David Williams

I’ve chased a mountain lifestyle for nearly thirty years, although grown-up life and careers have got in the way occasionally. Originally from Monmouth in South Wales, I have always been drawn to open spaces. I’ve been fortunate to live and work in Canada, New Zealand and, for the last ten years, in the French Alps. I made a return to mountain guiding in my early 40’s, which might be my mid-life crisis job, or crise de quarantaine, as the French call it. But it’s by far the most rewarding and fulfilling role I have had in the last two decades– and the most relaxing!

Before returning to guiding, I was an Army medic and emergency medical evacuation specialist for the maritime and private security industries. Thankfully, these days I don’t need to fall back on that skill-set very often.

When I’m not leading guests on trails, I’m out exploring, trail running and biking both here in Europe and further afield.

The Grand Sassiere near Val d’Isere in the Savoie region of the French Alps is a winner. It’s the highest non-technical summit in the alps, going up to an elevation of 3,800m, with views south to Italy’s Monte Viso, France’s Ecrins mountain range, across to Mont Blanc, and further afield to all the 4,000 meter peaks in Switzerland, with spectacular views of the Matterhorn 100 kilometers away. Arriving at the summit for sunrise never fails to disappoint, and the 2,500 meter descent on sublime single track is unforgettable.