Laura Bennati-Rassion
Hiking Guide & Volcanologist
Hiking Guide
State Diploma - 2021
Volcanologist Geophysicist
Master's Degree, IPGP, France - 2006 Master's Degree, Purdue, USA - 2010
“Walking is pointless, just like all essential activities.”
David Le Breton, a French anthropologist and sociologist.
Laura Bennati-Rassion - Hiking Guide & Volcanologist
It all started, of course, with the mountains. I come from a family of ski instructors, mountain hut wardens, and amateur mountaineers… Thanks to them, I spent my childhood surrounded by nature. As a young adult, I studied Earth Sciences in Nice and quickly specialized in volcanology in Clermont-Ferrand, then in Paris, before completing my studies at Purdue University in the United States. I spent five years in the corporate world working at ExxonMobil. But I felt trapped in an office… so one day, I walked away from it all to return to the field, where the Earth comes alive and where people marvel at its wonders.
I’m the only one who holds both a Mountain Guide certification and degrees in volcanology. This isn’t a coincidence, it’s a lifetime’s journey that has led me here. Today, my job is to take you hiking in the mountains and on active volcanoes during trips that combine sports, scientific knowledge, and contemplation. I’ve fulfilled my childhood dream, and I’m the person I’ve always wanted to be !
A remarkable journey...and above all, a unique one !
1980–1990
Childhood in the Mountains
A family of mountain lovers: grandparents who are mountaineers and hikers, parents who are ski instructors, an uncle and an aunt who work as mountain hut caretakers… The mountains came first, even before I could walk !
1998-2001
Science track high school diploma - I've made my decision
Life and Earth Sciences track. My passion for volcanoes began in middle school. My goal is clear: to become a volcanologist.
2002-2010
8 years of study in volcanology
DEUG in Nice
Bachelor degree in Clermont-Ferrand
Master's Degree IPGP Paris
Master's degree from the EAPS Department at Purdue University
2010-2015
Geophysicist - ExxonMobil
Five years of office work, data processing, meetings… I’ve had my fill. But I need some fresh air and, above all, a sense of purpose —> The Big Turn.
2017-2021
Career Change - Hiking Guide Certification
4 years of education at the CNSNMM - National Center for Nordic and Mid-Mountain Skiing
2022-2025
Chamonix Guides Association
Full Member
Dozens of guided trips: Tour du Mont-Blanc, Chamonix-Zermatt, GR5, Vanoise, Grand Paradis Tour (Italian side), Swiss Oberland…
Since 2025
Independent Hiking Guide and Volcanologist
Full-day or half-day hikes in Chamonix and the surrounding area
Customized trips to the mountains and active volcanoes
All over the world !
1980–1990
Childhood in the Mountains
A family of mountain lovers: grandparents who are mountaineers and hikers, parents who are ski instructors, an uncle and an aunt who work as mountain hut caretakers… The mountains came first, even before I could walk !
1998-2001
Science track high school diploma - I've made my decision
Life and Earth Sciences track. My passion for volcanoes began in middle school. My goal is clear: to become a volcanologist.
2002-2010
8 years of study in volcanology
DEUG in Nice
Bachelor degree in Clermont-Ferrand
Master's Degree IPGP Paris
Master's degree from the EAPS Department at Purdue University
2010-2015
Geophysicist - ExxonMobil
Five years of office work, data processing, meetings… I’ve had my fill. But I need some fresh air and, above all, a sense of purpose —> The Big Turn.
2017-2021
Career Change - Hiking Guide Certification
4 years of education at the CNSNMM - National Center for Nordic and Mid-Mountain Skiing
2022-2025
Chamonix Guides Association
Full Member
Dozens of guided trips: Tour du Mont-Blanc, Chamonix-Zermatt, GR5, Vanoise, Grand Paradis Tour (Italian side), Swiss Oberland…
Since 2025
Guide de Randonnée ET Volcanologue indépendante
Full-day or half-day hikes in Chamonix and the surrounding area
Customized trips to the mountains and active volcanoes
All over the world !
Legitimacy built through education...
Hiking Guide
Master of Science
American Master of Science
Certificate of Qualification
And on the field !
I'm not hiking guide who has only seen active volcanoes from a distance as a tourist. Of course, I went there for my own enjoyment. But I have also carried out numerous scientific missions. Field studies, data collection, approaching erupting volcanic craters using safety protocols that only researchers are familiar with… I have gained extensive experience in active volcanic terrain.
It's this dual role that makes my trips unique : You’ll benefit from real-world experience that traditional agencies can’t offer you.
🌋 Piton de la Fournaise – France
1 mission · active lava flow survey and lava sampling
🌋 Etna – Italy
1 mission · walking across an active lava flow and approaching erupting craters
🌋 Vesuvius – Italy
1 mission · descent into the active crater – an extremely rare experience, inaccessible to the general public
🌋 Stromboli & Vulcano – Italy
4 missions · approaching erupting craters each time
🌋 Erta Ale & the Afar Rift Valley – Ethiopia
6 missions · including 3 that approached the active lava lake
🌋 Ubinas (5,434 m) & Misti (5,838 m) – Peru
3 missions · ascents to active craters
🌋 Santa Maria / Santiaguito – Guatemala
1 mission · approaching the erupting crater
What they say
Why my customers keep coming back
Professionalism
Your safety is my top priority. I renew my first aid certification every year. Whether on an active volcano or in the high mountains, I leave nothing to chance.
Experience
With 8 years of experience guiding you, I know the routes, the pitfalls, and the hidden gems that the standard tours offered by major travel agencies won’t show you.
Calm
Unpredictable weather, unexpected challenges on the ground, fatigue within the group... I’ve got it under control. Always calmly, always with solutions. Just let me guide you.
Joy of life
It's hard not to be in a good mood when my job is to hike in extraordinary places with people who are happy to be there. That energy is contagious.
Share
My passion: making Earth Sciences accessible to everyone by explaining complex concepts in simple terms while remaining accurate. My goal: to help you appreciate the natural world that fascinates me.
Human Connection
Being in the mountains forges unique bonds. Some participants arrive alone and leave with new friends. That’s one of the things that makes me happiest.
Now that you know me better,
let's go together.
Check out the activities we offer, or send me a message to plan the adventure of your dreams.
It all starts right here !
Response within 24 hours
Free initial meeting
Full-service arrangements included with all stays