Skiing

Fresh tracks! Get away from it all.

/
Climbing

Long treks up peaks with snowy arêtes or a challenging summit...

with

Ibex Mountain Guides

have an adventure in mind?

let us help you make it happen.

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...

Skiing

Fresh tracks! Get away from it all.

Instructional videos

Tom & Owen Ice Climbing in Norway

Follow us on Vimeo

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