BOOKING TERMS AND CONDITIONS – CHASING SUMMITS ADVENTURE

Last updated: 01 December 2025

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all bookings made with Chasing Summits Adventures (“we”, “us”, “our”). By paying a deposit or confirming a booking, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

1. Interpretation

1.1 In these Terms:

  • “Client”, “you”, “your” – the person making the booking and any participants included in the booking.
  • “Contract” – the agreement between Chasing Summits Adventures and the Client for the services described in your booking confirmation.
  • “Service”, “Trip”, “Challenge”, “Event” – any trip, challenge, course or service provided by Chasing Summits Adventures.
  • “Supplier” – any third party engaged by us, such as local guides, accommodation providers, transport providers, etc.

1.2 The company is Chasing Summits Adventures – Nicola Brown, office: Ginnell Farm Avenue, Rochdale OL16 4GG

2. Responsibility & Personal Conduct

2.1 Mountain and adventure activities carry inherent risks. By booking with us, you acknowledge that accidents, delays, injuries, illness and unforeseen events can occur. You participate at your own risk.

2.2 Except where required by law, we are not liable for:

  • Loss of profit, earnings or income
  • Indirect or consequential loss, damage, costs or expenses
  • Any loss arising from circumstances outside our reasonable control

Our total liability under or in connection with the Contract will not exceed the total amount you have paid to us for the relevant Service.

2.3 We are not liable for any delay or failure to perform our obligations where this is due to events beyond our reasonable control (including force majeure as described in section 6.5).

2.4 We will provide services using reasonable care and skill. Where we use third-party suppliers (e.g. local providers, accommodation, transport), we do not give any separate warranty as to their fitness for purpose or performance beyond what is required by law.

2.5 We reserve the right to remove any Client from a trip at any time if, in our reasonable opinion, their behaviour is:

  • Illegal
  • Dangerous
  • Abusive, or
  • Puts themselves, staff, suppliers or other participants at risk

In such circumstances, no refund will be given and we accept no further liability for any associated costs (e.g. travel home, accommodation).

2.6 You are responsible for any damage or loss you cause to our property or that of any third party (e.g. accommodation, vehicles, equipment). You must pay for such damage or loss directly at the time it occurs. If you fail to do so, you agree to indemnify us in full for any claim (including legal costs) made against us as a result.

3. Legal, Health & Insurance Requirements

3.1 Travel & activity insurance is compulsory for our overseas trips and strongly recommended for UK challenges. Your policy must include (where relevant):

  • Emergency medical cover
  • Air/road rescue and evacuation
  • Repatriation
  • Trip cancellation and curtailment
  • Cover for the specific activities and altitude of your challenge

Failure to obtain suitable insurance means you are personally responsible for any medical, rescue or repatriation costs.

3.2 By booking, you confirm that you are physically and mentally fit to participate in the chosen challenge. You must disclose any medical conditions that may affect your participation, yourself or others.

3.3 We reserve the right to refuse participation, or request medical clearance, if we believe you may not be fit to take part safely.

4. Booking & Payment

4.1 To confirm your place, a non-refundable deposit/registration fee is required. The specific deposit amount is stated on each trip page and in your booking information.

4.2 The balance payment is due 8 weeks prior to departure, unless otherwise stated in your trip information.

4.3 Payment can be made by:

  • Bank transfer
  • Credit or debit card
  • PayPal (where offered)

4.4 Late Payment of Balance
If your balance is not received by the due date, we reserve the right to:

  • Charge a late payment fee of £35 per person for each complete week the balance remains unpaid; and/or
  • Cancel your booking and retain your deposit and any other payments already made in line with our cancellation policy.

5. Cancellation or Changes by You

5.1 If you need to cancel your booking, you must notify us in writing (email is acceptable). The date we receive your written cancellation is the date used to calculate charges.

5.2 The following cancellation charges apply:

  • More than 60 days before departure: 50% of the total trip cost is payable (we will retain deposits and any additional payments up to this amount).
  • 60 days or less before departure: 100% of the total trip cost is payable (no refund).

5.3 We strongly advise you to claim any refundable amounts, where possible, through your travel insurance if your policy includes cancellation cover.

5.4 Amendments / Transfers

  • Changes to an existing booking (e.g. changing to another course, trip, or date) can only be made with our agreement.
  • An administration fee of £100.00 per person will generally apply to such changes, plus any additional costs charged by suppliers.
  • Not all bookings can be changed. Where a change is not possible and you choose not to travel, our cancellation terms will apply.

6. Cancellation or Changes by Chasing Summits Adventures

6.1 We reserve the right to cancel or significantly alter any trip. Reasons may include (but are not limited to):

  • Force majeure (see 6.5)
  • Minimum group numbers not being met
  • Non-payment by a Client
  • Safety concerns or operational issues

We will always try to avoid cancellation and will inform you as soon as reasonably possible, and at least 24 hours before the trip start where possible.

6.2 If you do not pay your balance by the due date, we may treat this as a cancellation by you and apply the cancellation charges in section 5.

6.3 If we cancel your trip (for reasons other than non-payment or your breach of these Terms), we will:

  • Offer you an alternative date or trip, where possible; or
  • Offer a refund of the amounts you have paid to us for that trip (excluding any third-party costs you have paid directly such as flights, insurance, etc.)

Our liability will not extend beyond the amount paid to us for the trip.

6.4 Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Advice

We closely monitor UK FCDO travel advice. We will not knowingly operate trips against FCDO advice.

  • If FCDO advice changes to “advise against all travel” to your destination, this will generally be treated as force majeure and the trip may be cancelled.
  • For UK trips, cancellation on this basis will normally be made if such advice is active 7 days before the start date.
  • For overseas trips, cancellation on this basis will normally be made if such advice is active 14 days before the start date.

If the FCDO changes advice to “advise against all but essential travel”, you should review your insurance and make an informed decision about participation. If you then choose to cancel, our normal cancellation terms in section 5 will apply.

Clients from outside the UK should consult their own government’s travel advice. If your government’s advice differs from the UK FCDO and you choose to cancel, our cancellation policy still applies.

6.5 Force Majeure

A trip may be cancelled or altered due to events outside our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

  • War, threat of war, terrorism or civil unrest
  • Industrial action
  • Natural disasters, extreme weather, fire, flood, epidemics or pandemics
  • Government restrictions or border closures
  • Technical or operational issues with transport
  • Closure of airports, ports or access routes

In such circumstances, no compensation will be payable. We will always endeavour to rearrange or offer alternatives where possible.

6.6 Due to the nature of our trips, we may need to alter itineraries, routes, accommodation or transport at short notice. These changes are often minor and made for safety, weather, logistical or local reasons. We will always aim to maintain the quality and overall experience, but no compensation is payable for such changes.

6.7 All prices are correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change due to factors such as currency fluctuations, government actions or fuel surcharges. Where a surcharge is necessary, we will notify you as early as possible.

7. Complaints

7.1 If you experience a problem during your trip, you must inform your lead guide or local contact immediately so we have the opportunity to resolve it on the spot.

7.2 If the issue is not resolved to your satisfaction, you must email [your chosen email] or write to us within 28 days of the end of your trip, providing:

  • Trip name
  • Departure date
  • Full details of the issue

7.3 Failure to raise a complaint during the trip and/or within 28 days of return may reduce or extinguish any right to compensation, particularly where we could have taken steps to reduce or prevent loss had we been made aware sooner.

8. Acceptance of Risk

8.1 Mountain and adventure activities involve real risk of injury or death. By booking, you acknowledge and accept these risks.

Risks may include (but are not limited to):

  • Physical and mental exertion, including at altitude
  • Rapidly changing weather (wind, rain, snow, hail, sun, storms, lightning)
  • Uneven, steep, slippery or unstable terrain (rock, scree, mud, ice, snow)
  • Falls, trips and slips
  • Road travel and associated accidents
  • Rockfall, icefall, avalanche hazards
  • Strong sun and UV exposure
  • Acute mountain sickness and related complications
  • Cold-related injuries (e.g. hypothermia, frostbite)
  • Crevasse risk (where relevant)
  • Limited medical facilities in remote or developing regions
  • Food and waterborne illnesses
  • Political unrest or changes in local safety conditions

8.2 Course and summit objectives (including specific routes or peaks) cannot be guaranteed. Your guide or mountain leader has the final say on:

  • Route choice
  • Continuation or modification of the itinerary
  • Whether it is safe for you (or the group) to continue

Changes may be made at any time before or during the trip in the interests of safety or practicality.

9. Data Protection

9.1 We are committed to protecting your privacy. Our use of your personal data is explained in our Privacy Policy, which forms part of these Terms.

9.2 By booking, you agree that we may:

  • Process your personal data to manage your booking and participation
  • Share necessary details with third-party suppliers (e.g. local partners, accommodation, transport providers)
  • Transfer data outside the UK where necessary to deliver your trip
  • Contact you with information relating to your booking and similar trips unless you opt out of marketing

9.3 You have legal rights over your personal data. To exercise these, or to make a data access request, please contact us using the details in our Privacy Policy. We may charge a reasonable fee only where a request is manifestly unfounded, excessive or repetitive, in line with UK GDPR.

9.4 You may be asked for consent to use your photos or video from a trip in our marketing materials, website or social media. You are under no obligation to give this consent, and can withdraw it at any time for future use.

10. Liability & Insurance

10.1 Chasing Summits Adventures (Nicola Brown) holds appropriate public and products liability insurance for the activities we operate. Copies can be provided on request.

10.2 We always aim to ensure that:

  • Trips are led by appropriately qualified and experienced leaders/guides
  • Reasonable precautions are taken to manage risks

However, participation is voluntary and at your own risk, and you must have suitable personal insurance as outlined in section 3.

10.3 Before participating, you will be required to confirm that you have:

  • Read and understood these Terms
  • Understood the risks involved
  • Provided true and correct information regarding your health and fitness

11. Law, Jurisdiction & Disputes

11.1 These Terms and any dispute or claim arising from them are governed by English law.

11.2 Both parties agree to submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

11.3 Each clause in these Terms operates independently. If any clause is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining clauses will continue in full force and effect.

11.4 These Terms, together with your booking confirmation and any additional written agreements, form the entire agreement between you and Chasing Summits Adventures.

12. Disclaimer & Client Declaration

By booking with Chasing Summits Adventures, you confirm that:

  • You are over 18 years of age, or have consent from a parent/guardian if booking on behalf of a minor (where applicable).
  • You have read and understood these Terms & Conditions and the associated risk information.
  • You accept that adventure and mountain activities involve inherent risks which cannot be completely eliminated.
  • You will follow all safety instructions, guidance and decisions made by your guide or leader.
  • You will use any equipment provided by Chasing Summits Adventures as instructed and will not modify or misuse it.
  • You are physically and mentally fit to take part and have disclosed all relevant medical conditions.
  • You understand the importance of having appropriate insurance in place for your chosen activities and destination.

You acknowledge that participation is at your own risk and agree not to hold Chasing Summits Adventures or its representatives liable for illness, injury, loss or death except where required by law.