Adrian Nelhams
ISM Director and IFMGA British Mountain Guide
As Guide & then Director of ISM for 30 years, Adrian has shaped the school's philosophy & approach to mountaineering education. His passion for climbing, exploration & inspiring others drives ISM forward. For Adrian, mountains remain a lifelong journey of discovery, learning and personal challenge.
Adrian – Mountain Guide
Adrian has spent a lifetime exploring, climbing and sharing his passion for the world's mountains. His mountaineering experience spans the globe, from pioneering over a hundred first ascents of unclimbed summits and rock routes in Kyrgyzstan to major alpine climbs in New Zealand's Mount Cook region, new routes in Alaska, big wall climbing on El Capitan in Yosemite, Himalayan peaks in Nepal and classic Grandes Courses throughout the European Alps.
Ice climbing has always been a particular passion, with numerous first ascents of icefalls in the Canadian Rockies and Swiss Alps. His long association with Kyrgyzstan, where he has led more than 25 expeditions, reflects his enduring enthusiasm for exploration and adventure in remote mountain regions.
A former Technical Director of British Mountain Guides (BMG), Adrian continues to contribute to the development of the profession as a trainer and assessor, sharing the knowledge and experience gained over decades in the mountains.
As a guide, Adrian believes that mountaineering is about far more than reaching a summit. It's about the richness of the journey — the experiences shared, the friendships formed, the skills developed and the confidence gained along the way. His enthusiasm for climbing, combined with decades of practical knowledge, is at the heart of his approach to guiding and teaching.
When not guiding in the Alps or exploring mountains further afield, Adrian can usually be found rock climbing in his home mountains of the Lake District, continually developing his own climbing and enjoying the challenges that first inspired his love of the sport.
Having progressed from Guide to Director during more than 30 years with ISM, Adrian has played a central role in shaping the school's philosophy, reputation and approach to mountaineering education. He continues to guide, develop new adventures and help shape the future of ISM. For Adrian, the mountains remain a lifelong journey of discovery, learning and personal challenge.
