Effort Levels
All our photography expeditions include some level of trekking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing or other form of self-powered movement. We always strive to go to amazing off-the-beaten-path type locations to ensure that we can get the unique images and make memories for life - and these places doesn't always come with a well prepared path - actually, we prefer when they don't! Some of our expeditions really are for anyone, whilst some expeditions will require previous outdoor experience and a higher level of fitness. Don't take these recommendations lightly as we strive to have groups of similar ability and expectations to make sure everyone is satisfied at the end of the expedition. If you have any questions regarding the effort levels and recommended level of fitness, just get in touch!
Low Effort
The easier of our expeditions are not to be considered a walk in the park - because they're not. Normally we would be moving in undulated terrain and we should expect climbs and descents of around 200-300 hight meters and 2-5 hours of total movement per day. We may be exposed to rapidly changing weather and wind. Previous outdoors experience is not required. In terms of fitness, we would recommend that you live an active lifestyle and are not unfamiliar with trekking with a 10 kg backpack.
Fitness requirement: ability to trek 6km, including 300m hight gain in 4 hours with a 10kg backpack.
Medium Effort
At this level things are getting a bit more serious. We will be moving along more technical single paths in the mountains or on snowshoes/cross country skis, depending on season. For summer conditions we can expect climbs and descents of around 400-700 hight meters and 4-8 hours of total movement per day. For winter expeditions we should expect climbs and descents of around 200-300 hight meters and 4-8 hours of total activity per day. We may be exposed to rapidly changing weather and wind. Some previous outdoors experience is required and will be discussed before application is accepted. In terms of fitness, we would expect that anyone considering this effort level is active and might be engaging in cardiovascular and strength training a few times a week. If the expedition is at altitude then the day estimates may be shortened.
Fitness requirement: ability to trek 12km, including 700m hight gain in 6 hours with a 10kg backpack.
High Effort
This is our highest level and will be a challenge for anyone. This doesn't necessarily mean that we will be exhausted at the end of each day, but we will all feel the accumulated distance towards the end of the expedition. For summer conditions we can expect average climbs and descents of around 700-1500 hight meters and 6-12 hours of total movement per day. For winter expeditions we should expect climbs and descents of around 400-500 hight meters and 6-10 hours of total activity per day. These expeditions may be far from civilisation or at high altitude. Previous significant outdoors experience is required and will be discussed in detail before application is accepted. In terms of fitness, we would expect that anyone considering this effort level is active year-round and considers the outdoors to be an important part of their lifestyle. If the expedition is at altitude then the day estimates may be shortened.
Fitness requirement: ability to trek 14km, including 1500m hight gain in 10 hours with a 15kg backpack.