Mountain hiking and off-track travel take place in natural alpine environments and involve inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated. This disclosure outlines the key hazards and your responsibilities when participating.
Hiking/scrambling off-track 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 mountain 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. High winds, heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and storms may affect visibility, movement, and navigation, increasing risks.
Terrain Hazards
Terrain hazards include steep slopes, loose rock, ice, cornices, wet surfaces, 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 Demands
Mountain hiking demands a moderate to high level of physical fitness. Trips may involve hours of uphill movement, tiredness, and being out of your comfort zone. You must be honest about your fitness, health, and experience.
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.
Natural Disasters
The Southern Alps are an active alpine environment. Earthquakes and other natural events can occur without warning.
By participating in a guided mountaineering activity, you confirm that you understand and willingly accept these risks.
