Isabelle
5.0
(3)
Mountain Leader
Chamonix
As a French Canadian, I grew up in the extreme winters of Quebec. It wasn't until I came to Switzerland, 20 years ago as a teacher, that I discovered the high mountains. Since those first steps, my life has taken a dramatic change. Whilst finishing a Masters degree in Adult Education in Geneva, I found myself drawn ever closer to the rock walls and snows of the European Alps.
My extensive adventures around the world include: traversing the Alps on telemarks, experiencing the high altitude of Aconcagua, Denali and Ama Dablam, battling spin drifts in Alaska and exploring the mountainous regions of Peru and Bolivia. This motivated me to pursue my passion as a career. I'm now one of 16 women in France to have made the mountains my home as a professional mountain guide and member of the UIAGM. I'm based in the Chamonix valley. I can point out most summits and tell you a story about a climb I have done or a North Face on which I have shivered on.
Being the proud mum of 2 young children, I have to adapt my mountaineering aspirations. I continue to live in the constant search for perfect balance enabling others to achieve their alpine dreams safely and spending time with my family. Climbing, mountaineering and skiing remain a source of inspiration to me. Whether on rock or ice, in the mountains or sports climbing, I relishe these forms of creative expression. I need daily challenges, the search for a solution to the seemingly impossible.
I love to share this vertical world I'm privileged to live in. My goals are to encourage others to experience the same and to go beyond their own perceived physical and mental limits.
Programs
What people are saying about Isabelle Santoire
Ryoko
Isabelle guided the classic Chamonix - Zermatt ski haute route for myself and my friends, who travelled all the way from Japan, and had an absolutely amazing 6 days in the Alps with the stunning backdrop of Mont Blanc and Matterhorn! She was a skilful guide weaving us safely through crevassed fields, taught us crevasse rescue techniques and spoke immaculate English easily understood by non-native speakers (actually a surprisingly uncommon skill to be found!). But what actually made our trip special was that she brightened up the whole trip with her infectious smile, positive energy and drive, and pushed us in a motherly way where it was needed. At the end of the trip, she also sent us beautiful photos that she took of us throughout the trip!!
Jess
I had one of the most incredible days in Cogne with Isabelle and the other girls. She was very professional but made everything real fun and enjoyable. She allowed a dream to come true for me as I have wanted to ice climb for quite a while now. It was a beautiful spot and allowed us to try ice and mixed climbing and also dry tooling, which I wasn't expecting. It was an incredible day and I have so much to thank Isa for!
Sophie
I spent an amazing day in Cogne with Isabelle and the other girls. We shared the drive together from Chamonix to Cogne. All the girls were new or almost new to ice climbing and we were pretty excited when we arrived at the icefall. We first received good technical advices and soon after we climbed several routes on the icefall. we could also experiment some mixed climbing and dry-tooling. Isa was a great guide and shared her knowledge with enthusiasm, fun and feminine sweetness :) I recommend her!
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