Who we are
Andrew Lanham
Owner of Alpine Energy Guiding and Swiss IFMGA Mountain Guide
I started climbing small mountains with my Dad when I was about 5 years old and loved it immediately.
Since then I have climbed, skied and been on adventures to many parts of the world. In 2010 I became an aspirant Swiss mountain guide and started working as a guide. In 2012 I completed my qualification as a full IFMGA Swiss guide.
As a full time guide some days are tough with bad weather or big physical efforts for consecutive days. The rewards come from meeting people from different worlds to my own and watching them enjoy the mountains, as well as having the coolest office!
What makes us a good choice
Quality mountain guiding
We emphasize listening to our guests and adapting our activities accordingly. Furthermore, we go out of our way to find the best ski and climbing conditions by following recent weather and activity. Communication between guides, watching local forecasts and having our eyes peeled allows us to find the optimal terrain for the conditions. Equally important to the experience can be: finding a lonely summit or quality ridge climb with panoramic views; possibly spending the night in a cosy mountain hut with a visit to the best Italian coffee shop. Or it could be swimming in the plunge pools of an alpine stream. For us these things make the experience memorable and fun.
Safety
We understand that Mountaineering and Skiing are high risk activities that require a calculated approach. Coming home safely is our absolute number one goal. Mountain guides are above all, risk managers. Respecting our “socially acceptable” risk norms imposed by the UIAGM/IFMGA guides associations is central in our planning and activity. For every outing we carefully consider the Human Factors, Mountain and Meteorological conditions as well as the Terrain. In addition, we’re acutely aware of group pressures and dangerous social dynamics that can potentially lead to higher risk situations.
Qualified
To legally work in the western European Alps as a professional mountain guide, one is required by law to hold a UIAGM/IFMGA qualification. Furthermore, it’s a legal requirement to be insured for professional liability and to be recognised by local authorities.
Becoming a mountain guide in the alpine countries is a long process, holding much prestige in these areas. It has been a well respected profession for over one hundred years. Also required is a long list of mountain experience in the various disciplines. In addition to this, the candidate guide must be a very competent skier, climber and mountaineer to enter the selection process. Once the entrance exams are passed, a three year training program is followed. This involves passing courses on rock climbing, ice climbing, mountaineering, ski technique, ski touring, avalanche safety, nature and environment, communication and business. All with an overall emphasis on risk management, client comfort, human dynamics and enjoyment.
The Guides
We only work with great guides we consider safe and good communicators that provide a quality service. We know all guides personally and have climbed or skied with them and consider them the best. They are sought after and we remunerate them accordingly. Our safety standards are higher than industry standards. We only work with UIAGM/IFMGA internationally qualified guides.
Personalised Communication
We communicate on a personal basis with our clients. All your communication with Alpine Energy Guiding is with someone who understands the mountains, knows guiding adventures and can advise you with real knowledge and experience.
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