The Mountain Guide Who Knows Every Peak in Chamonix
For our Chamonix Retreats, we partner with Nuyama, a mountain guide company that brings together deep local knowledge, decades of mountain experience, and a strong belief that the journey and experience matter just as much as –if not more than – the destination.
In this Q&A, we speak with Yann Delevaux, Nuyama’s co-founder and a mountain guide with over 25 years of experience. He was born and raised in Chamonix, so we discuss what makes the valley so special, how mindset shapes every adventure, and why a good hike is always better with cheese.
The Nuyama & Chamonix Story
You’ve been guiding in Chamonix for over 20 years, including running the valley’s oldest guide company. What made you decide to start this new chapter?
Nuyama as a company itself is pretty young. We launched in 2019 just before Covid, but I have 25 years as a mountain guide. I worked for 20 years for the oldest and biggest guide company in Chamonix, and was a Director and General Manager for 5 years.
Most traditional guide organisations are focused on the guides, not the clients. But I wanted to focus on the needs of the clients and the experience, not just what the guides want to do or where the guides want to go. Because ultimately, the activity or summit doesn’t matter – it’s all about the experience.
What’s the one lesson from your years on the mountain that you bring into every trip you guide?
It’s all about having a good time and to realise just how lucky we are to be able to walk, climb, and ski in the mountains. It’s such a specific environment and we have to look after it, preserve it, and simply enjoy it. There’s something very special about being able to just sit and look around at the scenery and say ‘wow’. Because, as I said before, guiding groups is not just about reaching the summit – it’s great if we do, but most of the time, it isn’t just up to us. Chamonix can have varying weather, for example, which we can’t control. But if you have the right mindset, you can appreciate it even if you can’t do what you had planned to do.
The Nuyama Team
How do you choose which guides to work with?
Firstly, all guides have to be certified so that they are registered and safe to guide a group. But for us, their philosophy and state of mind is so important – they know that the experience comes first. They must be able to speak good English (as well as a handful of other European languages) so that they can easily converse with our clients, and be able to seamlessly communicate to make sure everyone is on board with the philosophy of having a great time and making the most of the experience.
How do you choose the right guide for each group?
We don’t have a process, as such. But we definitely have two types of groups. Some groups are already formed when they come to us – they already know each other or someone has put the group together, such as a group on a fitness or hiking retreat. But sometimes we need to create the dynamic within the group, if the group isn’t already formed.
Skiing, rock climbing, and mountaineering are usually run in smaller groups of people that know each other – we don’t typically create groups for these activities. Most often, people come with others they know to share the experience.
In terms of group numbers, hiking is the largest group we take out, with around 8-10 people per guide. For skiing, it’s a maximum of 6 people per guide, and mountaineering is just 1-2 people per guide.
A Typical Day in the Mountains
If you could take our guests on just one adventure in Chamonix, what would it be and why?
Whilst the most popular route is always hiking the Tour du Mont Blanc, this is a multi-day activity so it wouldn’t be the adventure I’d choose, if I had to choose just one. One that I really love is Aiguillette des Houches - it’s a summit above Chamonix on the south face of the valley. I love it for the view, because the colours are amazing in the autumn, and it faces Mont Blanc above the valley. The way up isn’t the most popular, but as soon as you get to the top and go down on the other side, you’re greeted with a much quieter trail that’s super wide, with amazing views, as well as mountain goats.
Can you share a moment from the mountains when a guest surprised themselves with what they could do?
One that really stands out for me is when I was on an expedition in Alaska. Two friends came together – they were both doctors and professors, so not necessarily used to taking advice and orders from others. One of them wasn’t in great shape and was the slowest of the group, so when we were climbing the valley at the start, it was very hard for him. As they’re friends, they wanted to stay together – but it led to the strongest one trying not to get stressed or angry, going slower. And on the other hand, the less fit one was getting angry that he couldn’t keep up.
So in the end, we separated them, and suggested the stronger of the two join another group, and I would stay with the weaker of the two. It took a bit of resistance and convincing, but eventually they agreed. So myself and the weaker one pulled back and went at our own pace, but we ended up catching up to the other group just 200 metres before the summit and actually ended up overtaking them.
I see it all the time – the stress people put on themselves in a group can really get to them and affect their mindset. If you’re not going fast, it doesn't mean you won’t make it. Accept your pace, know you’ll make it, and release the pressure and stress. Even with good intentions, their situation was putting pressure on the wider group so once we released the pressure, it changed everything. The guy I was with was so surprised - he really didn't think he’d make it, especially before the others. So it’s a real example of what happens when you let go and just trust your guide and your pace.
Safety First
People often join our retreats for a mix of adventure and peace of mind. How do you create both at the same time?
First and foremost, the guides are here to keep everyone safe. We instruct clients on what to do and what not to do, as certain activities on the mountain need to be done in a specific way. But it is a holiday, so we always keep it fun – clients just need to take a moment to understand there are rules and things to pay attention to for their own safety.
Also, for us, communication is key. Clients then know that someone is taking care of logistics, which releases any stress and tension, so they can just focus on really enjoying their experience.
What’s the one thing you wish all first-time guests in Chamonix knew before coming to the mountains?
Having the right mindset is super important in Chamonix – it’s not just about the physical activities. Because the weather and conditions can be tricky and unpredictable, and you need to be ready to open yourself up to having a good experience in not-so-good conditions. When it rains, there is nothing we can do about it. Similarly, the weather on one side of the mountain range can be so different to the other, so you need to be ready to change and adapt to get the most out of it. Sometimes, on bad weather days, you end up having the best time because you focus on something else: Even the views and atmosphere are different, depending on the weather. So be ready for everything, because a good experience does not always mean good weather, but you’ll have a good experience regardless.
The Future of Chamonix
Chamonix has a huge mountaineering tradition. Where do you see the future of guiding in the valley?
This is quite a difficult question, because there have been a lot of evolutions and changes, notably because of global warming. But ultimately, we have to deal with it because we did not choose it. The mountains and glaciers are changing fast, which means the routes we take and the climbs we do are always changing. But we’re used to being adaptable, it’s a huge part of what we do. So in the future, we need to remain adaptable and be ready for change. The mountaineering world in particular is really changing, with some routes becoming really dangerous.
But you can look at this on the flip side, too – yes, some are becoming too dangerous, but others, which used to be too dangerous, are now becoming more usable.
What’s one reason you think guests should come and experience Chamonix with us?
I’ve spent time in the mountains in many different countries, but Chamonix is so unique. The views and the summits are just spectacular. You have beautiful mountains everywhere you look with so many different peaks – all concentrated in this one area. Plus - there are so many different viewpoints with so much to see. The access to Chamonix makes it so unique too – not many mountains are so accessible and so close to each other. The whole area is very well developed and connected via trains, buses and cable cars. And the way Nuyama fits into that is working as hard as we can to provide the best experience and memories for you.
Quickfire Round
First summit you ever climbed?
One of the first technical ones was Aiguille Verte.
Favourite summit?
There are many I really like, but I’d get bored doing the same one time and time again so I like to be able to change it up. I love the diversity in Chamonix, and all the summits are so easily accessible, but Aiguille Verte holds a special place in my heart, so I’d have to pick that one.
Best hiking snack?
Cheese. I hate bars, I’ve had too many of them over the years so now I take cheese with me. Comté is my personal favourite.
Favourite view in the Chamonix valley?
This is a tough one: Aiguillete des Houches.
Hiking boots or trail runners?
Trail runners.
What’s always in your pack, that isn’t essential gear?
Nothing other than the essentials – we try to be minimalist and as light as possible.
Best hiking route for beginners with a sense of adventure?
I’d have to say Aiguillette des Houches again. But if you love hiking, go on a glacier. Get a guide, so you can go higher up and walk on a glacier, to have this experience once in your life.
Ready to experience it for yourself?
Join us and Nuyama in Chamonix in 2026 for a mountain adventure full of challenge, connection, and unforgettable views. Whether it’s your first hike or your tenth summit, we’ll guide you every step of the way — safely, supportively, and always with a little cheese in our packs.
Keep an eye out — 2026 Chamonix Retreat dates are launching soon.