Effort Levels
All our photography tours and expeditions take place in natural settings. We offer a range of experiences, starting with our Easy Lowland Workshop, designed for those who prefer an easy workshop without strenuous mountain trekking. As we progress in effort, we venture into the mountains with three ascending levels, each involving some form of trekking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or other self-powered forms of movement.
At Terra, our goal is to explore unique, off-the-beaten-path locations to capture exceptional images and create lasting memories. Many of these locations lack well-prepared paths, which we actually prefer. While some tours and expeditions are suitable for almost anyone, others demand previous outdoor experience and a higher level of fitness. We take these recommendations seriously to ensure that expedition and tour groups align with similar abilities and expectations, ensuring satisfaction for all participants. If you have any questions about effort levels or recommended fitness, please don't hesitate to reach out for clarification.
The effort levels below are just a guide and we invite you to check the tour page for the tour that you are considering for more details regarding daily distances and specific fitness requirements.
Lowland Workshop
Our Lowland Workshop is designed to be accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of participants. Most of our locations are situated along roadsides or can be reached by walking a few kilometers / miles on well-maintained trails. However, it's important to note that we are immersed in the natural environment, love to be far from civilisation, and are just as much at home in the arctic as we are in the Amazon, so a good level of mobility is absolutely necessary. Be prepared for the possibility of rapidly changing weather conditions. While previous outdoor experience is not a prerequisite, it's always beneficial to have an open and adventurous spirit.
Fitness requirement: ability to comfortably trek 4 km (2.5 miles) with your camera backpack.
Mountain Workshop (Lv. 1)
Our less challenging mountain tours are not a leisurely stroll, as they typically involve undulating terrain with ascents and descents ranging from 200 to 300 meters in height and a daily total of 2 to 5 hours of movement. Participants should be prepared for the possibility of rapidly changing weather and wind conditions. While previous outdoor experience is not a prerequisite, we recommend that you maintain an active lifestyle and have good familiarity with trekking single trails while carrying a 10 kg backpack.
Fitness requirement: ability to comfortably trek 6 km (3,7 miles), including 300 m (1000 ft) height gain in 4 hours with a 10 kg (22 lbs) backpack.
Moderate Mountain Workshop (Lv. 2)
At the Moderate Mountain Level, our expeditions and tours become more challenging and demand a higher level of commitment. Depending on the season, we will navigate technical single path trails in the mountains or use snowshoes/cross-country skis. During the summer, expect climbs and descents of approximately 400-700 meters in height and 4-8 hours of daily movement. For winter tours/expeditions, anticipate climbs and descents of about 200-300 meters in height and 4-8 hours of daily activity. Participants should be prepared for the possibility of rapidly changing weather and wind conditions.
Some prior outdoor experience is necessary, and we will discuss this during the application process. In terms of fitness, we expect that those considering this effort level are active and may engage in cardiovascular and strength training several times a week. If the tour/expedition takes place at high altitude, the estimated daily activity durations may be adjusted accordingly.
Fitness requirement: ability to comfortably trek 12 km (7,5 miles), including 700 m (2300 ft) height gain in 6 hours with a 10 kg (22 lbs) backpack.
Strenuous Mountain Workshop (Lv. 3)
Our Strenuous Mountain Level is our most challenging level and will test the limits of any participant. It's important to note that the challenge doesn't necessarily mean we'll be completely exhausted at the end of each day, but rather that we'll feel the cumulative effect of the distance covered as the tour/expedition progresses.
For summer conditions, anticipate average climbs and descents ranging from 700 to 1500 meters in height and 6-12 hours of total daily movement. For winter expeditions, you should prepare for climbs and descents of around 400-500 meters in height and 6-10 hours of total daily activity. These tours/expeditions may take you far from civilization or into high-altitude environments.
Previous outdoor experience and fitness is a requirement, and we will delve into this in detail during the application process. In terms of fitness, we expect that those considering this effort level are active year-round and consider the outdoors a part of their lifestyle. If the expedition occurs at high altitude, the estimated daily durations may be adjusted.
Fitness requirement: ability to comfortably trek 15 km (9,3 miles), including 1500 m (5000 ft) height gain in 10 hours with a 15 kg (33 lbs) backpack.