Nick Arding
Amongst our most highly-qualified Expedition Leaders, Nick Arding has more than 30 years experience as a mountaineer. He has climbed throughout the world: from the technical rock faces of North Wales to Mount McKinley in Alaska; from the Chamonix Aiguilles to the Himalayan giant Annapurna 2.
A UIAA International Mountain Leader, Nick has lead treks throughout the world including in Europe, Nepal, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia and the Philippines. He is a keen advocate of ski touring and has lead groups in the mountains of Norway and the European Alps.
In 2003 he was selected to lead the Royal Navy Everest Expedition to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first ascent by Lord Hunt’s team. Under Nick’s leadership the expedition not only managed to put two members on the summit but also rescued 2 injured climbers from a civilian group who had got into trouble above 8000m. For this rescue, the team received a number of Royal Humane Society awards, including a Bronze Medal for Nick. Nick was subsequently awarded the OBE for his organisation of the project and for the leadership that he showed during the expedition.
Nick has always enjoyed helping others learn about mountains - and how to enjoy them safely. He instructs mountain first aid, is a member of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors, and runs rock climbing and summer and winter mountaineering courses throughout the UK.
After 25 years as a Royal Marines officer, Nick also lectures in leadership and runs management consultancy activities for organisations such as Deutsche Bank, Goldman Sachs, Bureau Veritas and Reuters.
He lives in Devon with his wife Philippa - an accomplished mountaineer in her own right - who often accompanies him when leading our expeditions. Great company, they are always looking to share their knowledge and love of mountains and to put that little bit extra in every trip – the experience that sets it apart from other travel.