Courses - Open Ascents

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently asked questions

How do I book?

We've tried to make things simple for you. As most of our activities are bespoke, we do not have booking systems on our website. Choose one of our recommended activities, contact us & pay a deposit and that's it booked and ready to go. If you want a truly bespoke event just contact us direct.



How do I pay?

When you make contact we will ask for a deposit (50% of total cost.) This needs to be paid before your activity is confirmed, with full payment made no later than two weeks prior to the booking date. You will be sent paypal instructions or bank transfer (whatever works best for you.) We will send these to you either via email or however you wish to make contact.



Is it safe?

Partaking in outdoor activities requires exposure to an element of risk. We believe this adds to our activities. However, we do everything in our power to manage the risk. We use experienced and qualified guides who will provide detailed safety instructions, all of which need to be followed on an activity. All our staff are friendly and approachable and open to honest conversations if you feel as though you are in a challenging environment. We work actively with all government guidance on covid-19 and health and safety to keep you and your group safe.



Where do we meet?

When we confirm your booking we will provide you with a location and time of where to meet us, which may come in a variety of different media depending on your preferred contact method. It's important that you are happy to arrive on time and ready for your activity. If in any doubt, we are easily contacted.



What if the weather is bad?

All our guides and instructors are experts in the local venues. If the weather is bad we will offer alternative venues and on rare occasions alternative activities. Safety is paramount, if there is ever a safety issue with the weather then we would review the activity.



What is your cancellation policy?

We always try to make sure our activities go ahead. Once your deposit has been paid and confirmed by us, the following cancellation policy applies; Cancellation by Open Ascents at any time other than for bad weather - 100% refund. Cancellation by Open Ascents at anytime on the grounds of bad weather - Voucher to 100% of the value of the activity. Cancellation by client up to 2 Months (8 weeks) before activity - 100% Refund. Cancellation by client up to 1 Month (4 weeks) before activity - 50% Refund excluding deposit. Cancellation by client up to 2 weeks before activity - 0% Refund. Cancellation by organisation other than Open Ascents and clients - Voucher to full value up to one year from activity date. Late arrivals by client - Without any contact guides will endeavour to wait up to 30 minutes from start time. If contact is made, guides will advise of the best course of action.



 
 
 
 
 

Additional Information

Covid 19?

We have been been granted "GOOD TO GO" status by Visit Britian, meaning we have procedures and policies in place to reduce the impact of Covid 19 on our staff and customers. This includes where possible using track and trace apps. Keeping 2m apart and reducing our bookings to only incorporate your bubble and or current goverment guidlines. You equiptment is going through a decontamination procedure, whilst our staff have had further training on how to manage our new policies. Your booking is protected by our new refund policy. We will refund course booking fees or change dates of courses if your health as been affected by covid symptoms after your point of booking. Please bring a face covering for all bookings. We may ask to see proof you have been asked to self isolate.

Price match promise?

We stand behind our quality and believe we can offer you the best experience for your needs. We understand we are not the cheapest providers out there. However we offer a price match promise for all bespoke activities and bespoke guided days. We honour this within a ten mile radius of our head office. If you find a cheaper quote for your bespoke day we will match the price and even beat the difference by 10%. Unfortunately we can't offer this on courses, and standard guided experience. Any questions just get in touch. We will require proof of quote to offer the discount.

What are your subsidised courses?

We believe in equality for all. Because of this we understand that for some, the cost of courses are a limiting factor for them to participate. In order to get more people safely independent in the mountains we offer 5 subsidised places across the full range of our courses each year. This is done through an application process requested via email.

What is your 1% charity promise?

We are involved in many charity organisations, either in our free time or running activities for other organisations. We see the unique and brilliant ways charities operate in the UK. Because of this, each year we give 1% of our total profit to charity. You can feel safe in the knowledge that when booking with us, you are also helping those who need it most.

What kit do I need to bring?

All safety equipment is provided where needed, including - ropes, hardware, helmets & harnesses. If you wish to bring your own we may ask you to provide proof of purchase to meet our equipment control measures. Many Guided Days and Course pages list their on Kit Lists and FAQ's.

​

Rocking Climbing Days

 

- Rock boots (for guided days only)

- Food and drink for the day

- 30L rucksack

- Waterproof jackets and bottoms

- Spare warm layer

- Waterproof outdoor footwear with

good tread

- Chalk & chalk bag

- Personal medication

- Sun cream (summer and winter)

Mountain Walks & Scrambles

 

- Food and drink for the day

- 30L rucksack

- Waterproof jackets and bottoms

- Spare warm layer

- Waterproof outdoor footwear with good tread

- Walking poles (optional)

- Personal medication

- Hat & gloves

- Sun cream (summer and winter)

- Headtorch

- Compass (optional on guided days)

- Map of area (Navigation courses)

Winter Mountain Walks & Scrambles

​

Same as summer plus:

​

- Spare gloves & hat

- Spare insulated jacket

- Neck buff / gaiter

- Ski goggles (essential)

- Gaiters

- Thermal flask

- Stiff B2 or B3 boots

- Walking ice axe (available for hire)

- Crampons (available for hire)