Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much experience do I need?
- How fit do I need to be?
- How hard will the trip be?
- What is your Male/Female ratio?
- Do I need insurance?
- Are there any other costs?
- Do I need a visa for Chile? Are any vaccinations required?
- How much money should I bring?
How much experience do I need?
Please note more extensive information can be found in the Course Details downloads.
42 day Mountaineering Schools in Patagonia and Alaska.
In order to enjoy and get the most out of these courses you should have a good background in camping and hiking. Some previous mountaineering experience is helpful but not compulsory.
42 Day Rock Climbing Course
You should have some previous experience with rock climbing, preferably have done some lead climbing. This is an instructional course so we certainly don't expect you to be an accomplished climber. The goal is for you to have done enough climbing to know that you are ready to commit to six weeks of intensive climbing and coaching.
Mountain Guide School
While we don't expect our incoming trainees to be world class mountaineers, we do expect that you will have spent a reasonable amount of time in the backcountry, doing backpacking, trekking, and climbing. If you've decided to be a mountain guide, you should at least know what it's like to spend time in the mountains. If you're not sure, go on a few trips before you sign up.
Your level of fitness will have a direct impact on your (and the group’s) happiness. Our expeditions are incredibly strenuous, among the most difficult on the market.
Our recommendation is to begin a regular exercise program now (if you haven't already). The more used to exercise you are, the more your body is able to recover, allowing you to enjoy the expedition. What you do isn't really important. Go run or swim or cycle or do whatever you enjoy doing. If you arrive in good shape (and are mentally prepared to still be a bit sore) you’ll be fine.
Please refer to our Fitness and Nutrition Page for more information.
The courses will be hard on different levels. Absolutely, the course will be hard physically. We often have long days, lots of elevation gain or loss, all while carrying a heavy backpack. Some days will be hard mentally, walking over difficult terrain or learning new skills. Some days will be hard emotionally; maybe you’re just having a bad day or we’re doing something that you find challenging personally.
The good news is that often the days that are hard, for whatever reason, end up being your most memorable moments and certainly your best trip stories. And they are balanced out by the days when we reach a summit, with the world at your feet. Those are the magic moments.
What is your Male/Female ratio?
While this varies from year to year, our expeditions are generally made up of about half women and half men.
The course fee does NOT provide medical or travel insurance. All expedition members are required to have medical insurance that covers field evacuations. Many medical insurance plans do not cover mountaineering, so be sure to purchase a policy that does. Your local mountaineering club often provides wonderful insurance at an a reasonable price. Please contact us for more information about insurance policies that will cover you.
It is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance as well to cover eventualities with gear or trip interruptions.
While in the field, all your transportation, food and accommodation is paid for. You are responsible for accommodation and food before and after the course or between course sections.. Any extras, such as film or souvenirs, are at your own expense. See our Contract >>page to learn exactly what is and isn’t included in the trip.
Do I need a visa for Chile? Are any vaccinations required?
Please contact your local Chilean Embassy or Consulate for information regarding visas and vaccinations.
How much money should I bring?
Chilean Pesos are often difficult to get while in your home country. Luckily, both Santiago and Coyhaique have readily available money exchanges (Casas de Cambio) where most major currencies can be exchanged. There are also ATMs at the Santiago airport (but not at Balmaceda Airport) , at many banks, and in most supermarkets. You usually get a better exchange rate with cards than you do at the money exchanges, so you may want to consider bringing a bit of cash from home and cash card to use when you arrive.
