spending winters coaching in New Zealand, Italy, France and of course my homeland of Scotland. The Alps is my base and over the last 12 years, I have been Lead of Off Piste Coaching products for Mountain Tracks, creating and delivering innovative experiences for our clients all over the Alps. I hold equivalence of my International Ski Teaching Diploma in Switzerland, Italy and France.

I came to the Mountain Tracks team with the mandate to bring coaching to guided adventures, having spent my initial career coaching and managing long-term development programmes for both up-and-coming and established instructors. I have developed and evolved my coaching experience to the dynamic and open environment of the backcountry where the ability to adapt with a full quiver of skills is crucial.

During our immersive learning courses at Mountain Tracks, I love the marriage of adventure and education, watching clients' confidence and enjoyment grow with their newly acquired technical skills along with the tactics and psychology to reach their true potential. Somehow, I’ve evolved to love the ups as well as the downs and found there is nothing better than earning your turns by exploring through touring deep into the backcountry. Arriving at the perfect untouched powder pitch, laying down your own lines whist respecting our stunning playground and making the right decisions to keep safe are the ultimate rewards of a hard day at the office…

I am now a trainer for BASI, the UK’s governing body for Snowsports instructors, specifically delivering their Mountain Safety courses. This role ensures that I remain at the forefront of knowledge and education within the instructor and guiding community.

Away from the slopes, I am an International Mountain Leader. I have focussed on guiding personal development expeditions all over the world although now you are more likely to find me leading long-distance treks throughout the Alps. I’ve been a scuba diving instructor and a marine biologist so somehow despite my mountain life my ‘other’ passion remains marine conservation.

I bring nearly two decades of on-snow experience to my role as Manager of Mountain Tracks, combining a lifelong passion for the mountains with extensive expertise in the adventure travel industry. For more than six years, I’ve had the privilege of leading the Mountain Tracks team, overseeing every aspect of our operations to ensure clients experience exceptional, transformative adventures.

My professional journey in the mountains began as a snowboard instructor, where I discovered the joy of teaching and guiding others. Over time, I transitioned into leadership roles, gaining extensive experience in sales, product development, and operational management. These skills have enabled me to shape the vision and execution of our ski touring, off-piste skiing, and mountaineering trips, ensuring every detail contributes to a seamless and memorable experience.

At Mountain Tracks, I work closely with our highly experienced guides, instructors and office team to create programs that balance education, exploration, and adventure. From introducing newcomers to the magic of the backcountry to helping seasoned adventurers push their limits, I’m passionate about crafting journeys that inspire growth and foster a deep connection with the mountains.

Beyond logistics and planning, my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing our clients develop new skills, build confidence, and embrace the challenges of the outdoors. Whether carving untouched powder or reaching the summit of a challenging ascent, every trip is designed to deliver unforgettable moments of discovery.

Leading Mountain Tracks is more than a job, it’s a daily opportunity to share my love for the outdoors and help others experience the beauty and freedom of the mountains. I’m proud to guide a team that shares this passion and to be part of a company that empowers adventurers to achieve their dreams.

Klemen Gričar. Slovenian IFMGA Mountain Guide based in the Julian Alps.

We first met Klemen when he assisted on our Ski touring trip to the Julian Alps in March 2006 and it was clear from the outset that we'd met a very special talent!

I was born in Jesenice on 25.03.1967.

I'm based in Gozd Martuljek in the Julian Alps, Slovenia.  I qualified as an IFMGA Mountain Guide in 2003 and I was President of the Slovenian Mountain Guide Association from 2009-2013.

I've loved the mountains for as long as I can remember. It started in primary school when I was in the local mountaineering club. In high school I started climbing. Later I joined the mountain rescue team in Kranjska Gora and I have been a member of the rescue team since 1994.  I've been guiding for the past 11 years in the Alps and all around the world. Each year I usually guide for about 150 days.

Alongside my work, my family (wife, 2 children), travel and mountain photography are my passions.

- Languages: English, German, Slovenian

- Guiding skills: rock climbing, climbing routes, touring ski, ice climbing, winter climbing.

Guido is an IFMGA guide from Italy based around the beautiful Dolomite mountains. He was introduced to the world of alpine mountaineering and skiing by his father at a young age.

After exploring the Julian Alps his attentions turned to the Central Alps with Mont Blanc, Monte Rosa and the Gran Paradiso areas of particular interest.

Guido has become one of our most popular guides and his fun-loving attitude, professionalism, respect for the mountains and happy smiling face will help make your holiday one to remember!

I am a BASI level 4 and Swiss patente qualified ski instructor. I am based in Verbier and have been teaching for Mountain Tracks for the last 5 winters, having previously taught in Canada, France and Italy. From starting off on the plastic slopes of North Wales I have been lucky enough to ski all over the world including ski mountaineering trips to the Andes and the Karakorums in Pakistan.

Teaching off-piste is particularly rewarding as it enables people to experience the thrill and adventure of skiing in wild beautiful places. It's not an easy thing to master so it is always a fun challenge to bring the best out of people. Whether skiers are new to off-piste skiing or old hands there are always ways of improving, learning. and having fun!

From skiing powder in the forests to high alpine steep faces, off-piste skiing is an incredible experience and a passion of mine that I look forward to sharing with many more people in the future.

I've been in the mountains since I was a kid, and I practiced many sports, until I have devoted soul and body to the mountain, my great passion. I have been Alpine Guide since 2009 and I started to dedicate myself to this noble craft: the intention to communicate to others this my enthusiasm for mountaineering together with the necessary technical knowledge. I am lucky to visit so many beautiful places, every time a great discovery and adventure.

I've started rock climbing on the granite outcrops of Dartmoor and the sea cliffs of south-west England as a teenager.

My love of the mountains has led to adventures on six continents from sea stacks to the high Himalaya.

Twenty years on, I now share the enthusiasm for the mountains year-round, quite simply – 'I have the best job in the world!'

Sandy Allan was born and raised in Dalwhinnie in the Highlands of Scotland and has been climbing since his teens.  He qualified as an IFMGA/BMG guide in 1993. Since the 1980s he has established many hard new winter and mixed climbs in Scotland and in the Himalaya. He has guided clients to the summits of many of the highest mountains in the world including Mount Everest and Cho Oyu.  As well as guiding in the Himalaya, he has been involved in many expeditions including Muztagh Tower, Lhotse West and the Scottish Direct Route on the south face of Pumori. In 2012 he completed the first ascent of one of the Himalaya’s most coveted, unclimbed climbs – the Mazeno Ridge of Nanga Parbat and was awarded the Piolet d’Or in 2013.

Sandy will act as a Course Director for all Scottish courses and if for some reason he will not be able to guide them he will select a qualified UK mountain instructors and leaders or another IFMGA guide. We select these instructors with care and many of these are members of the Association of Mountain Instructors (AMI)

The mountain guide’s obligation to clients is not only to guide them safely through the mountains. Before the tour starts, he/she gives personal advice to the client and supports him/her in selecting the right tour. Mountain guides have a basic education in geology, fauna and flora and know the mountains and their history. 

Consequently, a mountain tour becomes a life experience for the client. The guide does not only lead the way but is also a coach providing advice and motivation. He/she helps ambitious clients to improve technically and physically. Often the mountain guide accompanies his/her client for many years all over the world. This is the basis for friendships that last for a lifetime. 

Safety is an important issue in mountaineering. Humans are looking for recreation and adventure in the mountains. In mountaineering, as in life, there is a certain residual risk that cannot be eliminated. Mountain guides are professionally trained to reduce this residual risk. Their high-quality education is focused on safety and their ample experience helps the mountain guide make the right decisions in difficult situations.  

Source:https://ifmga.info/

Skiing has been the biggest passion in my life since my first steps on snow when I was 2 years old. I have been ski racing as a child and teenager and later ski race coaching. After receiving a master's in Sports Science, I was off to a life in the mountains.

I am a fully certified ski instructor and ski guide and have diplomas from the Swiss, Austrian, and Croatian ski associations. For the past 22 years, I have been teaching skiing, ski guiding, and coaching ski racing and freestyle all over Europe, the USA, and Japan.

For the past 13 years, I have been based in Saas-Fee, Switzerland, where I have developed a big passion for big mountains and steep lines.

Still, the biggest joy remains introducing and developing a passion for skiing, especially off-piste skiing, in average skiers and watching their enthusiasm and stoke grow when they overcome terrain or technique obstacles they never thought achievable.

I have been working with Mountain Tracks for the past 5 seasons and truly enjoy the off-piste and ski touring weeks where we completely immerse ourselves in improving technique, assessing weather and snow conditions, and our approach to the mountains.

 I've met loads of interesting people, and everyone has a story to listen to and take inspiration from. 

I'm looking forward to sharing some new adventures with you. 

Before embarking on my guiding career, I earned a degree in Economics in Venice—a chapter of my life I often refer to as my "early age." However, my true calling led me to the mountains, driven by a passion for climbing and skiing. In 2008, I achieved my certification as a Mountain Guide, and ever since, I’ve been fortunate enough to live my passion 365 days a year. Guiding isn’t just a job for me; it’s a way of life, and I truly can’t imagine doing anything else.

I’m based near Cortina d’Ampezzo, in the heart of the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains, where I spend most of the year with my partner and our two little girls. Always eager for new challenges, I’ve had the privilege of guiding clients across the Alps, conquering iconic peaks on skis or by climbing during the summer months.

Photography is another passion of mine, inherited from my father. Without a camera around my neck, I feel incomplete. I love capturing the beauty of the mountains and the unforgettable moments they inspire.

Like many of my generation, I’m active on social media, frequently sharing the experiences I treasure in the mountains through photography and storytelling.

I speak fluent English and French, ensuring seamless communication with my clients from around the world.

The Georgian Mountain Guide Association (GMGA) is the official IFMGA-recognised body for professional mountain guides in Georgia.

Founded in 1998, it sets national standards for guiding and ensuring safety, training, and certification in line with international best practices.

In 2021, GMGA became a full member of the International Federation of Mountain Guide Associations (IFMGA), giving its guides the highest level of international recognition. GMGA-certified guides are trained to strict IFMGA criteria and operate safely across Georgia’s alpine terrain, offering professional guiding for ski touring, mountaineering, and climbing.

Laurent’s career path has been shaped by an enduring love for sport, exploration, and the outdoors. After earning a degree in Sports Science (STAPS) with a focus on physical education, he began his professional life teaching within the French National Education system. Yet, his true calling lay beyond the classroom. Driven by a desire to live closer to nature, he transitioned into outdoor education—qualifying as a ski instructor for the winter months and a sailing instructor for the summer season. This move allowed him to blend his teaching background with a deep enthusiasm for adventure sports, sharing his knowledge and energy with learners year-round.

In 2008, Laurent took a bold turn in his career and retrained as a professional pilot, earning his Airline Transport Pilot License. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter in aviation, where he gained extensive flying experience with “Open Flight.” Despite this major shift, he has always remained connected to his roots in the mountain and sports culture.

Today, Laurent balances his dual passions for skiing and aviation. Each winter, he returns to the French Alps to teach skiing, focusing on off-piste coaching and mountain safety. When the snow melts, he exchanges skis for wings, piloting scenic flights over the Alps and introducing travellers to the majesty of the mountains from above.

In addition to these pursuits, Laurent manages the Hotel Snow Chill in Risoul 1850—a four-star establishment where he leads operations across finance, strategy, and guest experience. His unique combination of expertise in hospitality, adventure sports, and aviation allows him to curate memorable stays that combine comfort with a spirit of exploration.

Through his diverse experience as a pilot, sports educator, and hotel manager, Laurent perfectly represents the Alpine ethos—uniting safety, adventure, and a lifelong passion for discovery.