Richard Etellin, UIML Certified International Mountain Leader

Born and raised in Chamonix, Richard has had a passion for endurance sports for as long as he can remember. He has over 20 years of experience working in the French, Swiss, and Italian Alps, and is a qualified instructor in Cross Country Skiing/Biathlon, Hiking/Snowshoeing and Mountain Biking. He is fluent in French and English. When not guiding Alpenwild guests, he is a sports coach at the high school in Chamonix for students pursuing their ‘Biqualification’ – Ski and Mountain training.

During his military service, he had the opportunity to be part of the military French Ski Team and participate in many Nordic ski and trail races. In his spare time, he enjoys long distance trail running and has successfully completed many different endurance races: including the Mont Blanc Marathon and the Courmayeur-Champex-Chamonix Ultra Marathon. He also continues to compete in some of the most demanding cross country ski races like the 80km Marathon de Bessans, and the 76km Transjurassienne.  Daily Yoga practice and stretching also play an important part in his fitness routine.

In 2003 he designed and built his own chalet in Les Bossons, a small village on the outskirts of Chamonix, where he lives with his wife and two boys. They keep chickens, grow their own vegetables and spend as much time as they can outdoors, exploring the spectacular wilderness that surrounds them.

"We had a wonderful day touring the alps with our guide! Knowledge and kind. A perfect way to see highlights on a short visit!" – L.M, Alberta

"Excellent guide for our tour du mont blanc walking. We had an amazing time, couldn't ask for more. Our guide was approachable with fluent English and an unparalleled local knowledge of the area." – R.R, London

"Richard was friendly, competent, well-informed, and funny. I thought he was great." – R.D, British Columbia