Tom F's Profile

I grew up in Pembrokeshire, South Wales.  Surfing has always been a passion of mine, but it wasn’t until I left school that I had the opportunity to spend time in the mountains.  I moved out to the French Alps and spent the winter season learning to snowboard.  I then went to Medical School in Bristol and was able to spend time snowboarding between terms, working for accommodation and lift passes. 



Initially freestyle orientated, I realised the potential for exploring the backcountry following a few trips around the coastal mountains of British Columbia and since have explored the Vanoise area of the French Alps.  I experimented with snowshoes, split boards and telemark skis as a means of accessing fresh powder but prefer to take a split board to handle serious descents.   For the past two years I have worked in Derriford hospital, Plymouth, UK where I have been able to take advantage of the incredible climbing that Dartmoor has to offer.  I am now moving to South Island New Zealand.  I have always aspired to working as a doctor on expeditions and this trip is a perfect introduction to that for me.