Faces of FIREBIRD : Massimo Candolini
Specialist in Focus : Mountain Guide Massimo Candolini
A familiar face aboard Firebird, Massimo leads ski touring expeditions and onshore operations in Greenland and Antarctica. That means assessing snow conditions, identifying crevasse fields, planning routes that account for weather windows and working closely with the ice pilot and skipper to navigate sea ice constraints and meet expedition objectives as a team.
What drew you to expedition work and Firebird trips specifically?
My first approach with the Ski&Sail happened in Greenland. My target was to do ski touring in remote areas, and I had the opportunity to be on board of the Rembrandt van Rijn, a magnificent a three mast schooner, and I fell in love immediately for the mix ski and sail. I the following years I continued to work with the Rembrandt and also on board other sailing vessels in Norway. Then meeting with Andrey and the fabulous world of the Firebird (like Alice's adventures in wonderland 😂) was a big step forward!
What's your background in outdoor sports and instruction — how did you get into it, and what disciplines do you cover?
I am passionate about the mountains, and all my outdoor activities are focused on them. I love winter, and my favourite activities are ski touring, ice climbing (climbing frozen waterfalls) and winter ascents. In the summer I enjoy rock climbing and high mountain climbing (4000 peaks), sometimes sport climbing (no gym, only in the crag) and trekking.
What certifications or qualifications do you hold?
I am a professional Mountain Guide IFMGA certified (international qualification). Other qualifications are:
2001 - Mountain Guide course
2003 - Aspirant Mountain Guide
2003 - AINEVA 2a (snow and avalanche expert qualification)
2005 - Mountain Guide UIAGM/IFMG (international qualification)
2015…2025 - IAATO Field Staff Assessment
2017…2025 - AECO Guide Assessment
2017 - AINEVA technical and legal avalanche accident reporting qualification
2018 – Firearms Handling and Rifle Permit (Italian Licence)
2021 – RYA Powerboat Level 2 Powerboat Handling
2024, 2025 – South Georgia Expedition Leader Assessment
2025 - IAATO Expedition Leader Assessment
What's your approach to working with guests of mixed ability in remote or challenging environments?
Guiding is very different from making the path! Leading people with different abilities is something that happens often, even in the Alps. This doesn't change in remote areas. The essence of guiding is different.
I would describe guiding as the art of leading people to enjoy the mountain environment, including glaciers, snowy slopes, rocky walls and icefalls. Often, we move in very dangerous environments, so safety must be kept at the highest level, but the keyword is 'enjoyment'. It doesn't make sense to climb and lead in the mountains if people don't experience satisfaction, challenges and happiness. Guiding people is like leading them through a labyrinth of difficulties, risks and capabilities, and building a puzzle between the weather, fitness levels, itineraries, variations, risks and targets.
In remote areas where uncharted terrain is the norm and information is scarce or non-existent, uncertainty grows with every step, creating more responsibility and satisfaction simultaneously.
Is there a particular discipline or environment where you feel most at home?
My favourite discipline is ski touring. I used to do some extreme descents in my home country (when I was young and crazy…), in the Julian Alps.
Now, I enjoy anything that involves exploration. This can be ski touring, trekking or 'opening' (slang for creating a new route), even on a rock wall close to my house.
Firebird always takes us right into this kind of situation: true and deep adventure!
What's a moment from a trip that reminds you why you do this?
Those are the moments when I take the final steps to reach the summit.
As happened in January when I summited Cerro Italia in Cordiellera Darwin, Patagonia. Fifteen days of preparation were needed to set up camps, define the route and siege, and deal with the logistics and weather.
As I went up, I saw the valley on the other side of the mountain, then I stepped onto the summit and shouted, 'Cumbre!'. But the shout was immediately blown away by the wind.😊
What do you bring to the team beyond your technical skills — what's your role in the guest experience?
I have to make everything easy, but at the same time I have to set an example. This way, clients can copy my moves, climb better and improve their skills while enjoying themselves.
When you're not on expedition, what are you doing?
Easy answer. Climb, ski, repeat.
