Tania Noakes

about tania:

Tania Noakes is an adventurer with a curiosity about how life fits together. Working as an IFMGA mountain guide is an important part of her ongoing ‘patch-work’ journey. Her two favourite places in Europe are the Dolomites and Sardina; where she is currently based due to its proximity to the sea.

Her ideal day begins with an early start, focused around a long and engaging route; something beautiful and memorable- perhaps with some interesting history thrown in. Culminating in the gaining of a quiet summit, hard fought for and followed by a descent that asks from you a little more; classic Dolomites! All of this shared with friends, in good spirits with efficiency so that there is time for a beer afterwards to celebrate.

Where did you grow up?

Chelmsford, Essex.

 Where do you live now?

Chamonix, France.

What is your favourite colour?!

?? I guess the green-blue range...

 What's your favourite mountain snack?

Hard boiled eggs.

 What do you love most about being a Mountain Guide?

Being able to share adventures with people who have specialised in other things, and to feel like I can help make it possible for them to experience things they might not be able to otherwise. Being part of a wider community of mountain loving people.

What inspired you to become a Mountain Guide?

I guess there have been a lot of small inspirations along the way, but an expedition I was part of in 2000 with the Army to South Georgia was a moment where I really started down this path. It’s an incredible place, and it was a fantastic expedition organised by a guy called Bill Bilous, and since then two of the 8 mountaineers have become IFMGA guides!

What's the most valuable lesson you have learnt so far?

To stay humble and always respect the natural world. There’s a lot of randomness out there and we’re human - mistakes will happen, you just have to spot when things aren’t right as soon as possible and always put it right... never let things slide.

Bigger problems are normally the result of smaller problems not identified or acted on earlier in the chain of events.

What's your proudest moment?

I’m not sure I have just one stand out moment of pride. I was really content when I stood at Nordkapp in April 2018... satisfied, which is close to pride right?

I’m also very happy when former students stay in touch or turn to me for advise or ask me to go climbing with them... I guess there’s some pride in this too... that I was valued by them through what we shared.

What's tough about your job?

The insecurity of an unknown future, when my body can’t sustain the things it can now.

What advice would you give the next generation of female mountain professionals?

Enjoy the journey, stay humble and keep learning! Know that working as a mountain guide can be a deeply rewarding experience, but it can take its toll, physically and psychologically.

And remember, it’s not the pinnacle of mountaineering achievement - it’s a profession; and a small part of a much wider life of interesting life adventures and professions. Whatever it is you do in life, if you do it with heart and high standards you’ll have as much satisfaction as a mountain guide out in her element.

Tell us a fact about yourself not many people know (only if you are happy to share)

I’d like to have a parrot. 😉

Follow Tania on Insta at: tania.noakes