freeride andermatt | ski with us

Dan arrived in Andermatt from the US 20 years ago as a ski bum – and never left. He now lives in Göschenen with his family; his partner Seraina runs the guesthouse up on the Göscheneralp, and Dan has since become a Swiss citizen. Whatever he does, he approaches it with contagious passion – whether it's sailing around the world, renovating old houses, or, most of all, searching for the best snow to create unforgettable ski days. With Dan, things are never boring: he loves deep conversations and diving into complex topics. After a day in the mountains with him, you might just be a little wiser – or at least well entertained.

Carol is a natural organizer – and her lifestyle says it all. Originally from Italy, she lives part-time in her van, wherever she feels most at home. In winter, she’s based in Andermatt, making sure the Andermatt Guides office runs smoothly – in no fewer than five languages, all of which she speaks fluently! But for Carol, the mountains are much more than just a workplace. The experience comes first. Whenever possible, she joins in herself – to make sure she only promises on the phone what she’s seen and lived firsthand.

For Philipp, the mountains are a place of peace, freedom – and adventure. Carving his own line through fresh powder brings all of these elements together. In Andermatt, Philipp values the privilege of shaping each day around the wishes of his guests – whether it’s a relaxed day on the piste or a wild, solitary run far from the crowds. As a guide, he brings this deep connection to nature with him – along with a feel for the moment and a keen eye for the perfect line.

Aaron is a trained engineer who worked for major companies like Siemens and, most recently, the Swiss Federal Railways – famous for their legendary punctuality. It’s fair to say that Aaron brings a solid dose of precision to everything he does. For years, the mountains were his balance to a highly structured professional life. In 2022, he turned his passion into a profession and has since worked full-time as a mountain guide. His work blends technical expertise and meticulous planning with a strong openness to real adventure. Being in the mountains with Aaron means feeling safe, clear-headed – and inspired to push your own limits.

Clint is a true local from Andermatt, though he also spent part of his childhood in the US – but more than anything, he grew up on the Gemsstock. He knows the mountain like the back of his hand, rides challenging lines with impressive ease, and will casually throw a backflip off a cliff. And yet, Clint is a calm and laid-back guide – it doesn’t have to be extreme for him to bring his skills into play. But if you’re looking to progress in big mountain skiing, you’ve come to the right place. The same goes for ice and mixed climbing: Clint feels at home in any terrain where you can push your limits.

Karin is a native of Uri and was already on skis in Andermatt almost as soon as she could walk.At the same time, she has a strong connection to Scandinavia: she’s married to a Swede, speaks the language fluently, and feels at home in both cultures. That makes her a perfect fit for Andermatt, where a vibrant freeride community with Scandinavian roots has developed over the past decades. As a local skier with an international perspective, she blends tradition with openness – and always knows exactly where to go.

Dominik studied geology before becoming a journalist – and it was in that role that he first came to Andermatt. In 2016, while writing a feature on freeriding at the Gemsstock, he found himself on skis with Dan Loutrel. By the end of the day, the article was finished – but something more important had taken shape: the idea of a future as a mountain guide. Together with Aaron Coulin, he completed his guide training in 2022. Today, Dominik works full-time as a guide. His passion for storytelling lives on – inspired by the mountains and the life out there.

Lionel comes from Valais – the canton that begins just beyond the Furka Pass. Although the language already sounds different there, geographically it’s surprisingly close to Andermatt. With Lionel, we have a guide who grew up among truly high mountains. We benefit from his expertise – whether on the classic Haute Routes in spring or when searching for the best powder snow in Valais. The Goms region where Lionel lives in winter is only half an hour away by train.

Lydia grew up in New Zealand and learned to ski and guide in Revelstoke, Canada. She recently moved to Switzerland, driven by a constant curiosity to see what lies beyond the next mountain. And it's on skis that Lydia prefers to make that journey – for her, they’re the best way to explore new terrain. With her international experience and open-minded nature, she’s an inspiring companion in any kind of terrain.