Testimonials
Choosing a guide
99%, or more, of my IFMGA colleagues are great guides, choosing between us is a bit like finding a mate. There is more than one person who could fit the bill but in the end it comes down to whether that persons approach and personality suits you or not.
We all put safety high on the agenda. We may specialize in different areas of expertise but unless you are performing at the highest technical levels the training we all do will be more than sufficient to give you a great day in the mountains.
I try to balance safety with enjoyment and share the mountain knowledge I have and enjoyment for the wild places that skiing and climbing take us to. I always come back to the fact that you are on holiday and it has to be fun (I can’t guarantee that every moment will be joy!). This year 75% of the people climbing or skiing with me are past clients (one team are on year 13, one team on year 9). I might suit you too!
Graham McMahon 2017
What people have said:
Just wanted to say a BIG, HUGE THANK YOU for the fantastic week you have organised for us in the Ecrins. It was really nice to spend time together on and off the mountains and the excursions were just amazing.
We really enjoyed every single day and the week was so varied, ice, rocks, via ferrata….and overall it could not have finished better: 15 hrs on the Pelvoux traverse, epic!!!!
Have to say that traverse was really something else for us as we pushed ourselves to the limit: just had everything in one long day: ice climb, abseiling, crevasses, scrambling…WOW!!! It is unforgettable.
You made us feeling very, very safe and relaxed and that really made the big difference.
I am so sorry that I was so tired at the end that could not really thank you as I would have liked.
So, really thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything and look forward to our skiing trip next year.
Franco and Nadia 2016
Hi Guys
Thanks for your company and for a great couple of days. Thanks especially to Graham and Owen for a superb day on Y Garn. I’m inspired but re-assured and planning to book the big trip next.
Lee Conlin 2016
Having already committed to the 6 day Alpine course in June this year, I elected to attend the North Wales training course based on the advice provided on the MBG website and the previous testimonials. Naturally, I was a little uncertain about what to expect and what the course would provide.The course exceeded my expectations with a simple well thought out agenda that was delivered in a relaxed yet professional style.
Over the two days we enjoyed the best and worst of the Welsh weather!, and despite this, the guides stuck to the task remaining positive and engaging, spending time getting to know the attendees and providing “one to one” coaching. We picked up many new skills and techniques on the fells – learning to operate with ropes working together as a team to move quickly and safely up and down the crags. In addition we were given practical tips on the correct selection of equipment and how to be energy efficient when operating in the mountains.
I would like to thank Graham McMahon for the two days, Graham’s personal touch immediately settles the nerves and gets the focus going, proving practical answers to questions and concerns, whilst making the experience thoroughly enjoyable and fun – the time flew by! I would recommend this course to anyone wishing to pick up new mountaineering skills and improve their training and planning for a trip to the Alps with MBG as well as improving general mountain skills to use at home in the UK.
I left the course wanting to go back and do it again the next day just for fun and with a renewed vigour to practice the skills I picked up in Wales and keep up with my own training.
Andy Watson 2016
Great weekend in La Grave – thank you! We’re feeling a lot more confident about all our decision making and now looking forward to Morocco. And hoping to make girls’ secret training weekend an annual thing.
Venetia 2011
Hi Graham
I wanted to write to say a huge thank you for an amazing week in Arolla. You put my nerves at ease almost straight away. I thoroughly enjoyed the week and as it was something I had limited experience in doing and was unsure what to expect, you have opened my eyes to all the other experiences that are available to me now.The week was tough in some parts but you encouraged me and made me feel inspired! I think you’re a brilliant mountaineer and i wish you all the best for all of your trips.
Kim, August 2008
Graham McMahon, the IFMGA qualified guide running our 3 day avalanche course was excellent.
Belinda Archer, Journalist, writing in Ski and Board Magazine Autumn 2007.
In Argentiere I watched as Graham McMahon thoroughly and carefully taught avalanche awareness techniques.
Tam Leach writing in the Independent newspaper, November 2007.
