Hard ice and glacier activities take place in dynamic alpine environments and involve inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated. This disclosure outlines the key risks and your responsibilities when participating.
Exploring glaciated terrain is an adventure activity that involves real and serious risks. Not all risks can be predicted or removed.
Our guides and staff will identify and manage risks as far as is reasonably practicable. In return, it is essential for your safety, and the safety of others, that you always follow your guide’s instructions.
We operate in natural, unmodified glacial terrain. Conditions can change quickly, and decisions may need to be conservative to keep the group safe.
We actively manage natural hazards, including weather, avalanches, rockfall, icefall, landslides, earthquakes, and flooding. We provide safety information before and during your trip. Our plans may change at any time if conditions and risks change.
By taking part, you acknowledge that:
You understand there are risks involved
You will follow all safety briefings and instructions
You accept responsibility for acting carefully and responsibly
You must tell us about any medical conditions, injuries, or concerns that could affect your safety.
Safety is our highest priority
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us before your trip.
Key Risks
Weather
We avoid operating in poor forecast conditions, but weather in the mountains can change rapidly and unexpectedly, and may increase the risks during your trip. Escaping the glacier environment or communicating with external emergency support may be delayed.
Mountain Terrain
Glaciated alpine terrain includes steep slopes, loose rock, ice, crevasses, cornices, snow bridges, and exposure to heights. Slips, trips, falls, rockfall, and icefall can result in serious or fatal injury.
Avalanches
Our guides assess avalanche risk and manage travel accordingly, but avalanches remain an inherent danger and can cause burial, serious injury, or death.
Physical and Mental
Glacier activities require a moderate level of physical fitness. You should be prepared for two or more hours of hiking, exposure to the elements, and the potential for situations that may push you outside of your normal comfort zone. It is essential to be honest about your fitness levels to ensure you are adequately prepared.
Equipment
Specialised mountaineering equipment may be used. While properly maintained and operated, equipment can still fail or be misused. You must follow all instructions for correct use at all times.
Helicopter Operations
Flying in alpine terrain involves additional risk due to weather and terrain. You must obey all aircraft safety instructions given by your guide or pilot at all times.
Natural Disasters
The Southern Alps are an active alpine environment. Earthquakes and other natural events can occur without warning.
By participating in a guided glacier activity, you confirm that you understand and willingly accept these risks.
