Sam Parkes

Lead Guide

I’m from the West Midlands, UK.

I’m all for exploring and excitement.

From an early age, I’ve always loved the mountains and the great outdoors and fortunately my two hobbies fit into that description. Skiing is my oldest hobby; I learnt to ski in French Alps as a toddler… fast forward two decades and I’m now a BASI instructor working in Zermatt for the winters.

Cycling is a more recent interest: a few years ago I was introduced to the sport and purchased my first road bike. Since then, I have enjoyed riding several sportives, building a bike and watching the Tour.

Now I have the opportunity to share my passion with you… see you on a tour soon!

What our cyclists say about Sam…

Sam provided really great support to Christel and was a welcome face at the top of many a climb C Golby, Classic Cols of the Picos 2016

Sam is great.  Friendly and good fun, very enthusiastic.  Although newer to Marmot he has all his ski teaching experience so well skilled at group management and support to individuals. D Junghans Raid Pyrenean 2016

Sam was also great with suggestions and reminders and even knocked on our door once when the alarm failed.  I think he hauled a ton of luggage, as did Helen.  Sam had the van there at all kinds of spots for water and food and clothing. Classic Cols of the Pyrenees 2016

Support was excellent, willing, biddable. His ability to play guitar and sing is an extraordinary talent – should be encouraged to do more, earlier on the trip! J Matthews, Raid Alpine 2016

Again very good, enthusiastic and encouraging, knew exactly what he was doing. Very aware of the difficulties posed by the weather conditions and made sure we were looked after as soon we arrived in the freezing cold at the top of the cols. K Gunning. Raid Pyrenean 2017 

Fantastic support and good humour throughout. Very flexible and good problem solving when presented with unexpected road closures due to car rally. Worked extremely well with partner guide. Could not have asked for more. T Waller. Raid Alpine 2018

Sam was great. Kind, considerate, always willing to help, nothing too much trouble, anticipated what we needed and made sure it was there. Sam helped me out on the road. He pulled over on a long climb as I couldn’t shift the front chainring. He put the bike into the holder, several minutes later had the issue sorted and I was good to go. I was out on my own with no-one around so it was a little unnerving and a relief to see him hove into view and able to help me. Great guy. J Carpenter Raid Alpine 2018

Outstanding. Nothing too much trouble. Always available and enthusiastic. Must be hard at the end of a long season. S Muller. Cycling holiday in Sardinia 2018

They did a fantastic job in a very difficult week due to the weather. N Brazier. Raid Sardinia 2018

Super enthusiastic and helpful. Provided all of the necessary information to help us plan for each day. Managed to work well with all members of the team. Went out of his way to make life easy for us all and a true ambassador for Marmot. C Scott. Raid Pyrenean 100hr cycling challenge 2019

Positive, friendly and encouraging. Helpful. Good knowledge about the routes. K Sercombe. Dolomites & Stelvio cycling holiday 2019