Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ's
Why book with us?
- Experianced and qualified expert Guide
- First aid qualified
- Client lead booking
- Prestige Booking with no portals and no middle men
- No spam, just continued intreast in your mountaineering journey
There are many many outdoor providers out there. However our drive and determination to provide unique client lead learning has led us to producing what we feel is a prestige approach to bookings. To put it simply all our bookings are bespoke. We will work hard with you prior to any payment to get the right plan in place for your adventures and courses. Your contact comes in directly to us, no booking portals and no middle man. Despite being called Open Ascents our bespoke bookings are private to you and your groups so we can focus on your own needs. We view your time with us as part of your ongoing mountaineering journey, we will continue to make contact with you after the bookings however there will be no spam, priding ourselves in creating relationships as you progress through your mountaineering life.
Hey not to mention our expert guides with decades of experience and qualification.
​
What if there is bad weather?
It might not be sunny all the time but we have enough local knowledge to seek out the best venues and will advise when booking the most ideal alternatives for on the day. If the weather and conditions are truly unworkable then we can reschedule for a better time at no extra cost.
What is the start and finish location?
Once you book we will send you all the information about where to meet us, timings and content of the day. We can even advise on the best locations to look for accomidation.
What if we need to cancel?
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.
Client No Show - 0% Refund 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
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
- Climbing Shoes
- Food and drink for the day
- 30L rucksack
- Waterproof jackets and bottoms
- Spare warm layer
- Waterproof outdoor footwear with
good tread
- Chalk & chalk bag (not essential)
- 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)