About Us

Our Experience

Salamander Adventures has over 30 years experience running adventure holidays throughout the world. Key staff have worked for Exodus, Explore and Trailfinders.

We started operating group trekking holidays in the Alps in 2007. We specialise in running the Tour du Mont Blanc and are currently introducing new and innovative point-to-point treks. We have extensive local knowledge of the Tour du Mont Blanc, Italian Dolomites, Swiss Alps, Amalfi Coast and Austrian Tyrol.

Why book with us?

Our prices are competitive as you deal directly with us: there is no middleman. We have strong relationships with local hotels and a commitment to ensuring your trip runs smoothly. We have a great team of International Mountain Leaders (IML) who have been with us for a number of years. As we have colleagues in Chamonix we can offer you immediate assistance rather than you having to deal with someone in another country.

Your money is safe

We are bonded with the Travel Trust Association (TTA), so your money is safe when you book with us. All monies paid by you are held in a trust account managed by the TTA. Only when you have completed your trip do we have access to this money.

Staff

Phil Mansbridge – Director

Phil worked as a trekking guide for over 10 years. Leading for Exodus and Explore, journeys took him to Everest Base Camp, the Karakorum Highway and unexpected meetings with the Tajik Mujahidin. He worked for six years at Exodus’ Head Office before heading to Chamonix and setting up Salamander in 2007. A keen mountaineer, who has climbed 6, 7 and 8000m peaks, he recently summited a new 6000m peak in Nepal. He spends his free time trekking and cycling.

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Natalie Mirzoeff – Sales Director

Natalie was a sales consultant at Trailfinders for three years and at Exodus for two years. She then qualified as a secondary school art teacher and spent eight years teaching and running school trips in the UK and abroad. Natalie spends much of her spare time walking: her favourite areas are the South Downs, Amalfi Coast and the Mont Blanc range. She has travelled extensively around the world.

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Oli Carr – Trekking Leader

A passionate Alpine mountain man originally from the English countryside bordering mid-Wales. Some days found zooming down hillsides on his mountain bike, others found observing the Alpine flora, fauna & drinking tea. Favourite flower – gentian; favourite tree – pine; favourite drink – Italian cappuccino.

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Neil Milne – Trekking Leader

Originally from Leicestershire, Neil started rock climbing and mountaineering at a very young age and has been exploring mountains ever since. He has climbed tough mountains all over the world and trekked to the top of many summits including Kilimanjaro and Pic d’Aneto. As a mountain leader he has worked extensively in the Alps, Pyrenees and Africa. Based in the Alps, he is also a ski instructor and works as an Off-Piste & Mountain Safety Assessor.

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Stiina Kristal – Trekking Leader

Stiina’s love for outdoor pursuits started with long-distance bicycle touring and bit by bit transitioned into hiking, later adding trail running and rock climbing. Stiina says that the purity of her own two feet carrying her over tall mountains and desolated valleys is the only thing that can take her to places that make her feel truly small and insignificant. She loves the simplicity of life on trail – it is the place she feels most alive, strong and happy.

 

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Anita Grey – Trekking Leader

I have worked all over the world and in my beloved Snowdonia in North Wales for over 30 years. I have lead walks and expeditions, as well as team & confidence building for all ages, including women’s groups. I have been an International Mountain Leader (BAIML) since 2007, and I teach both Alexander Technique and climbing. I believe we learn best when we are at ease and having fun!

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Peter Myers – Trekking Leader

Peter Myers has been drawn into the mountains by a love of nature. He has been working as a trekking guide for the best part of a decade, a role which has taken him from the Highlands of Scotland to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and ultimately back to Europe where he has made his home. Aside from trekking Pete is a climbing instructor, a canoe guide and a kayak coach. He also works with young people in the outdoors. In his free time, Pete has canoed through northern Norway and Sweden, climbed on high altitude peaks in equatorial Africa and cycled across the southern United States.

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Nigel Lewis – Trekking Leader

After a fun thirty years in the police, Nigel decided to change his hobby into a career and began guiding other people in the mountains. He has lead numerous expeditions in Central and South America, North and East Africa, Nepal and the Far East. Closer to home he has lead numerous walking trips in Italy, France and Switzerland. When he’s not working, he tries to fit in as much independent travel, walking and climbing as time will allow.

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