Welcome to Ibex Mountain Guides
the creation of husband-and-wife team
Owen Samuel and Rocio Siemens.
We are a small company based in Villars-sur-Ollon, Canton Vaud, Switzerland. We specialise in delivering mountaineering and ski experiences in the European Alps and British mountains. We also occasionally run trips to far-flung places around the world. We are both fully qualified IFMGA Mountain Guides, the highest professional standard in mountaineering competence worldwide, with a sum of over 30 years’ experience guiding and instructing.
The Ibex Team
Rocio Siemens
In mountaineering, there’s always the next summit, the best line, the latest project. I love sharing these challenges, finding them all over the world, from Norway to Chile, via Kenya & Alaska.
Owen Samuel
From climbing technical routes in the greater ranges of Alaska, Peru, Patagonia and the Himalayas, to mixed winter climbing on Ben Nevis, Scotland, I’m happy in all aspects of mountaineering.
What we offer
We cater for individuals or small groups. Working together, we help you achieve your ambitions, whether they are summiting a classic Alpine 4000er, whooping down powder heaven, enjoying classic Alpine ski tours or learning the skills to get you there. We believe that best practice comes from dealing on a close personal basis, developing a trusting partnership which will ultimately deliver mountaineering success. On return courses, you’ll move quickly to operating at your own ability level and go to new places you have always wanted to explore. We believe safety is paramount and aim to deliver clear take-home learning principles which will make you safer when with us or out on your own.
Climbing
Long treks up peaks with snowy arêtes or a challenging summit...
Alpine summer
A trip to the Alps in the summer never disappoints.
Scottish winter
One of the best training and learning grounds to cut your teeth and to feel what it’s like to be a mountaineer.
Rock climbing & scrambling
Ever fancied climbing up a mountain on the steeper side? Scrambling is a fun way to access all those summits you have climbed before, but with a twist!
Skiing
Fresh tracks! Get away from it all.
Ski touring
As the best form of travel in the Alps in winter, ski touring opens doors to great journeys in breath-taking places.
Off piste - Chamonix
This popular off-piste mecca has earned its rightful reputation amongst skiers worldwide as the most adventurous resort in the Alps.
Vallée Blanche
The most famous off-piste run in the world…and for good reasons! It’s over 18km long and you descend nearly 2800m, without doing a single uphill step.
Why hire an IFMGA qualified guide
The International Federation of Mountain Guides Associations (IFMGA) is the umbrella under which both Rocio and Owen operate. The IFMGA logo is a quality assurance logo that ensures you are in the most capable and experienced hands possible when it comes to being in the mountains anywhere in the world. The IFMGA standard of mountaineering and skiing competence is set by an international panel, founded in 1965 by Austria, France, Switzerland and Italy, though today it includes over 20 nations, including the UK. As certified IFMGA Mountain Guides we have undertaken the most advanced training to be able to operate at the highest standard worldwide in alpine and glaciated terrain.
What clients say
Hi Rocio! Just thought I'd say thank you so much again for a superb 2 weeks, never expected to end up on the Eiger and the Matterhorn - and the Jegigrat was in some ways even better - no crowds, no fixed ropes...
Hannah
A wonderful 2 days climbing tuition. Excellent supportive instruction, a calm professional approach and a perfect mix of fun, chat and laughter with tips, tricks and confidence building. Any beginner climber who wants to develop their skills, build their confidence and be inspired should spend time with Rocio. Thank you :)
Sarah
Thanks for two great days with Owen in the Cairngorms and Glencoe.
Michael
Many thanks for your admirable ski guiding Rocio!
Dick
Rocio's patience, good humour, ability and above all, encouragement, enabled me to fulfil some long-held dreams, and I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone thinking of moving up a level or two, or simply wanting to achieve their personal "big ticks".
Marcus