Lou Stone UIMLA Certified International Mountain Leader

Born in the UK, Lou fell in love with the mountains when she discovered them as a young adult. She has since spent her life hiking and climbing in the UK and the Alps, both summer and winter. Lou pursued her leadership qualifications while working full-time in the charity sector. Finally, in 2014 she decided to leave office life and follow a dream of full-time guiding, and has never looked back. For six years she taught rock climbing, navigation, and campcraft, and her favorite work of all guiding hiking holidays in the UK and Alps. Then in 2020, she had the opportunity to move to beautiful Switzerland, where she now lives.

Lou is a UIMLA Certified International Mountain Leader, as well as a tour guide and certified Swiss Travel Expert. She has guided a wide range of trips, from multi-day treks such as the Tour du Mont Blanc and the Swiss Via Alpina, to a rail tour across the length of Norway. As a guide, Lou is supportive and encouraging, with an infectious enthusiasm for the mountain environment, and loves to meet people from all walks of life and help them make memories of a lifetime.

“Lou Stone was a fantastic guide. She made it all look so easy. She always had different alternatives lined up for bad weather or people with injuries. She adjusted the route to the level of the group and made the most incredible and variable lunches.” - Deluxe Haute Route guest

“Lou was an excellent and thoughtful guide, ensuring we had unique hikes, amazing picnic lunches, and lovely surprises along the way.” -  K T Hemingway