Gary Daines
International Mountain Leader
I was born in Essex in the UK, a long way from any mountains. But, at the age of 18 I started to travel and work across the world. By my late twenties I decided that sleeping on other people’s sofas or floors and not having anywhere to call home meant it was time for a change. However, I did not want to give up the lifestyle I had grown to love so much – and that is how I fell into expedition guiding. I started to get my certifications and then, in 2009, I moved to Chamonix, France, which became my home.
Three years ago I moved down to the French Eastern Pyrenees to be nearer to my little boy, who lives just over the border in Spanish Catalonia. Here, I can run the trails all year round, and have finally discovered the home of my heart.
I came to trail running later in life. Beforehand, I was always a climber and expedition leader, but when I discovered trail running something changed in me and it’s all I do now! I started racing a couple of years back, but I love being out by myself and doing long distance trails and multi-day fast packing trips. The Pyrenees are very wild and remote compared to the Alps, which is one of the reasons why I love it here.
The mountains changed my life and I truly believe that they bring not only physical, but also mental and spiritual well-being to our lives. To be able to help others step outside of their normal routines and experience that sense of freedom and well-being on the trails is very special for me.
I also love to talk and laugh, and guiding is a great way to meet new people from all walks of life, share some very special moments and make a lot of new friends.
Run the Alps guide, Gary Daines, in the Jura, Switzerland
Run the Alps guide, Gary Daines, on the Tour du Canigou, French Pyrenees
Run the Alps guide, Gary Daines, in the Shangphu Valley, Ladakh, India
Every Trail Runner’s Biggest Fear: Keeping Up With the Group
I’m not sure I can run up those hills. What if I’m the slowest? How do I know which trip is right for me?
Trail Run with The Mirnavator in Switzerland!
Mirna Valerio, aka “The Mirnavator,” is back again this summer, and we could not be happier! This time, we’re headed to Switzerland’s Bernese Oberland, home of the iconic Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau.
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel
A few years ago, we started looking for the perfect bag for our clients to move their belongings from inn to inn, when they’re trail running the Tour du Mont-Blanc. This is it! The 55-liter size has enough room for a few sets of town clothes and personal effects.