Lead Guide
New to the Marmot team for 2021, I have, for many years, worked for the renowned Cirque du Soleil before swapping the view from my desk for a much larger office: the great outdoors! During the last eight years, the guiding work took me to various parts of North America where I’ve guided kayak whale watching tours in the majestic St-Lawrence estuary, hiking tours in the Rockies and in the Western USA national parks, as well as cycling tours in various parts of Canada and Europe. In the winters, I worked at a remote mountain lodge accessible only by snowcat where I led ski touring groups. I am now married to Northern Irish girl with whom I live in London (when I’m there!).
When not touring the mountains of Europe, or navigating my way through my native Quebec in the winter, you’ll likely find me eating large amounts of food (by far one of the greatest advantages of working outdoors!). I believe my energy to be contagious and hope to help make your trip into an unforgettable adventure.
What our cyclists say about Simon…
Many congratulations to Simon on what I believe was only his second outing on this itinerary. He did an excellent job and was also a constant source of optimism and upbeat outlook! His experience as a guide in other disciplines really came through – and his Spanish was pretty useful too at mealtimes!! A great addition to the Marmot team! A Kohn, Picos & Angliru 2021
Such a kind, caring guide who went out of his way to make sure the needs of each client were catered for. Simon had a perfect knack of popping up exactly where you really needed him – on one climb in particular, where I was only expecting to see him at the top, he totally and utterly saved my ride for the day by unexpectedly being 5km before the summit with freshly chopped mango. He just knew what you needed without you needing to say. There when you needed him, and there when you didn’t, but always unobtrusive, smiling, helpful, encouraging and quietly attentive: all of the ingredients for the perfect guide. E Jack, Picos & Angliru 2021
Couldn’t have been more helpful, for example he helped me troubleshoot and then he fixed my front derailleur a couple of times in the evening when it was seizing up, went above and beyond. Super nice guy, can’t say enough good things really! S Waters, Classic Cols of the Southern Alps 2022
As I said in my speech, the guides are the air in our tubes, the sealant in our tubeless tyres, the fluid in our hydraulic brakes, the chamois cream in our shorts and the cleats which hold our feet to the pedals and keep us going. J Hutchings, Classic Cols of the Southern Alps 2022
Simon was very kind and helpful throughout the week. He made sure to look after everyone both out on the roads and back at the hotels. C Fitzpatrick, Classic Cols of the Southern Alps 2022
Absolutely brilliant nothing was too much trouble. I Stewart, Classic Cols of the Southern Alps 2022
Both guides came across as knowledgeable, hardworking, genuine people. They would refill the van water containers before breakfast, support everyone all day, take our suitcase to the hotel room (bliss), make sure we had enough to eat and drink at dinner. Nothing seemed too much trouble, they remained calm and good humoured at all times, to me they displayed a genuine desire to make sure everyone had a safe and enjoyable trip, they achieved this with empathy and by enabling and facilitating each individual. P Marr, Classic Cols of the Southern Alps 2022
Neil and Simon were both brilliant; they held together a really mixed group of super quick riders and those like me that were exceptionally slow! They were encouraging, supportive and attentive and really kind! looking back, without them both I think I would have given up, but their kind words of encouragement and always being around for drinks/food made the trip although v v hard worth it and so glad I finally made it to the end. S Sankey, Raid Alpine (Geneva – Nice) 2022
Simon always there, always good support and knowledgeable about the route and the challenge to come. A friendly welcome at every stop. M Hagger, Raid Alpine (Geneva – Nice) 2022
Simon was a great help on the route with van support and predicted the groups needs very well. He’s a great tour guide! N Treston, Raid Alpine (Geneva – Nice) 2022
A real STAR ⭐️ without him it would have been a very different, and less good, experience S Howes, Raid Alpine (Geneva – Nice) 2022
Simon was helpful, funny and easy to approach at all times during the trip. He was always smiling and encouraging. He worked very well with Helen and I could tell they were working hard behind the scenes to make the days run smoothly. L Bish, Raid Alpine (Geneva – Nice) 2022
Simon made us feel very at ease with everything, always so helpful, answering our constant questions and providing support when presented with bike issues. Really made a difference on route with the support stops, amazing timing just when you were running low on water or needed support, always a smiling face when the climbs were tough! JA Shedden, Dolomites & Stelvio 2022
