Safety and Standards

We choose guides and local operators based on competence, judgement, and proven delivery in the specific terrain and season. We look for teams with strong local knowledge, clear operating procedures, and the ability to communicate calmly when conditions change. We also prioritise alignment in culture: respectful leadership, conservative decision making, and genuine care for guests. Where relevant, we work with internationally recognised certifications, and we only partner with teams who can support safe logistics, clear briefings, and reliable contingency planning.

The right qualification depends on the objective. For technical alpine and glaciated terrain we look for the appropriate mountain guiding credentials recognised in that region, plus a track record in the exact environment you are entering. For trekking, we look for qualified trekking guides with strong wilderness experience, group management skills, and solid emergency response capability. Qualifications matter, but so does judgement, communication, and the ability to lead people, not just routes.

We make decisions using a simple framework: conditions, team, logistics, and objective. Conditions include weather, terrain, and any objective hazards relevant to the route. Team includes energy, health, confidence, pace, and altitude response where relevant. Logistics includes time, daylight, access, and support. Objective includes route complexity and what is required to complete it safely. If any part of that picture shifts, we adapt the plan early rather than forcing an outcome.

Plan changes are normal in mountain environments. If weather, terrain, group pace, or health changes the risk picture, we adapt. That can mean adjusting timing, taking a rest day, choosing a different route, shortening the objective, or turning back. We brief the group clearly, explain the reason in plain language, and focus on keeping the experience positive and well supported. A change of plan is not a failure. It is what good leadership looks like in real conditions.

Support ratios are set based on the demands of the objective, not a one size fits all rule. Factors include technical complexity, exposure, glaciated travel, altitude, remoteness, and how closely the team needs to be managed for safe movement and learning. Group experience levels also matter. We communicate the support structure before the trip and during briefings. If conditions require tighter support, we adjust the plan to maintain a safe and well led experience.

We manage mixed fitness levels through clear pacing, smart structure, and proactive support. Before the trip, we give honest guidance on training and expectations so people arrive prepared. On the trip, guides and Team Leaders set a sustainable rhythm, use regular check ins, and adjust the plan when needed. On many itineraries, we use natural regroup points and clear timing plans so no one feels rushed or left behind. The goal is a team experience that feels supportive, not pressurised.

That is normal, especially if it is your first time in a big mountain environment. The best thing you can do is tell us early. Life Happens Outdoors Team Leaders and guides create space for questions and honest check ins, without judgement. We can slow the pace, talk through what is coming next, and help you break the day into small, manageable steps. If a section does not feel right, we discuss options calmly. Confidence grows when you feel heard and supported.

Airport to airport support means we take care of the key logistics around the experience so you can focus on the journey and the people. Depending on the trip, this can include arrival coordination, group transfers, accommodation logistics, local transport, permits and bookings, and daily briefings that keep everyone aligned. You will always know what is included and what is optional before you book. You can explore how Life Happens Outdoors runs trips here: https://lifehappensoutdoors.com

Many of our trekking experiences are suitable for first timers if you meet the fitness requirements and come prepared. Glaciated travel and technical terrain require a higher level of structure and instruction, and suitability depends on the specific objective. We communicate prerequisites clearly on each trip and support you with training guidance and kit expectations. If you are unsure, we will help you choose the right starting point, so you build skills and confidence progressively rather than jumping too far too fast.

We plan to reduce risk, but we also prepare for the unexpected. Our guiding teams and local operators operate with established safety systems and emergency response capability appropriate to the environment. On the ground, we prioritise early identification of issues through regular check ins and clear communication. If something escalates, the team follows a calm decision process focused on stabilising the situation, accessing the right support, and choosing the safest next step. We also rely on trusted local networks because local knowledge is often the difference between a good response and a delayed one.