Mountaineering takes place in remote alpine environments and involves inherent risks that cannot be completely eliminated. This disclosure outlines the key hazards and your responsibilities when participating.
Mountaineering 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.
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
Mountain weather can change rapidly. High winds, heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and storms may affect visibility, movement, and navigation, increasing risks.
Mountain Terrain
Mountain 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 Demands
Mountaineering is physically and mentally demanding. Trips may involve long days, steep climbing, fatigue, cold exposure, and stress. 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.
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 mountaineering activity, you confirm that you understand and willingly accept these risks.
