Adrian Nelhams

ISM Director and IFMGA British Mountain Guide

As a Director of ISM, Adrian splits his time between guiding, the ISM office, family and climbing for himself. During his 30+ year commitment to the team, Adrian has played a key role in the development of ISM.

Adrian's mountaineering and climbing experience is worldwide including over a hundred first ascents of virgin summits and rock climbs in Kyrgyzstan, major routes in the Mt Cook region of New Zealand, new routes in Alaska, rock climbing El Capitan in the Yosemite Valley, peaks in Nepal and 'Grande Courses' in the main alpine areas. Adrian has a passion for icefall climbing around the world, with many first ascents in the Canadian Rockies and Swiss Alps. Through all his climbing across the globe, Adrian has gained an incredible breath of knowledge and experience, and an enthusiasm and love for the mountains which has a great effect on the people who climb with him. Adrian was also Technical Director for the BMG (British Mountain Guides) for many year and still works as a trainer and assessor of the BMG. When not travelling and sharing adventures abroad, Adrian spends his time climbing in the Lake District.

Testimonials For ISM

Brilliant!! I was a walker at the start of the week. By the end had been on glaciers and climbed a 4000m peak!! It was a wonderful, wonderful, experience which i will never forget. It was excellent value for money and I hope to be joining you for years to come.

Ian Twizell
Summits & Skills 4000m (Instructional Course)

Just a quick word of thanks for the course last week. Our guide Tom was excellent and covered a lot of miles to ensure we got the best conditions and great routes in and was always ready with a word or two of advice when needed - please pass my thanks on to him,

James (2017)
Alpine Rock

“What an incredible week learning the basics of Mountaineering. The course is perfectly balanced between summiting high alpine peaks and learning rope, climbing and glacier skills.

William 2021

All Reviews