Famke van der Elst
Famke van der Elst is the founder and lead International Mountain Leader behind Mountful Hikes.
The company operates two websites, each with a different focus.
mountfulhikes.com is dedicated exclusively to corporate clients and offers team outings, mountain experiences, leadership programmes and bespoke corporate events in the Swiss Alps.
famkevanderelst.com is dedicated to private clients and offers guided walking holidays, hotel-to-hotel hiking holidays, hut-to-hut hikes, snowshoe adventures, wild camping experiences, private mountain guiding, day hikes around Verbier and tailor-made mountain holidays in the Swiss and Italian Alps.
For hikers who prefer to explore independently, Famke also offers custom self-guided hiking itineraries. These include carefully designed routes, practical travel information, detailed packing lists and personalised recommendations for mountain huts, hotels or campsites, allowing you to enjoy the mountains with confidence at your own pace.
Although one website carries Famke’s name and the other the Mountful Hikes brand, both websites are part of the same company and share the same values, quality standards and professional team.
Depending on the trip or programme, activities may be led by Famke or by another qualified International Mountain Leader from the Mountful Hikes team. For routes that legally require a Mountain Guide, or where additional technical expertise is appropriate, Mountful Hikes works together with certified UIAGM/IFMGA Mountain Guides to ensure the highest standards of safety and expertise.
Whether you join a day hike, a hotel-to-hotel or hut-to-hut hiking holiday, a snowshoe adventure, a wild camping experience, a private guided trip, a self-guided hiking holiday or a corporate mountain programme, you can expect the same personal approach, professional guidance and passion for the mountains.
Answering the Call of the Mountains – From Corporate to Alpine Passion
With an academic and corporate background, my love for the outdoors remained unwavering. Now, as a trained Mountain Leader in the Swiss Alps, I channel that passion to enrich my clients’ mountain experiences.
When I was five, my parents took me skiing for the first time. To me, the snow-covered mountains were the ultimate playground. Living in the Netherlands, I wondered why mountains weren’t my backyard.
However I followed the beaten track, went to University, studied Law and French and started my career as a lawyer…I experienced though that it is very tough to work long hours if you don’t feel the passion.
So after a few side roads (company lawyer, new business developer, entrepreneur),
I finally followed my heart, became a ski-instructor and signed up for the International Mountain Leader training course in Switzerland, which I have completed in 2018.
Winter months see me guiding snowshoe excursions for both corporate and private groups. During the rest of the year I organize one or multiple day tours.
Please note: for private clients I have another website: www.famkevanderelst.com
