If you can’t find the answer to your questions here or just want more clarification, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me!

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How Early do I Need to Book? 

Popular trips and courses fill up 2 – 3 months prior to the start date. It is always best to book as early as you can to avoid missing out. 

 

Can I come on my Own? 

Most people book as individuals. I create a sociable environment with your teammates and we will function as a group of friends on the mountain. There is a lot of teamwork and comradery when hiking and climbing so you often leave with new friends! I also encourage friends, couples, colleagues and family to book together as a group. 

 

Do you Offer Shorter Courses? 

Yes - you can book bespoke private guiding packages as a group or individuals for as many or as few days as you like. I also have a selection of weekend courses available for all abilities which can be seen on the website. 

 

What is your cancellation policy?

For most courses the full course price is required at booking and your booking is then protected by our cancellation policy which is outlined here alongside all of our Terms and Conditions of booking. https://www.alexmoranmountaineering.co.uk/terms-conditions

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What happens if I get injured and cannot attend?

Your insurance cover should include cancellation cover and I can provide any supporting information or documentation you require to make a claim. Remember to include the travel days in the period of cover. 

 

Cover should include:

 

• Cancellation/Curtailment 

• Travel Delay/Missed Departure 

• Medical Expenses and Repatriation (Non UK based participants)

• Personal Accident 

• Baggage 

• Personal Liability 

• Money/Documents 

 

Is the Course cancelled when conditions are bad? 

Courses are not cancelled due to weather or conditions. Whatever the weather and conditions encountered we endeavour to offer you a rewarding experience. I encourage all participants to adopt a positive attitude and make the best of what we cannot control. Activities and venues are varied to get the best out of available conditions. Much can be learnt from operating in difficult weather, and we can focus on instruction and coaching when high level activities are not possible. 

 

What if Travel is Disrupted?

In the event of difficult travel conditions or delays to your planned travel itinerary I do not offer refunds in the event of a ’no-show’. This should be covered by your travel insurance and it is essential that you have this in place as soon as you make your booking

 

When is the best time to come for a Winter course? 

Unfortunately, I cannot answer this question with any certainty, conditions on the mountains are often changeable in both Winter and Summer. Meteorologists aren’t yet able to tell us months in advance which periods will offer the best weather and conditions. I schedule our courses to cover the period which on average offers the best conditions. For the mountain weather forecast go to www.mwis.org.uk and to get avalanche forecasts plus information/pictures on conditions go to the report and blog sections of the Scottish Avalanche Service www.sais.gov.uk. 

 

How fit do I need to be for an Alex Moran Mountaineering course? 

For all courses you need to have good stamina and level of fitness. Anyone who gets out hillwalking regularly and is happy hiking for a day over rough mountain terrain will manage on the courses. General fitness, endurance on long days and balance are the most important factors to success on the courses so incorporate exercises which promote these into your training regime. 

 

If you have never tried hiking before and you are a complete beginner then I would suggest you are able to run a 5k or walk 10k with relative ease. 

 

For technical climbing courses, strength in arms, wrists and calf muscles should be developed by prior experience of steep climbing whether outside or on indoor walls. It is important that you notify me of any medical issues or injuries, no matter how small, prior to arrival. 

 

What is the best training for the courses? 

Low intensity, long duration exercise such as walking or steady running, walking or cycling will provide you with a good base fitness. You will need good balance on rough terrain as well. Get out walking for a few days in hilly terrain with a 10-12kg rucksack in the months prior to the course. If you can’t get to the hills, then indoor gym training (cross-fit, circuits, rowing, treadmill) or cycling will all help. Beware of the risk of injury if you try too much or adopt methods of training which you are not used to. For example, repetitive road-running can easily cause stress injury and is not necessary as preparation for a mountain course. 

 

Will I need specialist climbing skills?

This depends on the trip. For example, an ice climbing week will assume some prior winter climbing experience, while a rock climbing holiday can cater for a range of abilities. Skills you don’t already have can usually be developed during the course of the trip.

 

What Qualifications do you have? 

I hold the highest qualification for guiding and instructing within the UK, the Winter Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor (WMCI). I am also a member of the Association of Mountain Instructors (AMI) and maintain my qualification through regular continued professional development courses and first aid training. All of our guiding team are fully qualified for the activities you will be undertaking and have a great deal of experience and years of expertise in the mountains. 

 

Are Accommodation and Meals provided? 

On the majority of my UK based courses I do not offer accommodation or food. There are some courses which may be to remote locations or abroad where I will provide accommodation and food but this is the exception not the rule. I am happy to offer some recommendations on where to find accommodation and there are plenty of options in the Aviemore area.

 

What equipment will I need? 

I will send you a Kit List for your chosen course. Many items of technical equipment can be hired from local shops prior to the course, however, I do carry a stock of extra equipment, free of charge, if needed and it is appropriate.
 

Can I hire equipment instead of buying it?

In many cases, yes. Ice axes, crampons, boots, and other items can usually be hired either locally or through us. Please ask early so we can check availability.
 

Any further questions, get in touch!

info@alexmoranmountaineering.co.uk