Come explore the world safely with an independent hiking guide - volcanologist.

🌋 Pre-planned or custom trips, in the mountains or on active volcanoes, combining adventure, science, and human experience !
🥾 Day hikes in summer and winter in the Chamonix area.

A life-changing experience

Do you dream of hiking in the mountains to admire the scenery ?

Do you want to get up close to an active volcano and literally feel the vibrations of its eruptions ?

Do you want to experience an intense adventure without any constraints or worries ?

But you’re hesitant to take the step, due to a lack of technical knowledge, fear of risks, the complexity of the planning, and so on… Setting out on your own can indeed quickly become a source of stress, when what you’re actually looking for is the exact opposite.

If you're looking for :

  • An authentic nature experience
  • A fully organized trip
  • Complete safety
  • A true human adventure

You've come to the right place.

As a mountain guide and volcanologist, I handle all the details of organizing your day hikes or extended trips, whether in the mountains or on active volcanoes.

All you have to do is breathe, take in the scenery, and enjoy your vacation to the fullest, in complete peace and quiet.

An unforgettable adventure with complete peace of mind

I take care of every detail to ensure that your experience is memorable and safe. You’ll be guided, supported, and cared for from start to finish.

Unique expertise

I am a Hiking Guide AND a Volcanologist.
A rare combination that guarantees safety, hands-on experience, and extraordinary adventures!

Certified Hiking Guide

More than 8 years of experience and dozens of guided tours in the world’s most beautiful regions.

A Human Approach

Simple, friendly, authentic moments filled with sharing, discovery, and emotion.

Laura Bennati-Rassion
Independent Hiking Guide and Volcanologist

Geophysicist - Certified Volcanologist

Eight years of study in geosciences and expeditions to active volcanoes around the world.

Maximum safety

More than 15 years of field experience and training in risk management in remote areas.

Man will never come up with an invention more beautiful, simpler, or more straightforward than Nature, for in Nature’s inventions nothing is missing and nothing is excessive.

Why choose a independent hiking guide ?

1 single point of contact

A certified expert who truly knows the field.

Unlimited Destinations

You decide where we're going, our only geographical limit is the sky.

A turnkey experience

Everything is taken care of. All you have to do is follow along and enjoy yourself.

Adventures designed just for you

Half-day or full-day hikes.

Summer : Hiking in Chamonix or the surrounding area.

Perfect for taking in the incredible view of the Massif du Mont Blanc.
Send me a message to discuss this.

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Winter : Snowshoeing in Chamonix or the surrounding area.

Perfect if you want to try this activity for a full or half day, off the marked trails.
Send me a message to discuss this.

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Custom hiking trips

Fully customizable trips. I’ll plan your trip from start to finish based on your preferences, skill level, and availability.

Explore the world's most beautiful mountains.

Need some advice on a destination ?
Send me a message to discuss this.

Get advice

Discover the most beautiful volcanoes on the planet.

Need advice on a volcano ?
Send me a message to discuss this.

Get advice

Plan your stay in 4 steps

Le timing entre les différentes étapes dépend de votre projet.

Loved by adventurers all over the world

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Frequently asked questions

Because a guided experience means more safety, more understanding, more freedom, and way more fun !

Let’s be honest : there’s no such thing as zero risk. But being accompanied by a trained and experienced professional clearly reduces the risk of an accident and increases your chances of witnessing a volcanic eruption.

I design my tours based on actual on-the-ground conditions and legal access permits. The itineraries have been carefully planned and can be adjusted at any time.

Once I'm there, I monitor volcanic activity in real time and adjust the daily schedule as needed. Your safety is always my top priority.

No. 
The trips are categorized by difficulty level: beginner, intermediate, and expert.

Everything is clearly described on the website and in the description for each trip (available upon request). Some hikes require a very high level of physical fitness, while others are easier and suitable for beginner hikers.

We’ll discuss your options with you before you register to ensure the trip matches your skill level and expectations.

  • I have a state-certified diploma (D.E.) as a Mountain Guide from the National School of Mountain Sports (ENSM, France).
  • I have two master’s degrees in volcanology: one from the Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris and one from the Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences at Purdue University (Indiana, United States).
  • And I hold a Certificate of Professional Qualification as a High-Altitude Acrobatic Course Operator (CQP-OPAH) from the French Association for Training and Research in High-Altitude Acrobatic Courses (AFFORPAH, France).

In addition, I have many years of field experience, having led numerous scientific expeditions to active volcanoes around the world and guided many groups in regions such as Italy’s Gran Paradiso National Park, the Swiss Oberland, and the Mont Blanc massif.

This dual expertise in “mountains and volcanoes” is very rare and ensures both your safety in the field and a scientific understanding of the environments you’ll be traversing.

Yes of course !

It’s actually quite common to come alone. Group trips bring together people who share the same interests. Many arrive alone and leave with new friends.

Yes
It’s possible to create a trip that’s entirely tailored to your needs: destination, difficulty level, duration, type of accommodations, number of participants… You set the parameters, and I’ll organize the adventure.

Let's discuss about it !

Adapting to changing circumstances is an integral part of my job as a hiking guide.

I make decisions based on weather conditions, the terrain, and the group (their preferences, as well as their physical and mental fitness). I always plan alternative routes to ensure your safety and the quality of your experience.

It depends on the trip you choose.

When possible, a luggage transport service can be arranged. All the details will be discussed prior to the trip.

Since group sizes are intentionally kept small, we recommend booking as early as possible.

The lead time also depends on the destination. For example, the Tour du Mont-Blanc is such a popular destination that you must register at least one year in advance.

Each trip is an educational immersion experience open to everyone.

You’ll discover how volcanoes work, the geology of the landscapes you’ll traverse (mountains, glaciers, etc.), the local flora and fauna, and the region’s historical and contemporary cultural heritage… All of this is presented using a scientific approach that’s accessible and easy for everyone to understand. I make it a point of honor !

Yes

First aid training is mandatory in my line of work. And I renew my certification every year to stay up to date on new techniques.

Emergency protocols are in place for every trip. And I always carry a well-stocked first-aid and repair kit in my backpack, along with communication tools (phone, radio, and GPS tracker) that allow me to send out a distress signal from absolutely anywhere on the planet.

A preliminary discussion will help us assess your experience, expectations, and physical condition.

My goal is for you to set off feeling calm, confident, and fully prepared to embark on a true adventure !

Let's take some time to discuss this

On site

Are you in Chamonix or the surrounding area ?
Let's take some time to meet up and chat over coffee.

Remotely

Are you somewhere else ?
We can also meet for a virtual coffee over video chat.

Looking for a unforgettable adventure ?

Whether you're dreaming of trying hiking or snowshoeing for the first time, exploring an active volcano, embarking on a legendary long-distance hike, or planning your own custom trip,

Your adventure starts here.