Q. How large are your groups?

For climbing the groups are usually small (between 2 and 6) and the guide:client ratios vary between 1:5 and 1:1 depending on the severity of the climb. For trekking trips the groups are usually between 4 and 12 people.

Q. What type of person joins your trips & courses?

All sorts! There’s no typical customer profile and our trips are not particularly dominated by any particular age-group or male/female split. Most of the people on our trips are either independent travellers or in small groups of 2 or 3 people. Although we are very happy to deal with enquiries from larger groups!!

Q. Do I have to be especially fit?

Fitness is important for all aerobic activities and this includes skiing, trekking, climbing and other outdoor pursuits. To gain maximum enjoyment it’s important that you have a good level of fitness. We recommend that you should be taking regular aerobic exercise – running, swimming, cycling – for 2-3 months leading up to your holiday. By regular we mean 30-40 minutes 2-3 times per week.

On request we can provide you with more detailed information and sample training programmes.

Q. I'm worried about being worse than the others?

As are most people. We do our best to ensure that the standard in our groups is compatible so that you are always with others who are of a similar standard.

Q. What is included in the price?

Our prices typically include all the guide/instructor fees and expenses and the accommodation. Sometimes local transfers and uplift costs are also included. Prices don't usually include travel, lift passes, lunches, personal insurance or equipment hire. Long-haul trips e.g. outside Europe tend to include flights.

Q. What accommodation do you use?

On most of our trips in Europe accommodation is provided in twin rooms in catered chalets or hotels. Often your trip will involve nights in high altitude Mountain Huts where accommodation is usually in bunkrooms sleeping 4-8 people.

Our longhaul trips to Kilimanjaro and the Himalayas tend to be camping trips (2-man tents) with hotel accommodation at the start and end of trip.

Q. Can you help with my travel arrangements?

Yes!

These days we generally find that most of our clients arrange their own flights with their preferred low-cost airline. However if you'd prefer us to book flights for you no problem. Just contact our office for assistance.

We can also help with airport transfers, car hire and even airport parking.

Q. Who leads your trips?

Our trips are led by some of the best Mountain Guides, Mountain Leaders and Ski Instructors in the business. Most of our advanced trips - whether skiing, climbing or trekking - are led by Mountain Guides. The Mountain Guide qualification (IFMGA/UIAGM) is the highest level of professional qualification for people working in the mountains.

Trips that involve climbing or skiing on glaciated terrain will always be led by Mountain Guides. Other trips e.g. Foundation level off-piste courses are led by qualified Ski Instructors - usually BASI 1 although we also work with internationally qualified ski instructors who will have been through similar nationally-run training schemes.

For more information on our team, check out our About Us page.

Q. Do you provide equipment?

Where applicable we provide group equipment - e.g. ropes for climbing trips and camping gear for treks. The guides also hire out the safety equipment - transceiver, shovel and probe - required for off-piste skiing & ski touring. If you need to hire other equipment we can provide recommendations for local hire shops.

Q. Do itineraries change from the scheduled programme?

Yes, sometimes. The itineraries that we provide on the website are sample itineraries and subject to change by our guides and leaders depending on the weather, snow and underfoot conditions.

Q. Do you organise bespoke trips?

Absolutely! We love organising bespoke trips as we get the chance to fulfill your dreams & ambitions! Just let us know your preferred dates, venue and activities and leave the rest to us.

Q. Do you organise Corporate trips?

Yes. We can organise, manage and stage activities and events for corporate groups of all shapes and sizes! If you are looking for a safe, fun and exhilarating event – whether to reward your top staff, to entertain your best clients or to simply enjoy ‘because you can’ - we can help!

Q. Do you offer group discounts?

Yes we are happy to give discounts to groups. Contact us for further details.

Q. What sort of insurance do I need for your trips?

Any travel insurance with winter sports cover should include guided off-piste skiing as part of the winter sports cover. For more adventurous trips e.g. hut-to-hut ski tours or climbing trips where you will be using ropes and crampons, then you will probably need to take out additional cover. You must always check with your insurers rather than assume that you are fully insured.

 If you are looking for an insurance quote, we can help. We work with one of the UK's leading insurers and many of our clients choose our insurance cover. For more information, visit the Insurance page on our site by clicking here.

Q. Who are Mountain Tracks?

Mountain Tracks is a small UK company specializing in ‘guided mountain adventure’. The company is run by Nick Parks, a British Mountain Guide and his brother Chris - with a little help from Susie, Edward and Jane!

Their offices are in Battersea, (south-west London). They employ a number of British and International Mountain Guides, Leaders and Instructors.

Q. Need more information?

If you have a question that hasn't been answered here, feel free to contact us.